Rock band Magpie Senpai has won first prize in Western Australia's longest-running music competition, Underground Sounds. The band triumphed over five other finalists at The Underground youth centre in Southern River, securing $3000 and a Golden Record.
The competition featured 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. Ethan Grainger took second prize of $1200, while Navisha Shukla placed third, winning $800.
Underground Sounds, now in its 38th year, was presented by the City of Gosnells and supported by the cities of Armadale and Canning, the Town of Victoria Park, and the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale. For the first time, the competition was open to young performers from these areas.
Gosnells Mayor Terresa Lynes praised the competition's longevity and diversity. '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.'
