A KIAMA musician is one step away from winning a trip to the United States as part of a prestigious nationwide program.
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Joe Mungovan has made it to the grand final of the Telstra Road to Discovery talent development program.
The 20-year-old vocalist/guitarist/drummer began songwriting in 2007, and is currently a full-time musician.
Following the recent semi-final heat at Kindred Studios in Melbourne, the final 10 were selected from a field of 18 hopefuls and will now compete at the grand final at the Forum Theatre, Melbourne, on December 3.
The grand final will result in two winners rewarded with a $15,000 music development fund and a trip to the United States to perform at the Americana Music Festival.
The prize also includes ongoing opportunities for further development including gigs and education to help kickstart their music career.
"It's great, it doesn't really feel like a competition," Mungovan said.
"It just feels like we're hanging out together, playing music.
"Everyone's really supportive," he said
In the week leading up to the semi-final the performers were mentored by experienced artists, producers and managers in the music industry during a boot camp session.
"We were doing songwriting and recording workshops, as well as interviews, which was really good," Mungovan said.
"I was there for a week, meeting people, talking about music and learning so much about the industry."
In addition to his solo endeavours, Mungovan still plays shows with Tommy M and the Mastersounds. He has also recorded an EP with a new blues/indie rock project called El Grande, alongside fellow Kiama resident James Vann.
"We're releasing the EP in December and doing an East Coast tour," Mungovan said.