Wild Turkey Music 101 offers five artists the chance to join Killing Heidi on national tour with the ultimate pub gig prize
Wild Turkey’s five winning emerging artists will join Killing Heidi on a national pub tour to discover the top 101 Greatest Pub Songs of all time, from all over the world, as voted by the fans.
Wild Turkey has announced the five winning emerging artists from its acclaimed Wild Turkey Music 101 mentorship programme, who will now join iconic Aussie rockers Killing Heidi on their national pub tour later this month celebrating the top 101 Greatest Pub Songs of all time.
The five winners Serendipiti, Norwood Band, Jamie Lamont, Piper Butcher and one more to be announced in Sydney, have earned the chance of a lifetime to support Killing Heidi on tour, where they’ll reimagine iconic pub anthems whilst connecting with industry professionals and getting closer to the band that soundtracked your youth with hits like “Weir” and “I Am.”
The band, who have recently topped the ARIA charts again after 25 years with their iconic album ‘Reflector’ and recently landed their hit “Weir” at #77 in Triple J’s Hottest 100 of Australian songs, are going on the road for an intimate tour alongside the brand with five pub sets across three states.
The winners will join Killing Heidi as they hit the road to discover fan favourite pub songs, following in the footsteps of legendary acts like INXS, Jet, Screaming Jets, The Angels, Cold Chisel and Midnight Oil – all artists who got their big breaks performing in pubs across the country. From intimate venues to iconic stages, the winners will experience the authentic pub circuit that has shaped the music industry for decades.
These emerging artists won’t just be opening acts. They’ll be learning from Ella and Jesse Hooper as they hit classic pubs across the country. This year’s mentorship programme continued the brand’s commitment to nurturing rising talent, providing a platform for artists to trust their spirit and share their boldest stories. The programme selected five ambitious artists to work with industry professionals, with one hero emerging artist and four runners-up earning coveted prize packages.
The hero emerging artist will receive two days at Forbes Street Studios to help complete a single, plus the opportunity to support Killing Heidi and perform a cover song with them live on stage. They’ll also receive mentorship sessions with Killing Heidi, an introduction to a Universal Music A&R representative, and a Wild Turkey merchandise prize pack.
The four runner-up artists will each receive the opportunity to support Killing Heidi and perform a cover song with them live on stage, mentorship sessions with Killing Heidi, an introduction to a Universal Music A&R representative, and a Wild Turkey merchandise prize pack.
Ella Hooper, lead vocalist of Killing Heidi, said: “There’s something magical about the connection between artist and audience in a pub setting. It’s raw, honest, and utterly authentic. Some of Australia’s greatest musical legends cut their teeth in pubs, and we’re thrilled to be part of giving the next generation that same opportunity. Wild Turkey Music 101 represents everything we believe in – trusting your instincts, backing your talent and having the courage to get up there and perform.”
Wild Turkey Music 101 will partner with Forbes Street Studios, providing the hero emerging artist with tools designed to equip emerging artists with the skills and insights needed to navigate the music industry successfully.
Wild Turkey Marketing Director, Mark Watson said: “Wild Turkey’s heritage is built on unwavering belief and conviction, the same qualities that drive Australia’s pub music scene. Just as Jimmy Russell mentored generations of Master Distillers to perfect our signature bold flavour, we’re committed to mentoring the next generation of Australian musicians. Why 101? Because one more song makes all the difference. And timeless ones? They only get better with age.
The connection between pub culture and breakthrough musical moments is undeniable. Killing Heidi themselves proved that pub stages can launch careers that resonate across generations. Our mentorship program embodies the ‘Trust Your Spirit’ ethos, giving artists the platform and confidence to take that crucial next step.”
For the national tour, Killing Heidi will be celebrating the Greatest Pub Songs of All Time – covering some of the greatest pub songs of all time as voted by music lovers nationwide. Killing Heidi will also perform their own iconic tracks, ensuring fans can enjoy both beloved classics and the band’s signature hits.
The tour represents Wild Turkey’s commitment to honouring the best of pub music heritage whilst championing emerging talent as the heartbeat of pub anthems from all over the world, and the launching pad for musical careers. Beyond this tour, Wild Turkey continues to position itself as the definitive voice in Australian pub culture, with plans to expand its music initiatives and deepen its connection with the local music community.
Tour Dates & Locations:
Commercial Hotel, South Morang, VIC – Friday 22nd August
Hound & Stag, Arundel, QLD – Saturday 23rd August
Ettamogah Hotel, Kellyville Ridge, NSW – Thursday 28th August
Racehorse Hotel, Ipswich, QLD – Friday 29th August
Toronto Hotel, Lake Macquarie, NSW – Saturday 30th August
Tickets are available here.
Music fans can vote for their favourite pub anthems here.
The program reinforces Wild Turkey’s position as a champion of Australian music culture, continuing the brand’s tradition of supporting artists who embody the courage to trust their spirit and pursue their musical ambitions. With the Greatest Pub Songs voting still open and the tour creating nationwide buzz, Wild Turkey maintains its central role in celebrating and shaping Australia’s pub music heritage.
