Highland FM, Bowral Bowling Club put 100% Home Grown talent in the spotlight

The concert offering, which is an initiative of Highland FM 107.1, has now put the spotlight on 12 local bands, duos and individual musicians since it kicked off in December 2021.

However the evolution of the Highlands-own initiative, dedicated to giving a voice to the rich diversity of contemporary Australian musicians and songwriters, began much earlier.

The 100 per cent Home-Grown concept commenced in March 2020 and focused exclusively on independent Australian music sourced from the AMRAP catalogue. The program also featured music by local artists and song-makers broadcast twice weekly on the 100 per cent Home-Grown program on Highland FM 107.1.

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The initiative was recognised as supporting independent Australian musicians and was awarded the CBAA's 2020 Most Outstanding Contribution to Australian Music Initiative.

With funding provided by a 2021 Community Broadcasting Foundation Grant, Highland FM built a high quality recording studio to be used as a unique community resource to support local musicians.

Highland FM station manager Adam Stockeld said the 107.1 team realised how community radio could provide the momentum and exposure for independent Australian musicians to be heard, appreciated and enjoyed.

"Local song-makers help tell our stories, contribute to our culture and give voice to our communities," he said.

"Heavily impacted by the pandemic, the last couple of years has been a difficult period for the music industry. With no government funding and most venues closed, song-makers and musicians struggled to survive, with many having to leave the industry."

Adam said Highland FM broadcast live in studio throughout the pandemic and took a leadership role in focusing on and bringing awareness to the importance of supporting the struggling local music industry.

"A few live interviews and on-air performances gained attention and momentum quickly grew," he said.

"Local talent was literally knocking on the door and Highland FM took up the challenge."

Highland FM's 100 per cent Home-Grown Artist of the Month commenced September 2021.

The featured monthly artist(s) were focused in interviews, recording sessions and their music was played throughout the month across all programs.

However, not content to provide airplay-only support for the entertainers, the Highland FM team led by Adam decided to do even more for the region's musical talent.

The COVID restrictions of 2021 had only just begun to lift when plans began for a live concert to get the performers on the stage and in front of an audience.

Three bands or individual artists featured in the first sold out concert and the initiative, supported by the Bowral Bowling Club, Music NSW, Southern Tablelands Arts and Southern Highland News has continued to grow from strength to strength.

Four sell out concerts have so far been held at the Bowral Bowling Club in December, March, June and September each featuring three previous 100 per cent Home-Grown Artists in each concert, with all proceeds from ticket sales going to the performers.

The artists that have taken the stage continue to grow in popularity, performing, recording and touring - in many cases - far and wide. One of the first performers featured in 100 per cent Home Grown Sarah Berki has even toured overseas.

Sara, a former local hairdresser who had never previously received air-play and performed live for the first time in the December 2021 concert, is now working and recording with well known Australian producer, Simon Johnson. Her music is being mastered by Grammy Award winning William Bowden.

Sara's new single "Fallin Off The Heartline" has been picked up by Australia's largest country music label, ABC Country Music and is currently in the Australian Country Music Top 40.

Sara said, "none of this would have happened without Highland FM's 100 per cent Home-Grown. Thank you for everything that you have done and for believing in me".

The fourth show was presented at the Bowral Bowling Club on September 17 highlighting the talents of three local artists - Amber Kenny, Dan Challis and Jodi Phillis - to an ever-growing fan base. All three kept the audience entranced with their dulcet tones.

Plans are now underway for the next show to be held in December.

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