Pacific Break competition to unearth best original Pacific talent

In partnership with ABC Radio Australia, the Australian High Commission in Samoa has announced the return of ‘Pacific Break’ – the region’s largest music competition.

Pacific Break unearths the best original and unsigned talent from across the Pacific. Singers and bands, of any age or experience, can submit a song into this year’s competition. Submissions can span any genre and does not have to be professionally recorded – you can even record on your phone.

The winning song will be showcased on ABC Radio Australia throughout the region. The winner will also be flown – all expenses paid – to play at Australia’s largest international music festival, WOMADelaide, in Adelaide next March 2023.

ABC Head of International Services Claire Gorman said, “How exciting to see this important competition return. Past entries have been as diverse as the Pacific itself and we can’t wait to see what this year will bring, offering a career-changing opportunity to the lucky winner.”

Australia’s High Commissioner to Samoa, Her Excellency Emily Luck, said, “When it comes to music, Samoa and the region is bursting with incredible talent.  This love of creating music is deeply embedded in cultures across the Pacific, and we are proud to partner with ABC Radio Australia to highlight these talents and create pathways for aspiring Pacific artists to gain new fans and access new opportunities.”

The first Pacific Break in 2008 was won by Vanuatu group 26 Roots.  The last competition in 2019 was won by PNG hip-hop artist Sprigga Mek with his song ‘Dodge the Bullet’.  According to Sprigga Mek, “Winning Pacific Break has definitely been one of the highlights of my career. I met lots of amazing people and artists and would recommend anyone out there to get their entry in, no matter how it has been recorded!”

Last day for submissions is midnight 27 November 2022.  Contestants can submit their songs by uploading it to Pacific Break 2022’s Facebook Group, sending via email to pacificbreak@abc.net.au; or sending it via Whatsapp +61 447 310 986.   Find out more by visiting: www.abc.net.au/pacificbreak