Emerging Perth alt-rock band The Kickons win RAC Limelight Music Support Package for 2025

An emerging indie pop-rock band is eyeing becoming the next big arena act after winning the Limelight music support fund package valued at over $20,000.

A judging panel of WA and interstate music professionals chose The Kickons to receive the life-changing prize, which will offer them financial support for the next 12 months starting from January 1.

The package includes $5,000 in financial assistance, a radio campaign thanks to Nova Entertainment, music equipment thanks to Kosmic, recording studio time and rehearsal space thanks to Vision Studios.

The band will also feature in the WAMFest 2025 line-up and receive promotional support via RAC Arena’s marketing channels.

Members Leo van Ek, Matthais Gault, Tom Quick, Harrison Mitchell and James Kemble were thrilled to be chosen as this year’s main prize winner.

“We are incredibly excited and honoured that RAC Arena has selected us for the 2024 Limelight Support Fund,” they said.

“This represents the biggest opportunity that we have ever had and we could not be more thankful.

“The grant will support us to film a music video for our upcoming release in early February of Bring Me Down Slow and we can’t wait to get the project underway.”

RAC general manager Michael Scott said he looked forward to working alongside them as they build their career in our thriving WA music industry.

“Like the other judges, I was thoroughly impressed with their application and have no doubt they have a bright future ahead of them,” he said.

“It won’t be long until they are the next big arena act, and we look forward to playing our small part in it.”

Joining The Kickons as 2025 Limelight recipients are runner-ups indie folk artist, Anna Schneider and dark wave pop outfit, Gia Como, who have received support packages valued at $3000 each.

Launched as part of the Arena’s 10th-anniversary celebrations, Limelight, presented by RAC Arena and supported by WAM, seeks to support up-and-coming WA musicians by providing financial, performance and promotion opportunities over 12 months.

New and emerging Australian performers, 18 years or older, were invited to apply and demonstrate the activity they would like to undertake throughout the year, how they planned to use the support fund package, and lay out their expected outcomes to their career as a result.

The judging panel included Mr Scott, WAM board member Kristina West, alongside artist manager Hayley Ayres from 360 Artist Logistics, RTRFM producer and presenter Pamela Boland and Kam Dheda, general manager of touring for TEG Dainty.

After high school, The Kickons have made a name for themselves releasing singles and playing gigs at venues like The Rosemount, Indian Ocean Hotel and Dunsborough Tavern.

Their dynamic style combines nostalgic feelings of indie rock and pop with new-wave alternative sounds in the hope of delivering a vibrant experience that’s raw and authentic.