Thousands gathered virtually last week in COVID-19 style to celebrate the sixth annual Gold Coast Music Awards from their loungerooms.
Special guests joined the celebrations with warm messages from Tones and I, Amy Shark, Sophie Monk, Tomy Emmanuel and Michael Chugg and some fantastic performances by Local Artists rounding out the celebrations.
Days after hitting #1 on the ARIA country album charts local legend Casey Barnes also took out the big gong of the night Artist of The Year; roots due Busby Marou won Release of the Year for their album, The Great Divide; and Breakout Artists went to the young indie rock band, Eliza and the Delusionals.
Barnes said he is, “Absolutely blown away to win Artist of The Year. It’s been a pretty special last week or so. Extremely humbled and extra special when it’s in your back yard. Was an amazing night to be part of! Extremely proud to be a Gold Coaster.”
Song of the year was taken out by triple threat DVNA, for her self produced tune, Looking Like A Snack. Julz Parker, the acclaimed guitarist for blues ‘n’ roots act, Hussy Hicks, won Musician Of The Year. At the same time, Live Act Of The Year was taken out by electronica/world music globetrotters, Tijuana Cartel.
Emerging artist DENNIS. Got a big thrill when Tones and I delivered a congratulatory message for her win of the inaugural Gold Coast Music Prize, a 12-month career development package with management advice, PR, video production, media support and more.
“I definitely know how hard it can be as an emerging artist, so that’s why it’s so great to see an award like the Gold Coast Music Prize help artists and give them a leg up,” said Tones, who’s hit single, Dance Monkey just became the world’s highest ever Spotify streamed song by a female artist.
The competitive Video Of The Year category was taken out by Eddie Ray, for DIY animation, ‘The Story’; fans voted Lagerstein for the People’s Choice Award; while the old adage ‘home is where the heart is’ was proven true when Home Of The Arts turned out to be Gold Coast’s best Venue Of The Year.
Gold Coast Mayor, Tom Tate, said, “The music talent here on the Gold Coast continues to be of the highest standard, and I congratulate all of this year’s winners. I have no doubt the industry here on the Gold Coast will bounce back stronger than ever, and after the restrictions have eased, I look forward to hearing them once again play their music at venues across the city.”
