Caitlin Park wins 5k Qantasaward

Caitlin Park has followed in the illustrious footsteps of Young & The Restless, Wolf & Cub, My Disco and Oh Mercy as winner of this year’s Qantas Spirit of Youth Award for music.

The Sydney “folktronica” act (a made-up genre, which we assume incorporates elements of “folk” and “electronica”) was today named the winner of the annually award prize, beating out a strong field of 12 finalists including runners-up Hayden Calnin and Courtney Barnett, as well as Brendan Maclean, controversial Brisbane duo Voltaire Twins, Oliver Tank, Little Scout, Forces and Jack Ladder.

Park will soon be on her way to New York to attend the CMJ Festival. She also receives $5000 and a 12-month professional mentorship.

She was selected by British-born, Sydney-based producer Lee Groves (Depeche Mode, Catcall) among a field of more than 268 entrants. “What struck me immediately was Caitlin’s spellbinding voice and her fantastic use of strange samples and textures throughout her tracks,” Groves said. “I also really loved her harmonies. I think there is terrific potential with Caitlin and this feels like the very tip of just what she’s capable of. For me it was really hard to decide between my final three, but Caitlin just has the edge and so she got it.”

Park will soon head into REC Studios in Sydney for a session with Groves and Daniel Johns. Her debut album Milk Annual was released last year through Broken Stone Records.