Happening: MySchoolAct

14 October 2011

MySchoolAct is an online music and talent competition exclusively created for Australian high school students. TMN chat to founders Daniel Simic and Glenn Matthews about the program, and what entrants can expect.

How did MySchoolAct come about? What was the initial goal of the program?

Simic: Boy, the MySchoolAct competition you see today is very different from what we originally conceived. Along the journey our ideas have zigzagged in a number of directions. Originally the website had a different name and music was only a piece of the puzzle, not at all the focus. What has stayed true about our original concept was the building of a central place for teenagers to hang out; a place where they could share their hobbies, likes and dislikes - all without too much external influence. The fact that a competition evolved was purely a byproduct of what we were trying to achieve. We’ve definitely made mistakes along the way, but the one right move we made was to let MySchoolAct evolve naturally, allowing the users to dictate its destination.

For musical acts wanting to enter, what elements are looked at when judging the entrants?

Matthews: Music is so subjective, that’s why we have a very diverse panel of judges. Us personally, we are looking for looking for a combination of passion, talent and an act that owns their own sound. Sure, everyone is influenced by various artists and that sound almost always comes through in the acts’ music. But few artists actually own that sound and make it uniquely theirs.

Is any preference given to any particular genre of music?

Matthews: Definitely not. Let’s face it, Australia is always going to produce great rock bands, but this season of MySchoolAct is surprising us with its diversity. We personally would love to see a hip hop act mixing it with a rock band at the grand final. Who knows, maybe even our 14 year old DJ will be up on stage spinning his mixes; to us that would be one hell of a good show.

Say, the winner is a classical musician or the like. How will this work considering the prize includes a slot at the BDO?

Simic: Wow, that’s a tough one.... I think this year we are seeing a slight division amongst the acts. There are those that are shooting for the recording and publishing deal with Sony, and those who simply want to play at the Big Day Out. I guess that explains the diversity of acts we are seeing in this years comp. Luckily we don’t make the decision. The top three list in each region is handed to the BDO so they can make the difficult decision. I hope they are presented with the option of a classical musician. But I’d have to say that the BDO prize will be judged on the potential entertainment level.

I’m pretty sure if it was an School Symphony backing up Metallica we’d have ourselves a winner. So, all I can say is this: if the classical musician has an edge that would be entertaining to the BDO audience, they are definitely in with a shot.

There are also scholarships available. Could you explain more about what these entail?

Simic: We are really excited about this opportunity. MySchoolAct puts in enormous effort behind the scenes to bring our viewers inside knowledge of the music industry. We really do care about educating our acts and fans about making music. Many people see the industry as rock and roll, yet there are so many hard working people behind the scenes that are responsible for making music happen. The scholarships from SAE Institute and Qantm College offer three lucky people a career in the music industry.

We keep in touch with Sammy Baker, our season one scholarship winner, and to listen to his music and video clips now, you can see a huge, huge change. His art is just so much more mature and better refined. I just hope anyone who wants to make a career in the music industry doesn’t pass this opportunity by.

What elements are you looking at when judging the best video director?

Matthews: Really we have no expectations of their skill level and we definitely aren’t going to judge anyone on the quality of their equipment. We are simply looking for potential. Already in the competition there are some great video clips. The clips that tell a story or show creativity are definitely interesting to watch – and they are definitely grabbing our attention.

Can you explain what the MySchool resources centre is, and how it can help entrants?

Matthews: Oh, definitely. The resource center has just about everything you need to know about the music industry, from interviews with industry experts to how to record at home. As time goes on you will see this section of our website grow to a wealth of information. We are very focused on helping young musicians grow. We do this by providing them with useful tools and educating them on what the music industry is all about.

Simic: MySchoolAct would love to be the go to place for all musicians. We have close connections with some of the most important people in the industry, and we want to share their knowledge with our acts and fans.

How can acts that have entered help their overall chances?

Simic: If you want to make it in the music industry you need fans right? Plus you need your fans to listen to your music and spread the word so you can get more fans. Well, MySchoolAct is no different. Get your friends, family school mates, just about everyone you can think of, to sign up [as a fan] and vote, SMS, watch your videos and comment. The more buzz you have around your act the better you will fair in the competition. I’d also recommend that you keep your profile page fresh. Keep adding new music and photos each week, and then interact with your fans by responding to their comments.

How is the general quality of applicants you have received so far? Are there any standouts or is it too early to tell?

Matthews: We were impressed by the acts in season one. This year has blown us away. I think modern technology has helped make recording affordable. More and more acts tell us they have or are about to record an EP. Back when we were in high school, that was just unheard of - the other day I was sifting through some boxes I have in storage and I found an old recording of my high school band. The quality was so crap, and what we wrote on the inside cover was hilarious.

But that was then and this is now, and today’s musicians really do treat it like a business. They are more professional, they adopt an image and they are right into social media. That professionalism stands out in the majority of the acts in the competition this year, so to answer your question, the quality is very high, from many levels, not just musically.

Any standouts? Well, yes I definitely have my favorites and I’m actually star struck by one or two of them. But I think it would be unfair to announce them before the competition is over. Is sound quality important? Or is it all about the act and their song? Simic: For us it’s all about the act and their song. I know a lot of people argue that digital downloads have ruined the quality of music. But for us, it’s all about how a piece of music makes you feel. Even a rough recording can move you.

Acts can enter now at myschoolact.com