Two rising stars from Cowra’s music scene are set to showcase their songwriting talents at this year’s Regional Songwriting Contest in Bathurst on August 9, representing the heart of the Central West with original music that reflects both personal stories and shared experiences.
Dom Lenarduzzi, a local musician and teacher at St Raphael’s Catholic School will be entering his heartfelt track “The Joneses”. Originally from Canberra, Dom moved to Cowra last year and quickly became an active part of the local music community.
“There’s a really supportive group of Cowra musos,” Dom said. “We all back each other with gigs and follow each other’s journey.”
Dom's song reflects the struggles and triumphs of balancing modern life, fatherhood, and ambition.
“I’m a young dad with a beautiful wife and two young kids,” he said. “Cost of living has affected every generation, and The Joneses is about managing that while still being a present husband and father. The main line in the chorus is: ‘All I’m trying to do is keep up with the Joneses.’”
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Though he’s been playing music for over a decade, Dom only began performing regularly last year.
“My first gig was at the bowling club in May. Since then, I’ve been playing two to four times a week across the Central West,” he said. “What started as a fun side project has now turned into something that means a lot more.”
He sees the songwriting contest as an opportunity not just to share his music, but with the competition prize including a recording package, the opportunity for two winners to record their music professionally - a process that normally costs thousands.
“This comp gives us a chance to win a weekend studio recording package. That’s huge for independent musicians.”
Emily Reynolds will also represent Cowra with her song “Getting Older”. The inspiration came from a conversation with her grandmother.
“I feel like I was 15 yesterday and now I’m 24,” Emily said. "I wrote it after talking to my nan, I feel like I was 15 yesterday and I'm 24 now." she said. "I asked her about it and she said 'that never changes, no matter how old you get,' -- she still looks in the mirror and in her 70's still feels young inside. It made me sad in a way, because one day my grandparents won't be around and I felt like it's something people can relate to no matter what stage of life they're at."
While Emily grew up in a musical family, she only recently returned to music after a long break.
“About two and a half years ago, I watched my uncle record an album, and that got me back into it,” she said. “Soon after, I started doing open mics, and not long after that, I was offered my first gig. I decided to jump right in and put the pressure on myself to just do it. Obviously you improve through practice and lots of local venues have been generous enough to give me gigs and that's improved my skills a lot too.”
Both Dom and Emily expressed deep gratitude to the Cowra venues and businesses that have supported their musical journeys, especially CJ’s at Club Cowra for hosting local gigs.
The Regional Songwriting Contest, held in Bathurst, is an annual celebration of songwriting talent across the Central West. Artists perform their original songs accompanied by a live festival band made up of five of Bathurst’s top musicians, with two winners crowned, with one chosen by a panel, the other by audience vote. A special People’s Choice Award is also up for grabs.
You can follow both artists at:
Emily Reynolds: @emilyreynolds.music
Dom Lenarduzzi: @domlenarduzzimusician
Spectator tickets are available now at: www.bmec.com.au
