Talkback Amp is the first band to enter the Ultimate Battle of the Musos 2009, and more young bands and artists are urged to sign up for the annual music competition by August 28.
Between eight and 10 acts are anticipated to test their songwriting and music playing abilities at X-it Youth Centre, in heats on September 11 and 18.
The grand final will be held on September 25.
X-it youth worker Fi Sawers said the buzz was growing among young Wakatipu musicians.
"We've already had one confirmed in the line-up, and several other youths have asked for application forms, so it's getting really exciting.
"I'm looking forward to seeing their amazing talent. They're really cool, they've got incredible voices and the musicians are gifted beyond their years."
New X-it youth worker Laura Cross said: "I'm excited to be able to get to see the passion in the youth.
This is a great opportunity for them to show their skills and hard work, and to be able to get fantastic prizes that have been generously given by our sponsors."
Anyone aged between 15 and 24 was invited to enter.
Entry forms were available from the Stanley St youth centre and the Wakatipu High School office. Contenders could perform two songs of any musical genre for the heats and their songs could be covers, although extra points were awarded for original material.
Queenstown music teacher and performer Margaret O'Hanlon, and Studio 183 owner Dave Allison, will join representatives from radio station the Rock FM and live music venue Revolver, plus Otago Daily Times and Queenstown Times journalist James Beech, on the judging panel.
Youngsters will be vying for the 2009 Ultimate Muso title and to play a warm-up set for an established artist at Revolver.
They also stand a chance of winning the Best Original Song Award, as judged by Mr Allison and musician Andrea Cruickshank, who is a singer-songwriter and producer.
The winning act will have the chance to professionally record their composition at Studio 183.
Miss Sawers said younger siblings were welcome to attend the competition at the youth centre, but they must be accompanied by an adult.
It was more appropriate for high school-aged people or older.
David Bell was named Ultimate Muso and won the best original song prize in the inaugural competition last year.
Mr Bell has since performed twice at Revolver and has had his winning original composition recorded at Studio 183.
