Melbourne artist John Flanagan has taken out two of the major States at this years 2013 Gympie Music Muster Talent Search. His original composition 'Last of The Cassette Men' won Best Original Song and his performance earned him the Best Performance award.

After submitting his audition online, John was selected as a semi-finalist for this years search and made the journey from Melbourne to Gympie to perform in front of panel of experienced music industry experts on Saturday, August 24. Qualifying for the Grand Final, John performed on the MainStage at the Gympie Muster today and took out both major awards.

John Flanagan joins past winners of the Gympie Music Muster Talent Search such as Brooke and Samantha McClymont (of The McClymonts), Drew McAlister (of McAlister Kemp) and Mark O'Shea (of O'Shea) to name a few. John takes away over $30,000 worth of prizes including a Fender guitar, studio recording time and an assistance package to support his next release. John's also earned a main stage performance spot at the 2014 Gympie Music Muster.

"I decided to enter the 2013 Gympie Muster Talent Search hoping for a doorway into the country music world" John said of his win. "I couldn't be happier to have won both of these awards".

His original composition 'Last of The Cassette Men' was inspired by a chance meeting with Australian music legend Paul Kelly. John was asked to drive Paul to a studio in Melbourne and when Paul sat in John's car he commented on John's cassette car stereo and how much he enjoys still enjoys making mixed tapes for friends and family and how it's a dying art.

Winner of the Best Junior category was Charters Towers brother and sister trio 'Up & Coming'. Katelyn, Liam and Kasey O'Donoghue impressed the judging panel with their confident performance which was beyond their 11 to 16 years of age.

Music producer Rob Mackay was one of the panel of music industry experts and said, "The pool of talent the year was awesome. We had entrants ranging in age from 12 to 40 years and performing all styles of country music. This search is all about giving artists an opportunity to showcase their talent and for the panel to help nurture and give direction to their art. John Flanagan and Up & Coming are worthy winners of this year 2013 Gympie Muster Music Muster Talent Search and we hope they go on to great success in their careers".