Magpie Senpai rock out Underground Sounds

Rock band Magpie Senpai took home first prize in WA’s longest-running music competition, Underground Sounds, presented by the City of Gosnells.

Six finalists, including original singer songwriter Ethan Grainger, soul-pop artist Navisha Shukla, alternative rockers The Embers, rock/punk band Cult of Humanity and instrumental jazz duo Rosegreen, battled it out at The Underground youth centre in Southern River, competed for $5,000 in prizes.

This year’s event was supported by the Cities of Armadale and Canning, the Town of Victoria Park and the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale, opening up the competition to young performers from those areas for the first time.

The finalists performed live at the Underground Sounds final, competing for a $3,000 first prize, along with an iconic Underground Sounds Golden Record, $1,200 second prize and $800 third prize as part of this year’s expanded competition.

Ethan Grainger took out second prize and Navisha placed third.

City of Gosnells Mayor Terresa Lynes said the annual competition, formerly known as Gozzy Rock, marked its 38th year and continued to attract a diverse array of young, up-and-coming musical talent.

“Finalists were judged on their originality, musicianship, professionalism and stage presentation, with Magpie Senpai scoring highest overall,” she said.

“Underground Sounds has helped many young musicians take the next step in their careers, so congratulations to each of the six finalists for reaching the final stage of this year’s expanded competition and showcasing their talents in front of a live audience.”

For more information on youth programs and events in the City of Gosnells, including the Ignite Music Recording Studio, visit gosnells.wa.gov.au.