Create the midnight soundtrack for Sydney New Year’s Eve 2027

The first stage is an open call to submit an expression of interest proposal to the City of Sydney. 

At this stage we’re seeking the information outlined in the expression of interest online form. 

This includes artist details, key collaborators, experience and capacity, and knowledge and understanding of composing music for large scale events and broadcast audiences. It also includes existing sample tracks, acknowledgement of the requirements for Sydney New Year’s Eve 2027.

Following our evaluation of the expression of interest proposals, we’ll invite shortlisted composers to submit a detailed proposal. A maximum of 6 composers will be selected to proceed to the RFP stage.

Composers selected to participate in the request for proposal (RFP) stage will be at the discretion of the City of Sydney.

These composers will be issued with formal RFP documents to complete in a set timeframe.

Documents will be issued through Tenderlink and invited composers will be required to register with Tenderlink.

Shortlisted composers will also be required to:

• Submit a sample of proposed original track of us to 3 minutes in their RFP submission. The track must be an original work of the composer who owns the copyright and must not have been created using generative AI.
• Attend a pre-submission briefing with the City of Sydney for an outline of the RFP process and an opportunity to ask clarification questions. This briefing is expected to take place around one week after the proposal documents have been released and will be no longer than 60 minutes.
• Attend an in-person meeting with the City of Sydney to present their creative concept (including a sample of their draft soundtrack) for consideration. This presentation meeting will be up to 60 minutes and will take place around 2 weeks after proposal closing date. Further details will be provided to shortlisted composers as required.

We will pay a fee of $2,000 (excluding GST) to invited stage 2 composers once we’ve received a completed submission (including the sample track and the presentation to City of Sydney employees).

This fee is based on industry guidelines to develop a sample track of up to 3 minutes.

Eligibility list

The City of Sydney may create an eligibility list from Stage 2 respondents for Sydney New Year’s Eve 2028 and 2029. Inclusion on the list does not guarantee future work, and any engagement will be at the City’s discretion.