“We're a community and youth organisation based around music and we run programs such as the World Connection Talent Quest as a way of engaging youth in the community,” explains John Lumley, co-creator of Champion Sound. “What we're trying to do through the talent quest is to identify new talent and give young aspiring artists the opportunity to develop themselves in the music industry.”

John explains that the most exciting part of the talent quest is placing the winner in an artist development program, which is designed to give them the knowledge, skills and experience they need to make their own career in the music industry.
John says that the artist is provided with studio time, an individual music action plan and general business awareness information from the Logan Office of Economic Development. The end result is they’re able to record a song they know is professional.


Champion Sound came about as a result of Englishmen John Lumley and Chris Jay, co-founder of Dub Wise productions, lamenting over the lack of reggae sound systems in Australia.
For those of you who aren't familiar with sound system culture, it originated in Jamaica in the 50s when DJs would pile speakers, turntables and a generator onto the back of a truck, as a way of bringing music to people.
John says that Australian's are slowly taking to the concept of sound systems. “It's a more realistic way of having parties as it's unrealistic to think that everyone can make it to central party venues or locations such as the City, Valley or West End,” explains John.


John says that by staging events in local dance halls or PCYC venues events are more accessible to the public.
“It's great to see people at events who want to get up and play or sing. It's even better when we find they have amazing talent, sometimes we take them and record a song and play it at the next party, it's a great way to get people involved in the process.”


John encourages people to sign up for the talent quest ahead of time - www.championsound.com.au/championyouth or by emailing him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. as there are limited places available.

The World Connection Talent Quest #2 takes place at the Logan PCYC, Lot 7 Jacaranda Ave, Woodridge, Saturday April 18.