SAE x BAYFM BaySounds Song Competition

BayFM and SAE Byron Bay proudly present BaySounds — a local songwriting competition showcasing original songs from artists in the Northern Rivers Region.

THE COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED.

Whether you’re a rhyming rookie or a seasoned stage sensation, BaySounds could be your ticket to the next phase of your musical journey. We’re all about celebrating the undiscovered abilities and infectious rhythms of local artists, and we can’t wait to showcase your songwriting skills to the Northern Rivers and beyond.

ABOUT THE COMP

There are two age-based BaySounds competition categories:

The Youth BaySounds competition is open to participants aged 12 to 17 years as of 31 December 2024. Youth entrants must have their parent or guardian sign the application form.
The Adult BaySounds competition is open to individuals aged 18 years and older as of 31 December 2024.

Entries will be judged by a panel of industry experts including:

BayFM host of the Northern Rivers Music Box, Ange Kent
BayFM host of Living Your Arts Off, Nathan Kaye
SAE Faculty Lead Dirk Terrill, a multi-award-winning composer, producer and engineer
Zee Gachette (Z-Star) for our Youth category entries
Pat Davern (Grinspoon) for our Adult category entries.

The winner will be announced on BayFM’s local music show Northern Rivers Music Box on Friday 25 July at 5pm. The winner will also be notified by email.

The competition is now closed.

THE PRIZES

First Place Winners — Adult & Youth Categories

→ Professional Recording
Original song recorded and mastered at SAE’s state-of-the-art studio using SSL Duality or Neve analogue desks (recording September 2025)

→ Live Open Day Performance

SAE Open Day – Saturday 16 August 2025
Live broadcast on BayFM 99.9
4 weeks guaranteed airplay
Professional video footage
Social media and other promotional material

→ Adult Category Bonus
Exclusive mentorship from MusicNSW

Runner-Up Prizes — Adult & Youth Categories

→ Youth

Live performance at SAE Open Day plus a BayFM live broadcast

→ Adult

RØDE NT1 & AI-1 Complete Studio Kit (which includes audio interface, NT1 mic, SM6 shock mount, and XLR cable – perfect for home recording!)

HOW TO ENTER

Ready to share your musical talents with the world? To enter your song into the competition, submit one original track created by you via a streaming link (e.g. Bandcamp or Soundcloud).

Along with your track and lyrics, you’ll be required to submit a portfolio which includes a short bio with an image of yourself plus a 100-word statement telling us what your song is about and what it means to you.

INTRODUCING THE JUDGES

Study a songwriting and music production course with SAE

Graduate from SAE’s music courses with practical skills in:

Songwriting strategies
Acoustic and electronic music
Performance and recording technique
Stagecraft and live music
Studio production methods
Collaborative musicianship
Music theory concepts
Principles of sound, music and audio technology
Digital Audio Workstations (DAWS)

Music courses

Singer sings into microphone. Musician stands behind with an electric guitar - playing. Both are in a recording studio with blue, green and pink lighting

Music Bachelor of Music

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Music Associate Degree of Music

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Duration(s)

4 Trimesters Full Time (Fast Track)

6 Trimesters Full Time

Part-time option available

We understand that things can change, so you'll have the flexibility to change your study load throughout your course if you need to.

Qualification Associate Degree

Available to Domestic Students International Students

Campus

Adelaide,

Brisbane,

Melbourne,

Perth,

Sydney

Music

Associate Degree of Music

The Associate Degree of Music, nested within the Bachelor of Music, builds the essential skills for creating a successful career in today’s modern music industry. You’ll learn and apply theoretical knowledge and best practices while accessing studios with cutting-edge equipment.

You’ll gain proficiencies in songwriting, composition, music business and industry, stagecraft, recording techniques and electronic music production and studio music production.

Building on the core skills of a working music professional, the Associate Degree of Music at SAE allows you a unique opportunity to dive deeper into your chosen area of interest by studying three specialisation electives in one of the following four different pathways.

• Songwriting and Music Production
• Electronic Music Production
• Music Industry and Business
• Creative Musicianship

Your growth and development as a creative practitioner will be assessed through the completion of industry-based projects. As your skills develop and you work on more dynamic projects, you’ll apply your capabilities to cross-discipline projects in audio, film, games and animation.

Potential career paths may include --> Studio Composer • Music Producer • Music Technician • Artist and Repertoire Scout • Music and Sound Designer • Live Music Performer • Studio Musician • Songwriter • Commercial Music Composer/Producer • Music Technician • Music Supervisor • Music Library Curator • Music for film and games and other media

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Music Diploma of Music

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Who is SAE?

As the only University College delivering creative and technology courses nationwide, SAE stands out from the crowd. With almost 50 years of experience in education, our unique approach to tech and creative media equips you with the practical skills, real-world experience and industry connections you need to make your mark.

Our courses are locally accredited and internationally recognised, unlocking global opportunities for SAE graduates. Our University College status gives you a competitive edge, backed by strong industry relationships and a reputation for producing confident, competent graduates.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

COMPETITION RULES AT A GLANCE:

All entrants must:

Be aged 12 and over
Be independent artists, not signed to a label
Reside in the Northern Rivers (Ballina Shire, Byron Shire, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley, and Tweed Shire council areas)
Be an Australian or New Zealand Citizen/Permanent Resident.

Your competition entry must:

Include one original track (song), including the lyrics, per entry
Not exceed 5 minutes duration
Not be a DJ track, instrumental, cover or parody/spoof song.

By entering the BaySounds Songwriting Competition, you accept the full Terms and Conditions.

HAVE A QUESTION?

Chances are, we’ve got you covered with our Frequently Asked Questions page!

Check out our FAQ doc for more info.

THE COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED

What Students Say about SAE

Woman wears an elaborate head piece with shells, stones, and chain mail.

"Studying the Masters of Creative Industries means that I can expand my knowledge and creative practice and apply new and more evolved ways of being creative. My experience as both alumni and current student of SAE continues to be a positive one and I recently visited and recorded with a number of students at the New York SAE campus, for my Master’s project."

Bronwyn Harrison

Masters of Creative Industries student

"Being able to finish my degree and start my career at the age of 19 was a huge plus for me, as it meant I got four years in the industry before I started my business."

Eliza Allard

SAE Alumni | Current Job: Director/Founder, The Content Lab

"Getting to use the film gear at SAE was awesome. I never thought I’d be handling a $48,000 camera as a student. It was great to use industry standard equipment, because since graduating, that's what I’ve been using."

Hayden Huynh

SAE Alumni | Current Job: Producer, Channel Nine

Photo of Jovian Ubukata smiling to camera - SAE Bachelor of Film alumni

"As SAE students, we were guided through every stage of the filmmaking process, from pre-production to post-production. Using the skills we developed throughout the course, we created a solid shooting plan for our final short film that covered everything from budgeting to the shot list, ensuring a smooth and efficient production."

Jovian Ubukata

Bachelor of Film, graduated 2024

Man sitting at console desk looks over shoulder at camera

"SAE gave me a good technical background to start working in the industry. I met people who helped me start my career and open up job opportunities."

Kevin Garcia Fernandez

SAE Alumni | Current Job: Sound Engineer

Photo of Mia Charleson standing outside, holding a film camera - SAE Bachelor of Film (Production) alumni

“I chose to study at SAE because it offered the ideal balance between hands-on experience and academic learning. The practical aspect was particularly valuable, as it allowed me to familiarise myself with industry-standard equipment and workflows, and on the academic side, the program encouraged deeper analysis and critical thinking. This individual guidance was instrumental in helping me grow as a filmmaker, allowing me to improve quickly and effectively. SAE was the place where I learned how to get my work out into the world and how to properly showcase it to a wider audience and earn the awards I have today.”

Mia Charleson

Bachelor of Film (Production), graduated 2024

SAE Games Development alumni Rachel Toomeh sitting in front of a window with a mobile phone in her hand and office buildings in the background - desktop image

"I found it really beneficial to have this streamlined experience, where I got to meet and talk to teachers that had been in the industry. Learning from a game developer’s perspective was really beneficial, and at the time it was quite unique for where I was looking to go with my career.”

Rachel Toomeh

SAE Alumni | Current Job: Product Manager, Not Doppler Studio

“If you’re thinking about enrolling at SAE just do it! You never know who you will meet, where you will go or what you will do next. The knowledge and skills I learnt at SAE are invaluable and I encourage any creative to attend an open day and see what it’s like. It may be the start of an amazing story for yourself!”

Sophie Ryder

Bachelor of Audio, graduated 2022

What you can study at SAE

SAE offers creative media education in Animation, Audio, Design, Film, Games, Music and more.
You can study a diploma, an associate degree, a bachelor's degree or apply for postgraduate study.
You do not need an ATAR and could even apply with relevant industry experience. Check out our course guide for more info.

SAE courses

A man is holding a sketchpad and drawing on the pad with pen and looking down

Animation Animation courses that will render the career you want.

Man wearing a hat and spectacle sits with outstretched arms on audio console.

Audio Audio courses that will give your audio career some serious noise.

Man wearing glasses sit in front of magnifying glass holding a motherboard. A solder machines and pliers on desk

Computer Science Turn your technical talents into a thriving career.

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Creative Industries Multidisciplinary courses that’ll allow you to be creative with your career.

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Design Design courses that have the path to your design career laid out.

Woman wearing orange leather jacket sits cross legged on floor holding paper and laptop. A blue pen is in her right hand as she looks down at paper and pen

Film Film courses that have everything from concept to the final cut.

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Games Games courses to get your career ahead of the game.

Person wearing wireless over ear headphones sits in officer - with two monitors in front. Study IT at SAE

Information Technology IT courses that seamlessly blend tech and creativity

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Music Music courses that will get your music career on track.

Three monitors are in front on desk. Two mixing consoles in front of person looking down at paper. Paper on table

VFX & Virtual Production Embrace the latest technologies to engineer the impossible.

Animation Animation courses that will render the career you want.

Audio Audio courses that will give your audio career some serious noise.

Computer Science Turn your technical talents into a thriving career.

Creative Industries Multidisciplinary courses that’ll allow you to be creative with your career.

Design Design courses that have the path to your design career laid out.

Film Film courses that have everything from concept to the final cut.

Games Games courses to get your career ahead of the game.

Information Technology IT courses that seamlessly blend tech and creativity

Music Music courses that will get your music career on track.

VFX & Virtual Production Embrace the latest technologies to engineer the impossible.

STUDENT WORK

GUITAR GODS Student Collaboration

Animation

GUITAR GODS

Student(s) Involved

Danial Shafi'i, Darrian Warner

Campus Perth

Year Produced 2019

Overview

Guitar Gods is a 2D animated short created in Trimester 6 (final) of the Bachelor of Animation.

The work represents the cross-collaboration between an SAE animation student, Danial Shafi’i, and an SAE audio student, Darrian Warner. It perfectly encapsulates the collaborative nature of creating at SAE – a fusion of music and visual animation/effects.

Group of people of skateboards rolling down a hill into the sunset

CONCRETE DENIZENS Student Collaboration

Film

CONCRETE DENIZENS

Student(s) Involved

Jessica Sherlock, Lindsay Sultana, Matthew Johnson, Kyle Wheeler

Campus Brisbane

Year Produced 2022

Overview

Student work

SAE film student, Jessica Sherlock conceived, filmed, and produced a documentary, Concrete Denizens, which highlighted the inclusive skate culture in Brisbane. Jess worked with other film and audio students to bring the project to life.

Jessica Sherlock, Lindsay Sultana, Matthew Johnson, Kyle Wheeler are SAE film students who collaborated and worked on this project as part of the Film Studio 4 (Production) unit in Trimester 5 of the Bachelor of Film degree.

Still from Unreal game developed by SAE students

VIOLET HUBRIS Student Collaboration

Games

VIOLET HUBRIS

Student(s) Involved

Nora Lück-Jennings, Jackson Symss, Josh Ayala, Wilma Signal, Cameron Griffith, Siyao Song, Elyssa La, Russell Toffoli, Mohit Rao, Josie Sippel, George Takis, Angus Martin

Campus Melbourne

Year Produced 2022

Overview

Violet Hubris is a cosmic action-horror game exploring humanity’s thirst for knowledge, power, and belonging in a harsh universe. Created by SAE Melbourne students – this project features work from cross-disciplines, meaning students in different courses collaborated to bring the project to life.

We love the motion, fantasy, colour and drama of this one. Games, Animation, Audio and Design students collaborated on this project.

Play the game on itch.io now

Credits:
Nora Lück-Jennings – Game Design
Jackson Symss – Game Design
Josh Ayala – Game Design
Wilma Signal – Game Design
Cameron Griffith – Animation
Siyao Song – Animation
Elyssa La – Animation
Russell Toffoli – Audio
Mohit Rao – Audio
Josie Sippel – Voice Acting
George Takis – Graphic Design
Angus Martin – Graphic Design

Design and artwork from SAE student animated short, Kukunochi

KUKUNOCHI Student Collaboration

Animation

Animated character from Kukunochi - an SAE student animated short

3D model & character design from Kukunochi - an SAE student animated short

Animation

KUKUNOCHI

Student(s) Involved

Mia Dator, Naomi Hermans, Quan Tran, James Goodchild, Alex Ireland, Jake Mendoza, Jasbir Singh, Abbey Janssen, Nanda W., Daniel Villa, Dylan Marinko, Michael Gould-Brown, Conor Atkinson, Monica Petra Christina, Charles Warner, Audrey Daniella, Samuel Bourke, Qaliesha Trivino

Campus Perth

Year Produced 2022

Overview

Kukunochi is a sophisticated and cross collaborative short film involving students from Animation, Film, Design and Audio courses at SAE.

The Kukunochi film is the final capstone project for many of the students completing bachelor degrees at SAE Perth.

Synopsis: The story presents an arrogant girl, Katsumi, who learns a thing or two from Yamato, who embodies kindness and humility. Their unbalanced relationship is encapsulated through their sparring as they practice Kendo. Katsumi’s arrogance beats down on Yamato again and again. However, even when beaten repeatedly, Yamato’s determination never fazes.

They emotionally evolve after having experienced a confrontation with an angered spirit called the Kukunochi, where Katsumi learns the true meaning of humility.

Directed By
MIA DATOR
NAOMI HERMANS

Character Animator | MIA DATOR
Lead Character Artist | NAOMI HERMANS
Character Artist | QUAN TRAN
Rigging | JAMES GOODCHILD

Cinematographer | DANIEL VILLA
Editor & Colourist | DYLAN MARINKO
Writer | MICHAEL GOULD-BROWN

Music Producer | CONOR ATKINSON
Audio Management | MONICA PETRA CHRISTINA
Mix Engineer | CHARLES WARNER
Voice Actor | AUDREY DANIELLA

Lead Branding and Marketing | SAMUEL BOURKE
Marketing | QALIESHA TRIVINO

Special thanks to our mentors

TIM KITEVSKI
DAVEY GOH
STEVE TEUNE
KALEB TRELOAR

3D Red skulls on blue, fuzzy balls. MitchID by Mitchell Viney

MitchID MITCHELL VINEY

Design

MitchID

Student(s) Involved

MITCHELL VINEY

Campus Byron Bay

Year Produced 2016

Overview

MitchID is the work of Mitchell Viney and served as his personal branding identity which he used for his professional portfolio and online presence. The project aims to highlight his 3D illustration, branding and graphic design skills.

Industry professional programs such as the Adobe Suite were integrated with 3D software such as Maxon Cinema 4D. Mitch experimented with colour, tone and texture to create these 3D illustrations exploring themes such as organic / nature VS structural/man-made.

You can view more of Mitch’s work at: https://www.behance.net/gallery/45778903/Mitch-ID

Whilst still studying Mitch has secured work from organisations such as Bond & Coyne Studio, London and A & R Healthcare.

NESS MARI Vanessa Mari

Music

Ness Mari performs 'Wildfire'

Music

NESS MARI

Student(s) Involved

Vanessa Mari

Campus Melbourne

Year Produced 2021

Overview

SAE student, Ness Mari, recorded a live stream for her performance in Music Studio 3, a unit of the Bachelor of Songwriting and Music Production course.

We think Ness is such a talent and we just can’t stop watching this one.

Song: Wildfire
SAE Melbourne student
Vanessa Mari

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