Gold Coast live venue Mo's Desert Clubhouse and independent booking agency Beats Cartel are back with their second annual Garage Deluxe Band Comp.
After its inaugural run last year that saw 30 competing bands attract 1,000 supporters, the 2025 instalment is offering a prize pool valued around $12,000 with both senior and junior categories for competing bands (performing original material).The junior series is open to bands with majority of members under 25 of age; while the senior series is open to bands with a majority of members over 25 years of age. scenestr is proud to be offering the two winning bands an editorial-advertising packaged (valued at $430 each).
Garage Deluxe will take place over three heats and a final, offering a serious leg up to two developing original acts with the aim to promote the local independent band scene. All bands must be available for the heat dates and final, and feature at least one member living on the Gold Coast.
Two bands will go through to the final from each heat, with bands judged by a panel of industry professionals (musicianship/ stage presence/ marketability) along with the ability to bring a crowd via drink ticket system.
Applications for both junior and senior Garage Deluxe spots are now open (all genres are encouraged) until mid August.
With a guaranteed excess of applications vs heat slots, the event will lock top selected independent bands based on current profile and trajectory with the view to giving the winner a real leg up in the Australian music industry on the back of a rad event and massive prize pack, guaranteed to help launch a career.
Youth bands with members under 18 are also welcome to apply to the junior pathway with JR heat and final events being all-ages.
Winners of the Gold Coast Live Music Venue Of The Year at 2021, 2022 & 2024 Gold Coast Music Awards, Mo's Desert Clubhouse will provide full backline, rider, merch area and a damn good time.
This year's prize pool for the competition winners:
• $2,000 cash to the winner via Mo's Desert Clubhouse
• Content marketing package, development workshop spots and Gold Coast Music Awards Tickets via Gold Coast Music Network (RRP $1,200)
• Film clip shoot via One Way Boulevard (RRP $1,000)
• Editorial and ad package via scenestr (RRP $430)
• Professional press shot photo shoot via Mo's in-house shooter Raani Jade (RRP $400)
• Banner and sticker pack via RW Promotion (RRP $400)
• $250 voucher via Gold Coast Music
• Paid upcoming gig slots via East West Presents and Mo's Desert Clubhouse
Runners up will score a jam room rehearsal slot (RRP $180), while each heat winner will score a carton of beer via Coopers.
To apply, please email
Junior competition
Wed 10 Sep - Heat OneWed 17 Sep - Heat Two
Wed 24 Sep - Heat Three
Wed 1 Oct - Final
Senior competition
Wed 8 Oct - Heat OneWed 15 Oct - Heat Two
Wed 22 Oct - Heat Three
Wed 29 Oct - Final
