Halls Head College student Jye Criddle will show off his musical talent during his own set at the 2019 Fairbridge Festival after being named a winner of the Quest youth songwriting competition.
The 17-year-old won for the performance of his own song Run Cold in the 16-18-year-old category.
The talented guitarist and vocalist was named a finalist last week and went up against five other musicians on March 23 to vie for the chance to play at this year's Festival.
Fremantle College's Isaac Smalley also took out first place for the craft of his song What Remains of Marie Claire.
Deciding their fate was judges Em Burrows from West Australian Music, Vinnie Crea WAAPA, singer/song-writer Rose Parker and Fairbridge Festival artist director Rod Vervest.
As part of his prize package, Jye also won a John Butler Studio recording session voucher; an entry into the West Australian Music (WAM) Song of the Year entry; a HK Photography professional photoshoot; a WAMCon 2019 ticket; a post-final industry mentoring session from WAM; and the opportunity to sign a deal with Perfect Pitch Publishing.
Hailing from Margaret River, Jye, started classical guitar lessons when he was just nine years old and was often found busking or gigging at wineries and venues in the South West.
After being part of all his school's musical programs, Jye began writing lyrics and focusing on his voice at just 13.
For years he honed his sound and now boasts an incredible, easy-listening acoustic sound synonymous with the chilled feeling of a Sunday afternoon in summer.
With a life that revolves around music, he also plays in a band that gigs every month in Perth and is part of the Rock Scholars mentoring program.
In an interview with the Mandurah Mail last week, Jye said he entered two of his strongest songs in the competition just to see how he would go as a solo act.
"I just wanted to put my music out there, give it a go and see what happens," he said.
"I'm stoked, just to become a finalist is really big - I didn't think that would happen.
"This is the first big thing that's happened to my solo career."
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Halls Head College principal Bronwyn White said the school was very proud of Jye for putting his music out there and couldn't wait to see what he achieved.
"It's wonderful to see students go out there - the opportunities are all out there and Jye has proven what you can do," she said.
"He's really used his initiative, gone out there and created and given himself those life experiences to set himself up."
"Kudos to Jye, it is just fantastic. I could listen to [Jye's] voice quite happily all day on the radio, it's a beautiful voice."
Now in his final year of high school, Jye said he hopes music will be a big part of his career for the rest of his life.
"In the future, I'd like to be performing and writing my own music and performing it to crowds and recording my own music. If not, I want to study music at university or teach music," he said.
Jye will play his live set on the Backlot stage on 28 April at this year's Fairbridge Festival.
For more information about the Festival, visit the website.
