Across Australia, there are hundreds, if not thousands of aspiring musicians waiting to make it big in the industry. This competition just might be their chance to do so. National Campus Band Competition is without a doubt, the greatest live band competition in Australia and for another year, they are getting ready to find the countries next rock stars.

NCBC is the creation of the Australasian Association of Campus Activities, and has been taking place around the country on various University and TAFE campuses across Australia for the last 20 years. This competition helps show off Australia’s newest and best talent to a much wider audience, and has started the careers of bands like Eskimo Joe, The Vasco Era, and Jebediah.

Last years winner, and Canberra locals Rubycon are a quartet with a drummer who is barely a teenager. “It was quite amazing to see a band with a member who maybe hasn’t even gone through puberty, play better than a band with as much as 30 years more experience; it was a wonderful sight to see.” says 2008 NCBC judge.

NCBC is responsible for kick starting Eskimo Joe’s career. After forming in 1997, their first gig as a band was the first heats of the NCBC. They won the competition, and were off to become superstars from then on. “When we played the campus band comp we had one guitar between the three of us…....and as a result of winning we managed to be able to arm ourselves with a couple more which made us almost a real band. This competition gave Eskimo Joe a real start in Australia.” says Eskimo Joe.

Heats for this competition will be held throughout August at local campuses, hosted by NCBC. The national final will be held on 27 September, at SeaWorld on the Gold Coast. Winners of each state final will be flown to the Gold Coast to compete in the national finals. The winner of the competition will receive $5000 in cash.

Bands interested in entering should check out the AACA website for details.