MEET THE ARTISTS CARRYING QUEENSLAND'S MUSIC LEGACY FORWARD
QMusic presents 2026 suite of Scholarships with four incredible Queensland artists receiving $15,000 each to chase their next chapter.
Last night at Parliament House, QMusic announced the winners of QMusic's annual music scholarships as part of the Queensland Parliamentary Friends of the Music Industry event.
Backed by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, the scholarships put $60,000 into the hands of four artists ready to level up. Each award carries the name of a Queensland music icon - Billy Thorpe, Grant McLennan, Carol Lloyd, and Dennis 'Mop' Conlon, and each one comes with $15,000 in support that's tailored to where the artist needs to go next.
#So, who won?
Billy Thorpe Scholarship - Frank and Louis Brothers from the Sunshine Coast who literally just finished high school. Frank and Louis are already turning heads, and now they've got the funding to record with an established producer and tap into the wisdom of Chugg Music for career mentorship. Watch this space.
Grant McLennan Fellowship - BANFF Brisbane musician Benjamin Forbes (aka BANFF) is about to pack his bags. The Fellowship gives him the chance to travel to one of three international destinations, soak up the local music scene, and come back a better songwriter. Not a bad deal.
Carol Lloyd Award - Paulina at 21, the Brisbane singer, songwriter and producer is already operating on a level that demands attention. Named for the trailblazing former lead singer of Railroad Gin, the Carol Lloyd Award will give Paulina the resources to record a full album or take an EP on the road.
Dennis 'Mop' Conlon Scholarship - Dubbzone Townsville-based Indigenous hip hop artist and storyteller Dubbzone brings a voice and perspective that's genuinely his own. The scholarship gives him the platform to record new music and build a career that can go the distance. 
#This is just the beginning.
The QMusic Scholarships announcement kicks off Queensland Music Awards (QMA) season, with a lot more still to come. The QMAs land at Miami Marketta on the Gold Coast on 22 April, and it's shaping up to be a massive night.
Over 100 Australian and international music industry professionals have cast their votes across pop, country, electronic, folk, hip hop, jazz, rock, screen music, visual storytelling and more. With winners to be announced on the night - Meg Washington, The Jungle Giants, Young Franco, Jem Cassar-Daley, Ziggy Alberts, Amy Sheppard and The Dreggs just some of the names in the running.
First release tickets are gone but you can still get on the waitlist and keep your fingers crossed.