Sound Wave 2026

Cue the applause: Stevie Wright has officially been crowned the 2026 Sound Waves Champion

Held at Maroubra Beach on Saturday January 31, the inaugural Maroubra Sound Waves comp saw five standout young performers battle it out in front of a sun-drenched, music-loving crowd.

Run by Randwick City Council, this special new event featured live music, activities, stalls, and exciting performances from five young, talented acts. 

Competing for the inaugural title of Sound Waves Champion were teen band, Banned; country music singer, Stevie Wright; Indie-pop artist, Connor Miles; songwriting prodigy, Zella Benko; and electrifying DJ, Just Dukes. 

But it was 13-year-old local Stevie Wright who stole the show with her unique blend of country and soul with pop polish in a performance that felt well beyond her years.

Winning by popular vote, Stevie didn’t just perform - she connected with everyone in attendance, giving the kind of raw, authentic energy that Sound Waves was designed  to celebrate.

The prize? Not just bragging rights. Stevie scored a prize pack valued at over $1,500, including a professional recording session, a major music store voucher, and a paid gig at the iconic The Spot Festival - aka a fast track from local stage to serious spotlight.

Of course, the competition was anything but quiet. Teenage band Banned brought high-energy rock riffs and cheeky, tongue-in-cheek lyrics that had the crowd bouncing. Indie pop-rocker Connor Miles delivered electrifying guitar hooks and raw, heartfelt storytelling, while 12-year-old rising star Zella Benko impressed with her poetic songwriting and stage confidence well beyond her years. And DJ Just Dukes kept the vibes alive with a slick mix of pop, house, and party classics.

Together, these finalists - and Stevie herself - proved the next wave of music talent is already here, and the future of Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs music scene has never sounded more exciting.

You can follow Stevie on Instagram: steviewright_music/