LISTEN UP MUSIC

The minds in music matter

Listen Up Music is an award-winning mental health music charity that believes in making a real difference.

We go beyond just raising awareness, focusing on constructive, impactful, and life-altering change. Our vision is to empower every music industry professional to develop and maintain positive mental health.

Through our events and programs, we build community, facilitate storytelling, and promote wellbeing. We’re home to The Songwriting Prize, Illuminate, Spotlight Series, the Pick-Me-Up Podcast, and other initiatives.

Everything is dedicated to the notion that the minds in music matter. Join us and be a part of the change.

What We Do

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The Songwriting Prize

Australia’s largest live performance songwriting competition.

Our flagship annual initiative inviting creators to write, submit, and perform original songs that spark meaningful conversations, break down barriers, champion mental wellness, and inspire tangible social change across communities.

Find out more
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Community & Programs

Country-wide network of grass-roots mental health arts initiatives.

Interactive programs and workshops bringing artists and communities together to connect, collaborate, and thrive. We equip creators with practical tools, nurture local talent, and turn shared passion into lasting social impact.

Learn more
A large group of people, both men and women, gathered on a stage for a group photo at an event. They are smiling and standing in two rows, with some standing on a platform behind others. The background features a large screen or projector displaying a microphone and headphones, and there is a small orange sign in the front right corner of the stage that reads 'I am here.' Everyone is wearing casual or business casual attire, with some wearing name tags or badges.

Historical Vault

Over a decade of music, podcasts, and performance archives.

A dedicated digital showcase honoring eleven years of original songs, live events, and artist stories. Explore past competition entries, revisit podcast episodes, and experience the music that has powered our movement since 2014.

explore the archive
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The Songwriting Prize

The Songwriting Prize 2026: Regional Finals Underway

Entries for 2026 are now closed, and the competition has moved live to the stage! With our first event wrapped, 9 upcoming Regional Finals are set to take place across Australia in August and September. Join us live to support local music creators performing original songs centered on this year's theme, “The Next Chapter.”

Get tickets & View Schedule

Help Us Power Mental Health Action
Through Music

Listen Up Music is powered by a community of passionate artists, supporters, and advocates. Whether you become a member or make a tax-deductible donation, your support directly funds grassroots programs, songwriting initiatives, and community events nationwide.

Become a member
make a donation

Upcoming Events

An open book with pages spinning, with bokeh lights in the background, and overlayed text that says 'The Finals.' Also includes a logo with musical notes, puzzle pieces, and a heartbeat line, with text 'The Songwriting Prize 2026 the Next Chapter'.

July 24th: The Songwriting Prize - Perth Final

August 7th: The Songwriting Prize - Newcastle Final

Tickets

August 12th: The Songwriting Prize - Hobart Final

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August 26th: The Songwriting Prize - Brisbane Final

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August 27th: The Songwriting Prize - Gold Coast Final

Tickets

September 4th: The Songwriting Prize - Bendigo Final

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September 5th: The Songwriting Prize - Melbourne Final

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September 16th: The Songwriting Prize - Canberra Final

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September 19th: The Songwriting Prize - Adelaide Final

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September 26th: The Songwriting Prize - Sydney Final

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The Sound of Our Community

Dive into original tracks written by The Songwriting Prize alumni and story-driven episodes from our official podcast.

Explore how music drives real conversation and connection.

  • Listen Up Music is an award-winning, registered Australian mental health music charity. We go beyond awareness-raising to drive meaningful, positive change in the music industry by building supportive communities, promoting positive mental health, and facilitating storytelling through music.

  • We host live events, educational programs, and community initiatives—such as The Songwriting Prize, Illuminate, the Spotlight Series, and the Pick-Me-Up Podcast—that foster safe, vulnerable spaces for musicians to share their experiences and connect.

  • Yes! Listen Up Music is a registered charity with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status in Australia. All donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • You can support us by making a tax-deductible donation, attending our live events, buying merchandise, volunteering, or partnering with us as a sponsor.

  • The Songwriting Prize is Australia’s largest live performance songwriting competition focusing on mental health. Each year, songwriters respond to a specific theme to share stories and compete across regional live finals.