Wow. What a fantastic final! Congratulations to Blakely McLean Davies (1st), Alistair Peel (2nd) and Jordan Tarento (3rd).

Blakely McLean Davies is an improvising bassist and composer from Melbourne, Australia. He is a graduate of the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music (VCA), with his honours year focussing on composition for electro-acoustic small ensemble. Blakely is a freelance musician in a wide variety of styles, and has performed with luminaries such as Barney McAll, Andrea Keller, Mat Jodrell, Carl Mackey and Paul Williamson. He has been a member of Australian pop icon, Tina Arena’s band since 2021.

To the Rural City of Wangaratta, and Pughouse Studio, we appreciate your support for the first prize winner, and look forward to seeing their recording in the future.

Well done to the 29 applicants, particularly the five finalists. Thank you to Andrea, Chris and Brendan for all their work in judging these awards for 2023. Equally for Tessie, Brett & Felix for playing a part in supporting band, Thankyou.

We’d also like offer thanks to Eugene Ball, previous artistic director for guidance, to Scott Solimo and Zoe Marshall for coordinating the process.