Last year proved golden for music with the third annual Gold Coast Music Awards (GCMA), presented by Surfers Paradise Alliance, today announcing 43 finalists ahead of next month’s Ceremony at Surfers Paradise Beach, Thursday 27 April.
The talent was vast and competition fierce across the seven Awards categories this year, with fast-rising superstar, Amy Shark and local scene stalwarts Hussy Hicks and Benny D Williams on the finalist lists, alongside newcomers Tesla Coils, Eliza and the Delusions and Chelsea Rockwells.
“Gold Coast continues to punch above its weight when it comes to diversity of genres and sheer quality of music being produced,” said GCMA director, Chloe Popa.
“This year we have a mix of dark brooding as well as sweet pop offerings, pub rock, punk, hip-hop, folk, metal and indie-rock in our finalist fraternity. It’s a wonderful snapshot of the talent and diversity of musical talent here on the Gold Coast.”
This year’s Awards sees the launch of a new category – Album of the Year – and additions to the high calibre of judges, including Woodford Folk Festival program director, Chloe Goodyear and Australian Music Week director, Ryan Van Gennip.
Carefully considering over 130 entries, the judges were unanimous about one thing for sure, “the Gold Coast has so much talent,” said Sydney-sider, Van Gennip, “It was a real pleasure to listen to so much great music.”
Thanks to a new partnership with Surfers Paradise Alliance, some 3,000 people are expected to turn out for the GCMAs on 27 April, which kicks off at 6pm with a free public concert headlined by Gold Coast favourites Amy Shark, Hanlon Brothers, Aquila Young and Yes Sir Noceur on the Surfers Paradise beachfront.
The Awards ceremony, where Breakout Artist of the Year (sponsored by Griffith University, Queensland Conservatorium), Venue (sponsored by Oztix) and Live Music Event (sponsored by TAFE Queensland Gold Coast), Song (sponsored by NightQuarter), Video (sponsored by QT Gold Coast), Album (sponsored by ALH) and Artist of the Year (sponsored by Southport Sharks) will be named, takes place in a VIP marquee adjacent to the stage and is a ticketed event.
“The volume of national touring acts stopping in at the Gold Coast has grown dramatically over the past few years. And when you look at the list of venues and events you begin to realise how much is happening here on the Gold Coast as far as live music is concerned,” said Chloe Popa.
“It’s no wonder people outside of the city are really beginning to take notice.”
The GCMAs precedes Surfers Paradise LIVE music festival, which boasts headline act, Australian and international pop sensations, The Veronicas, as well as a host of Gold Coast artists set to feature in the Surfers Paradise LIVE programming – another nod to the quality of the region’s musical natives.
With many of Queensland’s most promising acts going head-to-head, all eyes will be on the Gold Coast Music Awards on 27 April.
Tickets to the Gold Coast Music Awards presentation ceremony are on sale now via Oztix.