The 25-year-old was one of six independent musicians chosen from northern Victoria and Sunraysia to compete in the heat of the annual music competition. 

Mr Lingard was knocked out at the heat stage last year and gives a modest appraisal of his chances this year. 

“I know who I’m performing against and they’re all really good,” he said.

There are 12 heats held across the country, with the eventual winner claiming a 12-month music mentorship package, including performing at the Americana Festival in Nashville USA. Mr Lingard will be singing two original songs in the competition. 

They are his most recent compositions, written since he moved back to Bendigo from Melbourne one month ago to focus on his music career.

“I just thought there’s no better way to see how they are received than at this,” he said.

He said competitions such as the Telstra Road to Discovery were more suited to his pop-folk style.

“I think this style of competition more suits me because it’s not just for clean-cut pop singers. They look for uniqueness.”