This weekend, we saw the cities music industry celebrate its achievements in a stylish Gold Coast Music Awards red carpet event at Home of The Arts Theatre, with over five hundred of the industries best attending.
In what has been the most challenging eighteen months for the arts and entertainment sector with a wave of cancellations and restrictions, it was great to have a reason to celebrate in person.
The Gold Coast Music Awards were streamed live to thousands of fans, artists and the industry who couldn’t make it to the coast to celebrate with the winners of the ten categories.
Following a performance with Tones and I and two Queensland Music Awards this year, a standout today was a singer-songwriter and first-time Awards nominee, Beckah Amani, whose smooth vocals and honest conversation about racism in Triple J endorsed single, STANDARDS, earned her the Song Of The Year award. At the same time, the track’s clip also made her Video Of The Year.
Australian/Fijian hip hop artist, Jesswar, won the impressive Breakout Artist Of The Year nod after a busy year of releases and tours; while ARIA chart-topping country music star, Casey Barnes, took out the top gong, defending his Artist Of The Year title despite impressive competition from the city’s many international exports.
“The last two years have been pretty tough but we’ve also worked harder than ever as a team, so it’s nice to have that recognised and to get together as an industry and celebrate. Amy, I’m coming for you!” Barnes joked, referring to Amy Shark’s Hall Of Fame status after her three consecutive Artist Of The Year wins.
Also presented with iconic Skull Murphy trophies today were psychedelic surf-rockers, Peach Fur, for Live Act Of The Year; and multi-instrumentalist and producer Scott French, for Musician Of The Year.
Meanwhile, the soulful blues record, Lifeblood, by Karl S. Williams took out Release Of The Year; and cool community hub, Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, went home with Venue Of The Year.
Decided by popular vote, the People’s Choice Award saw Euca win a stunning hand-sculpted trophy by artist, Clayton Blake, while the career-defining Gold Coast Music Prize went to alt-rock band, Selve, providing 12-months of performance, media and mentorship opportunities.
“We’re still overwhelmed that the Awards actually happened. It was devastating when our presenting partner, SPRINGTIME Festival, had to postpone, but to have 500 musicians and music lovers in the room today was magic,” said GCMA director Chloe Popa.
“With incredible performances by Beckah Amani, Karl S. Williams, DENNIS., Massy Sky Raid and daste, we feel like today summed up what we know and love about this city: unwavering support, a rich arts scene, musical hits and a touch of glitz.”
Featured Image: By Nadia Achillies