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KILLING HEIDI HIT THE ROAD WITH WILD TURKEY MUSIC 101

IDENTITY PR

Key Facts:

Editor Notes – Wild Turkey Music 101 x Killing Heidi Tour

About the Tour:

• Dates: 22–30 August 2025

• Locations: VIC, QLD, NSW (5 pub venues)

• Theme: 101 Greatest Pub Songs of All Time – fan-voted list performed by Killing Heidi + emerging artists

• Venues:

  • Commercial Hotel, South Morang, VIC – Fri 22 Aug

  • Hound & Stag, Arundel, QLD – Sat 23 Aug

  • Ettamogah Hotel, Kellyville Ridge, NSW – Thu 28 Aug

  • Racehorse Hotel, Ipswich, QLD – Fri 29 Aug

  • Toronto Hotel, Lake Macquarie, NSW – Sat 30 Aug

Mentorship Program:

• Program Name: Wild Turkey Music 101

• Purpose: To equip emerging artists with skills, confidence, and connections to succeed in the music industry.

• 2025 Winners: Serendipiti, Norwood Band, Jamie Lamont, Piper Butcher, plus one Sydney artist TBA.

• Mentorship Inclusions:

  • Live performance opportunities supporting Killing Heidi

  • Mentorship sessions with Ella and Jesse Hooper

  • Introduction to a Universal Music A&R representative

  • Wild Turkey merchandise prize pack

• Hero Emerging Artist Prize:

  • Two days recording at Forbes Street Studios to complete a single

  • Live on-stage collaboration with Killing Heidi

About Killing Heidi:

• Iconic Australian rock band, led by siblings Ella and Jesse Hooper.

• Known for hits including Weir and I Am.

• Recently topped the ARIA charts again with their album Reflector 25 years after release.

• “Weir” recently ranked #77 in Triple J’s Hottest 100 of Australian Songs.

About Wild Turkey Music 101:

• An annual initiative from Wild Turkey to support and mentor emerging Australian music talent.

• Embodies the brand’s ethos to Trust Your Spirit.

• Builds on the connection between pub culture and breakthrough music moments.

• “Why 101? Because one more song makes all the difference.” – Mark Watson, Wild Turkey Marketing Director.

Media Assets Available:

• Artist and band images (high-res)

• Tour posters and social graphics

• Interview opportunities with Killing Heidi and emerging artists

• Behind-the-scenes content from mentorship sessions

 

Wild Turkey Music 101 offers five artists the chance to join Killing Heidi on national tour with the ultimate pub gig prize

 

Wild Turkey's five winning emerging artists will join Killing Heidi on a national pub tour to discover the top 101 Greatest Pub Songs of all time, from all over the world, as voted by the fans.

 

 

13 August 2025 Sydney: Wild Turkey has announced the five winning emerging artists from its acclaimed Wild Turkey Music 101 mentorship programme, who will now join iconic Aussie rockers Killing Heidi on their national pub tour celebrating the top 101 Greatest Pub Songs of all time.

The five winners Serendipiti, Norwood Band, Jamie Lamont, Piper Butcher and one more to be announced in Sydney, have earned the chance of a lifetime to support Killing Heidi on tour, where they'll reimagine iconic pub anthems whilst connecting with industry professionals and getting closer to the band that soundtracked your youth with hits like "Weir" and "I Am."

The band, who have recently topped the ARIA charts again after 25 years with their iconic album 'Reflector' and recently landed their hit "Weir" at #77 in Triple J's Hottest 100 of Australian songs, are going on the road for an intimate tour alongside the brand with five pub sets across three states.

The winners will join Killing Heidi as they hit the road to discover fan favourite pub songs, following in the footsteps of legendary acts like INXS, Jet, Screaming Jets, The Angels, Cold Chisel and Midnight Oil - all artists who got their big breaks performing in pubs across the country. From intimate venues to iconic stages, the winners will experience the authentic pub circuit that has shaped the music industry for decades.

These emerging artists won't just be opening acts. They'll be learning from Ella and Jesse Hooper as they hit classic pubs across the country. This year's mentorship programme continued the brand's commitment to nurturing rising talent, providing a platform for artists to trust their spirit and share their boldest stories. The programme selected five ambitious artists to work with industry professionals, with one hero emerging artist and four runners-up earning coveted prize packages.

The hero emerging artist will receive two days at Forbes Street Studios to help complete a single, plus the opportunity to support Killing Heidi and perform a cover song with them live on stage. They'll also receive mentorship sessions with Killing Heidi, an introduction to a Universal Music A&R representative, and a Wild Turkey merchandise prize pack.

The four runner-up artists will each receive the opportunity to support Killing Heidi and perform a cover song with them live on stage, mentorship sessions with Killing Heidi, an introduction to a Universal Music A&R representative, and a Wild Turkey merchandise prize pack.

 

Ella Hooper, lead vocalist of Killing Heidi, said: "There's something magical about the connection between artist and audience in a pub setting. It's raw, honest, and utterly authentic. Some of Australia's greatest musical legends cut their teeth in pubs, and we're thrilled to be part of giving the next generation that same opportunity. Wild Turkey Music 101 represents everything we believe in - trusting your instincts, backing your talent and having the courage to get up there and perform."

 

Wild Turkey Music 101 will partner with Forbes Street Studios, providing the hero emerging artist with tools designed to equip emerging artists with the skills and insights needed to navigate the music industry successfully.

 

Wild Turkey Marketing Director, Mark Watson said: "Wild Turkey's heritage is built on unwavering belief and conviction, the same qualities that drive Australia's pub music scene. Just as Jimmy Russell mentored generations of Master Distillers to perfect our signature bold flavour, we're committed to mentoring the next generation of Australian musicians. Why 101? Because one more song makes all the difference. And timeless ones? They only get better with age.

The connection between pub culture and breakthrough musical moments is undeniable. Killing Heidi themselves proved that pub stages can launch careers that resonate across generations. Our mentorship program embodies the 'Trust Your Spirit' ethos, giving artists the platform and confidence to take that crucial next step."

For the national tour, Killing Heidi will be celebrating the Greatest Pub Songs of All Time - covering some of the greatest pub songs of all time as voted by music lovers nationwide. Killing Heidi will also perform their own iconic tracks, ensuring fans can enjoy both beloved classics and the band's signature hits.

The tour represents Wild Turkey's commitment to honouring the best of pub music heritage whilst championing emerging talent as the heartbeat of pub anthems from all over the world, and the launching pad for musical careers. Beyond this tour, Wild Turkey continues to position itself as the definitive voice in Australian pub culture, with plans to expand its music initiatives and deepen its connection with the local music community.

Working with its agency partners, BRING -- Universal Music for Brands, The Do Collective, Mindshare and AKQA Wild Turkey's integrated campaign will roll out across earned, owned and paid channels, building anticipation for both the mentorship program and the Greatest Pub Songs celebration.

Tickets are available here.

 

Music fans can vote for their favourite pub anthems here.

 

The program reinforces Wild Turkey's position as a champion of Australian music culture, continuing the brand's tradition of supporting artists who embody the courage to trust their spirit and pursue their musical ambitions. With the Greatest Pub Songs voting still open and the tour creating nationwide buzz, Wild Turkey maintains its central role in celebrating and shaping Australia's pub music heritage.

 

Tour Dates & Locations:

 

Commercial Hotel, South Morang, VIC – Friday 22nd August

Hound & Stag, Arundel, QLD – Saturday 23rd August

Ettamogah Hotel, Kellyville Ridge, NSW – Thursday 28th August

Racehorse Hotel, Ipswich, QLD – Friday 29th August

Toronto Hotel, Lake Macquarie, NSW – Saturday 30th August

 

-- ENDS –

 

For more information, reach out to:

Karen Griffin

Director | Identity PR

0412 855 923 | [email protected]