Vertigo has been named the winner of Northern Composure 2026, the Northern Beaches’ longest-running youth band competition.

Music erupted from the Northern Beaches PCYC over the weekend as 5 talented bands battled it out for the coveted title in front of hundreds of enthusiastic fans.

This year's finalists were Four Leaf Clover, Lemonjam, Lorelei, Trepan and Vertigo, each performing a mix of original material and cover songs as they competed for the title.

Vertigo, a 4-person band, wowed the judges with phenomenal musicianship, originality, stage presence, and youth appeal securing them the top honour for 2026.

As winners, Vertigo received $1,000 in prize money from Northern Beaches Council, a marketing and publicity package, a consultation with a Roland Product Specialist, a Fender Guitar, a full music production package including recording of a single, a paid gig at Brookie and a free busking licence.

Shortly after the winner was announced members from Vertigo said – “We are super ecstatic, shocked and very, very, happy!

The runners up were:

• Platinum (1st) - Vertigo
• Gold – Trepan
• Silver – Lorelai
• Emerging Artist – Lemon Jam
• People’s Choice – Four Leaf Clover 

Northern Composure offers musicians aged 12 to 24 a rare opportunity to perform on a professional stage in front of a live audience and industry judges. 

Over the years, the competition has built a reputation as a launching pad for emerging talent, with past participants including Ocean Alley, Lime Cordiale, Dear Seattle, The Rions, Crocodylus, C.O.F.F.I.N and Edgecliff.

Northern Composure Band Competition is proudly produced by Northern Beaches Council and generously supported by Jaminajar, Perfect Pitch, Rocksalt Sound, Mall Music, Mad Capsicum Management and Groove Connections.

For more information about the competition, visit the Northern Beaches Council website.