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."
Applications are open for the prestigious $25,000 Grant McLennan fellowship, an incredible opportunity for QLD songwriters to travel to New York, London or Berlin for up to six months and use the experience of being immersed in a foreign and vibrant musical culture to further develop their own artistic skills. Applications close 23 September, 2019.
Best Coast’s Bethany Cosentino, music writer and industry figure Vivien Goldman, Frontier Touring’s Sahara Herald and acclaimed artist Mojo Juju join the stellar 2019 speaker lineup. With the new keynote announcement comes the unveiling of the BIGSOUND 2019 Official Party program, with Purple Pass holders in for a real treat with no less than 16 official events.
This year's legendary BIGSOUND party schedule has landed, with a heap of returning favourites and exciting new offerings! Purple Pass holders are in for a real treat with no less than 16 official events, check out the full list!
QMusic have partnered with Sunshine Coast Creative Alliance and The Events Centre to present POINT, an immersive event featuring multi-art projections, installations and some of the country’s most exciting emerging and established music acts taking place Friday 30 Aug. Check out the lineup!
Raising funds for your project or organisation? Applications for matched funding through Creative Partnerships Australia and the Australian Cultural Fund are open from now until Wed 14 August.
Over the past three years BIG SKY GIRLS has become a crucial annual event supporting and mentoring young regional women in music across Queensland. Applications for 2019 are open now, closing 10 August.
