'I'm Still Pinching Myself': Josh Pyke Partnership 2020 Winner Announced

Melbourne artist Bec Sykes has been named as the winner of the Josh Pyke Partnership for 2020. 

Sykes has been awarded a $7500 grant, a mentorship with Pyke and also a meeting with Wonderlick Entertainment's Gregg Donovan and Select Music's Stephen Wade as part of the partnership run by both Pyke and APRA AMCOS. 

"I’m still pinching myself," said Sykes. "It’s a massive vote of confidence to have people like Josh and the team say they believe in my music. 

"Receiving this grant means I can record my songs and get closer towards releasing my first body of work. Plus being mentored by such notable people in the Aus music industry will be invaluable. As a completely independent artist, winning this is a huge leg up for my career and I'm so grateful. My heart is beating very fast."

"Bec’s entry included a well considered and realistic business plan, and had laid out exactly how she’d use the money," explained Pyke. "But it was her song Edithvale that set her entry apart this year. Something about this song resonated with me in a similar way that Julia Jacklin’s or Phoebe Bridgers’ work does. 

"Bec’s music is very different from those artists, but I felt the same potential for a large and devoted audience to discover her voice and become fans for life. The imagery in the song was intimate and vast at the same time, cinematic and personal."

"Congratulations Bec, I’m really looking forward to seeing your music enter the world, and travel and connect with people the way that great art does, particularly at a time when we mere mortals can’t do that ourselves!"

"It’s so important for emerging artists to be given a voice, recognised and supported on their career path at this challenging time," added APRA AMCOS Head of Member Services, Jana Gibson. 

"APRA AMCOS is proud to be involved once again with the Josh Pyke Partnership, which provides both meaningful financial support and invaluable creative and management guidance. We look forward to hearing more from Bec and wish her our congratulations."

Previous Josh Pyke Partnership winners include Gordi, Alex Lahey, Angie McMahon, Govs, Sumner and Eilish Gilligan. 

Bec Sykes

Josh Pyke