Between 1999 and 2005 local record label Pandamonium Records (owner of NQ Music Press) put out a yearly compilation CD to give international exposure to artists from North QLD. The CD’s received national airplay on JJJ and places as far away as Brazil. It’s great to see a another local label intends to launch a similar project…

Cairns record label Junkie Uncle Records is inviting local artists to submit their original songs for the chance to be included on a ‘Cairns Mix Tape’ that will be marketed to the broader Australian music industry.

The label, which formed in 2012, has been successful in receiving a RADF grant from Cairns Regional Council and Arts Queensland which will allow them to engage leading industry professionals and to widely promote the compilation to a national audience.

The label is now taking submissions from local artists until July 31st. From the submissions received, ten artists will be selected to have their song professionally recorded at Big Sister Studios by the label’s other co-founder and award-winning producer Mark Myers (pictured right).

With a long list of album credits including Emma Louise, The Middle East and Passenger, Myers is excited by the prospect of finding and growing Cairns’ undiscovered talent.

Junkie Uncle Records’ co-founder Jake Gries (Pictured left) said that Cairns punches above its weight in musical talent, and that his label wanted to provide assistance to local artists to develop their skills and increase their audience.

“We’re very lucky to have such a wealth of local talent here in Cairns. It’s a rich scene, and we’d like to show it off to the rest of the country”.

“This is a unique opportunity for local artists to get their music out of the bedroom and into the studio. We’re really looking forward to hearing the terrific works that’s coming out of our local scene”.

Artists can visit the label’s website for more information: www.junkieuncle.com.au.

© Copyright 2025 | NQ Music Press