Local youth band The Rions have won the 2021 edition of Northern Composure Unplugged final.

The Ten finalists battled it out in front of a 200-strong live audience at Glen Street Theatre last Friday 7 May.

Thanks to their uber slick rendition of Australian singer-songwriter Matt Corby’s hit song Brother and an original composition of their own, the Rions got the nod from the judges.

The four-piece band won a thousand dollars in cash and prizes, a marketing and publicity package from Perfect Pitch, plus the opportunity to perform at the inaugural month-long Taste of the Beaches food and wine festival currently in full swing.

Finalists were selected from 26 entrants who had a song filmed and recorded at Glen Street Theatre in April and streamed online on the KALOF YouTube channel during National Youth Week.

Performances gained over 15,000 views and over 4,000 votes were cast for the Audience Choice award.

Finalists were assessed by a panel of music industry professionals: Dave Keogh of Perfect Pitch, Geoff Stanwell and Penny Howell of Northside Radio, Sam Wilkins from Council’s Community and Belonging  Strategic Reference Group, Jenna Kim from Council’s Youth Advisory Group, and Kate Lush, internationally acclaimed and multi-award-winning musician.

The finals event was also recorded by Radio Northern Beaches and streamed online over the weekend.

Northern Beaches Council Mayor, Michael Regan, said he was pleased to again experience the talent and enthusiasm of local young performers.

“It is very encouraging that we have such talented young people who have such great passion for their art,” Cr Regan said.

“I congratulate all this year’s participants and finalists for such high standard performances and great entertainment.

“Online views and voting was significantly higher than last year, so I would like to thank everyone who took the time to engage with and encourage our up-and-coming talent.”

The Rions said: “We are so stoked to be a part of KALOF’s Northern Composure event, it’s such an amazing opportunity for kids on the Northern Beaches and we congratulate all the other awesome contestants. Can't wait to team up with KALOF again for our sold out single launch on May 29 at Mona Vale Memorial Hall."

The remaining place getters and prizes are:

  • 2nd – Tilli Kay, guitar & vocals, $250 cash and Mona Vale Music voucher;
  • 3rd – Little Icaro, guitar & vocals, $150 cash and Mona Vale Music voucher;
  • Audience Choice, Ava & Mia, duet, guitar & vocals $200 cash and Mona Vale Music Voucher
  • Most Viewed Award – Ava & Mia, duet, guitar & vocals, $100 cash;
  • Junior Encouragement Award – Gemma Willis, guitar & vocals, Mona Vale Music Voucher

All entrants received a copy of their professionally-recorded song to help them secure future performance opportunities, and finalists received a KALOF gift pack.

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