Southern Cross University Rolling Stone Australia scholarship recipient announced

In taking up a place in Southern Cross University’s Bachelor of Contemporary Music in 2024, Grafton-born Lewis Reilly joins a list of outstanding young musicians who have received the $15,000 scholarship offered in partnership with Rolling Stone Australia magazine.

The editor-in-chief of Rolling Stone Australia, Poppy Reid, helped judged the scholarship winner from among almost 100 applicants.

“Lewis Reilly is a rare gem who has discovered his sound at an early age,” she said reflecting on the judges’ unanimous choice.

“In my experience, artists who know who they are and what they want to share with the world are the most successful in finding a career in music.

“Lewis will arrive into national consciousness as a fully formed creative, I have no doubt about it.”

Lewis learned guitar from his late father and spent his youth playing and learning from older musicians. He said his influences range but rely deeply on blues.

“Just thanks to Southern Cross and to Rolling Stone. This is unbelievable. I just can’t wait (to start my degree),” he said.

Course coordinator Dr Barry Hill said Lewis was a great choice for the scholarship.

“He encapsulates what we're trying to do in the Contemporary Music Program at Southern Cross; that is to give our students a range of industry-focused skills that are vital to make a career out of music.  

“Lewis comes from regional New South Wales and has played music all his life.  He has been taught mainly informally by his father and honed his skills playing local gigs and in school bands.

“His creative voice on his chosen musical instrument is very well developed and he has some great audio technology skills demonstrated in his support material.

“He is a good example of the type of student that Southern Cross can support and reflects the values of our degree programs and the University as a whole.”

Rolling Stone Scholarship applicants must meet the entry requirements of the degree and provide a written submission answering what music really means to them. Video and audio files of the shortlisted applicants are also assessed by the judges.

Previous winners include Kaliya Alldridge and Leon Holstegge.