Navy Song Battle - save us from the Village People

15 September 2008

The Australian Navy has a new mission on its radar: to create an inspiring new Navy anthem and unearth exciting new Australian talent.

The Navy Song Battle invites Australian musicians of all genres to write a song that evokes the emotion, adventure and camaraderie of a Navy career. The winning song will underpin the Navy's new recruitment campaign to be launched early in 2009.

The competition opens today and will be housed on MySpace at www.myspace.com/navysongbattle Songs can be entered up until 27 October 2008. Throughout the entry phase of the competition fans can vote for their favourites.

Carl Riseley, former Australian Idol finalist and member of the Australian Navy, said the Navy Song Battle is a fantastic launching pad for Australian talent.

"My own experience is an example of how things can change with a single opportunity. My music career was given a kick-start by Idol and I have recently released my debut album, The Rise, which entered the national ARIRA charts at Number 5," said Carl.

"As a member of the Australian Navy, the Navy Song Battle is close to my heart. We are calling on Australian musicians to save us from the tired association with the Village People's 'In the Navy'!"

"The winning song will be a modern anthem to inspire my Navy colleagues, celebrate their courage and dedication and pay tribute to the vital role they play both in Australia and internationally."

A panel of industry professionals will judge the most popular song entries and select the winning track, which will be announced in early November 2008.

The artist will fly to Melbourne and spend time in studio with a top industry producer to develop the selected track into the new Navy recruitment anthem, with the chance to be broadcast to Australians across the nation via a major ad campaign.

James Young, Australian music industry guru and owner of Melbourne's iconic rock venue, Cherry Bar, is a Navy Song Battle judge.

"There has been a quantum shift in the way bands and musicians are getting their break into the mainstream. The nature of the current industry means avenues for opportunity are evolving. The Navy Song Battle is tapping into this new wave and is offering a rare chance at the big time," said James.

"The online nature of the competition means anyone, anywhere can enter a song. This platform will help us discover some fantastic Australian talent."

"The Navy Song Battle and the resulting TV and radio campaign are indicative of the increasing cross-over between music and brands as well as the changing landscape of how acts are being marketed."

Captain Mark Hill, Director Navy Personnel Policy, said the Navy wants to engage with young Australians through music and highlight the positive and rewarding aspects of a Navy career.

"The Navy defends Australia and its interests and provides humanitarian aid for our regional neighbours. It offers a huge range of exciting careers, world class training and a lifestyle and culture that is both challenging and supportive."

Navy Song Battle

www.myspace.com.au/navysongbattle

Competition opens

9am Monday 15 September 2008

Competition closes

5pm Monday 27 October 2008

Winner announced

Early November

Please see website for competition full terms and conditions.