Bright future ahead for talent search winners

The Mothertone Gympie Music Muster Talent Search has once again unearthed two rising talents the world needs to know about.

The Gympie Music Muster is as much about nurturing emerging talent as it is about celebrating established artists, with Saralyn winning the Open section and Keely Ellen taking home the title in the Junior section. Junior section grand finalist Mackenzie Lee was awarded an encouragement award.






“The Finalists this year sure didn’t make it easy for us given every one of them were excellent,” Mothertone’s Michael Turner said.

“The most remarkable thing about this event is the genuine support and camaraderie they show towards each other. It’s a credit to the culture within the Australian country music industry.”

All artists are working to establish careers in music, with Saralyn having become a full-time artist this year, and she believes this focus paid off in winning the talent search which means a trip to Nashville.

Hailing from Paterson, in the NSW Hunter Valley, Saralyn was a first-time Muster-goer this year, and said it was the first of many.

“I am hooked on the Muster because I had the best time,” Saralyn said.

“I can’t believe it, I’m in shock because there were so many incredible artists in the Mothertone Talent Search.”

As part of the prize, Saralyn receives mentoring and career development assistance and a trip to Nashville with songwriting and networking opportunities.

“I have released four singles and a fifth comes out at the end of October, so I want to soak it all in like a sponge now that I have won,” she said.

“These guys have been in the industry for so long and I appreciate their wisdom and knowledge and to see Nashville and the US has always been on my list. I think it’s going to be an incredible experience for growth and I want to take it all in.”

Saralyn topped off her win with a performance of White Butterfly, which was her breakthrough song –on the Optus Hill Stage.

Michael from Mothertone, Keely Ellen Junior Winner, MacKenzie Lee Encouragement Award

Junior winner Bundaberg’s Keely Ellen said she was still pinching herself, after having entered three times, and made it through twice.

“I’m so grateful to have won the junior section of the Mothertone Gympie Music Muster Talent Search,” she said.

“What an incredible opportunity. I’m looking forward to being mentored by Mothertone and producing new music over the next 12 months.”

The grand finalists in the open category were Saralyn, Kaitlyn Thomas, Tom Mac, Sarah Catania, and Beth Lucas and the junior category grand finalists were Mackenzie Lee and Keely Ellen.

Mr Turner said all the finalists were winners because they all got to play for the crowds at the Muster and win new fans.

“It was great to have Denvah join us on Sunday to share a little of her last year since winning in 2023, and perform her new single for us,” he said.