Sahara Beck wins Carol Lloyd Award
Sahara Beck has been named as the recipient of the $15,000 Carol Lloyd Award for 2019, the announcement taking place at the launch of this year's Queensland Music Festival.
Music’s golden girl, Amy Shark will become the inaugural Hall Of Fame inductee after taking out the prestigious Artist Of The Year award while breakout artist San Mei won Song of the Year at last night's Gold Coast Music Awards.
Following another 12 months of smashing national and international success, Shark took out three of her four nominated categories, including Artist Of The Year, Live Act Of The Year and Release Of The Year for hit album, Love Monster.
“I feel so honoured to be recognised by the Gold Coast Music Awards, by my home town and by the community that stood by me from the very beginning,” she said.
“Thank you so much for these incredible awards and for inducting me as your first artist in the Gold Coast Music Hall Of Fame. It’s such an exciting time for the Gold Coast and for music in this country, there are so many amazing bands and artists coming through the GC – it really feels so special to be part of the artist community.”
The illustrious beachfront event saw the city celebrate finalists and winners across nine categories, including rising star San Mei, who took home Breakout Artist Of The Year and the hotly contested Song Of The Year gong for her popular indie rock number, Wonder.
Wolfmother keyboard player and acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, Ian Peres won the newly introduced Musician Of The Year award, while Video Of The Year was snapped up by experimental dance and music artist, YT Dingo, for his music clip Shipwrecked.
Heartfelt harpist ELSKA won the popular vote, taking out the People's Choice category.
Newest addition to the Gold Coast live music scene, Vinnies Dive received its own ‘Skull Murphy’ trophy for Venue Of The Year, thanks to its support and ability to cater to emerging local artists and loud rock bands.
Gold Coast Music Awards director, Samantha Morris said, “Our 2019 Award winners and finalists are a true testament to the creative gold that continues to grow and emerge from this City.
“It was such a close call for the judges in many of the categories. Amy Shark, San Mei, Ian Peres and YT Dingo are all very deserving winners and we’re especially thrilled to announce that Amy will be the very first artist to be inducted into the Gold Coast Music Hall of Fame.
Samantha Morris
Director, Gold Coast Music Awards
“We are currently consulting with City of Gold Coast and our industry partners to determine what a hall of fame might look like for the Gold Coast, but it’s sure to be a bit different!”
Amy Shark’s induction into the Hall of Fame will take place in 2020.
“It’s history-in-the-making with our Hall Of Fame honour sure to become one of the most prestigious accolades musicians strive for throughout their career,” said Mayor Tom Tate.
“The depth of musical talent in our city has exploded in the last decade and I don’t envy the judges who will cast their eyes over future potential hall-of-famers. Congrats to Amy and watch this space for rising stars like San Mei.”
Last night’s Gold Coast Music Awards kicked off the free, four-day Surfers Paradise LIVE festival, which will see iconic Australian artists perform throughout Surfers over the weekend, including The Living End, Hoodoo Gurus, The Screaming Jets, Daryl Braithwaite, Jebediah, Reece Mastin, Thirsty Merc, Chocolate Starfish, Boom Crash Opera and Bachelor Girl.
"The Gold Coast Music Awards were a great way to highlight and celebrate the musical talent we have here on the Gold Coast while getting Surfers Paradise LIVE off to a great start," says Mike Winlaw, Surfers Paradise LIVE.
"Our fellow Gold Coast artists Casey Barnes, San Mei and Peach Fur, who performed last night, have certainly set a high standard for the host of live music acts set to perform in the coming days."
QMF Unveils Huge 20th Anniversary Program
Queensland Music Festival has launched its massive 2019 program. The state-wide program for the festival's 20th anniversary will run 5 July through to 28 July and bring "the gift of music to all corners of the state". Find out what's on and how you can get involved!
Chill with Paces: In The Studio with Paris Irwin
Last fortnight Paris Irwin, winner of the Industry Connect ‘Chill with Paces’ mentoring session spent an afternoon at Alchemix Recording Studios with Paces to gain some priceless industry insight, feedback on her songs and whip up a groovy new tune with the Gold Coast based producer.
AMPLIFY Songwriting Retreat 2019
Tucked away in the mountains of the Sunshine Coast is the picturesque Heliport Studios where for the second year, eight Industry Connect participants will spend four days co-writing and collaborating on new music with the guidance of industry experts.
APRA Professional Development Awards
APRA AMCOS have announced the return of the biennial APRA Professional Development Awards offering nine individual winners $15,000 each. The Smugglers of Light initiative will also return in 2019, providing a promising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music or media practitioner with a grant of $12,000.
Music Industry Jobs
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