QUT’s cutting edge Independent Music project is once again cultivating Queensland’s musical talent by recording 100 songs in 100 hours.

The 100 Songs Project was launched in 2011 and garnered contributions from 72 talented bands and artists from around the state. The resulting 100 tracks, which were recorded over a period of just six days, serve to highlight the amazing songwriting coming out of the Sunshine State.

And it’s all happening again this year from May 20-25. To celebrate, twelve of the best songs from 2011 will be released this month on the “Twelve” compilation which will be launched at the Brisbane Powerhouse on March 31.

Musicians and bands are now invited to apply for 2012’s event which will see three studios at QUT’s Gasworks Studio operating for 16 hours a day- they’ll be able to participate in the project and record their song for free.

“The 100 Songs project is a key activity of QUT’s Independent Music Project which was formed to contribute meaningfully to the fabric of the music industry. 100 Songs lets us look at new models of doing business and creating real music with real artists and showing that locking musicians and other creatives in a room for 100 hours can result in some amazing music,” said project head Professor Phil Graham.

Last year’s event saw participating artists enjoy airplay on triple j, 4ZZZ and many other stations, with artists like Ben Salter, Art of Sleeping and Cold and Need also making the cut on the “Twelve” compilation.

The project is supported by a host of industry partners including MGM Distribution, EMI Music, Music Sales Australia, Sounds Like Brisbane, 4ZZZ, Q Music and Arts Queensland.

100 SONGS AND THE “TWELVE” COMPILATION ARE LAUNCHED ON MARCH 31 AT THE BRISBANE POWERHOUSE WITH PERFORMANCES BY COLD & NEED AND BRIANNA CARPENTER.

ARTIST APPLICATIONS FOR 100 SONGS ARE NOW OPEN WITH MORE INFORMATION AT http://www.implabs.net/100-songs/

BE QUICK! Closing date for artist applications – APRIL 9, 2012!