Australia’s Very Own “School of Rock” – Introducing New Breed Program at Froth & Fury Fest
Young musicians aged 10–18 invited to audition for a place on the festival’s new HOTHOUSE Stage
Adelaide heavy, punk and alternative music festival Froth & Fury is calling on South Australia’s youngest musicians to show what they’ve got, with applications now open for New Breed – First Stage Experience, a youth artist development program that will put eight young acts on a professional festival stage in January 2027.
Open to South Australian musicians aged 10 to 18, New Breed welcomes bands, solo musicians and vocalists. Applicants submit a one-to-two-minute video audition, and mobile phone recordings are accepted so that access to professional equipment is never a barrier to taking part. Originals and covers, instrumental and vocal performances are all welcome.
The New Breed Program Management Team will select four bands and four solo artists to perform on the HOTHOUSE Stage, a dedicated stage created for the program at Froth & Fury Festival on Saturday 30 January 2027. Bands will play two songs and soloists one, in front of a festival crowd and a panel of three music industry professionals. One band and one solo artist will be named New Breed winners on the day.
The program is delivered in partnership with the Music Development Office (South Australia), Northern Sound System, Carclew and ARMI – Australian Rock & Metal Institute.
Under-18 musicians are often unable to play to live audiences because of venue licensing restrictions. As an all-ages festival, Froth & Fury is creating a first professional stage moment for young artists in a safe, supported environment.
Froth & Fury Co-Director Anita Decoster said New Breed sits at the heart of what the festival stands for.
“New Breed is the backbone of Froth & Fury. It’s about giving young people the chance to play in front of a passionate, supportive audience of alternative music lovers, gain real industry experience, and walk away inspired to keep making original, unique music,” Ms Decoster said.
“Froth & Fury is run by fans, for fans. We want to platform artists of all ages and skill levels and build a community we can all be proud of. That’s why in 2027 we’re giving the New Breed a stage of their own.”
Froth & Fury Co-Director Jason North said “New Breed is a really exciting new initiative from Froth & Fury. It’s about giving young musicians the chance to get on stage, play in front of a crowd, potentially meet other artists and get a real taste of what it’s all about. That kind of experience at a young age is massive for building confidence and growing as a musician. I wish something like this existed when I was starting out!”
Beyond the performance itself, New Breed gives participants hands-on insight into how a festival runs, from communications and scheduling through to backline set-up and working with sound technicians.
Prizes
The winning band will receive a $1,000 Billy Hyde voucher to support further artistic development, a professional sound recording sponsored by Northern Sound System, a 10-week advanced training course with ARMI, and a General Admission ticket and commemorative shirt for each band member to Froth & Fury 2028.
The winning solo artist will receive a $500 Billy Hyde voucher, a General Admission ticket to Froth & Fury 2028 and a commemorative shirt. All other finalists will receive 2028 festival tickets and commemorative shirts.
Child safety
New Breed operates in accordance with the Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017 (SA). Written parental or guardian consent is required, all program coordinators hold a valid Working With Children Check, young artists are accompanied by a parent or guardian with access to a supervised backstage area, and only first names or artist names are used in program promotion.
How to apply
Applications are open now at rebrand.ly/NewBreedApply and close on Monday 7 December 2026 COB (ACST). Full terms and conditions are available at rebrand.ly/FF27NewBreedTCs
