Nominations are now open for musicians, venues, producers, and creative artists for the first-ever Sunshine Coast Music Awards.

The awards will be held on Sunday, June 1, at Your Mates Brewing, in Warana.

Driving the awards is the Sunshine Coast Music Industry Collective (SCMIC). They are an independent, not-for-profit music body established in 2022, and are committed to advocating for the local music scene.

SCMIC Working Musician Chair Alex Henrikkson (pictured) says this is a huge opportunity for the region.

“Growing up on the Coast it always felt like the whole industry was everywhere but here.

“Now we’re producing some of the best national and international acts in Australia. It’s time to recognise the established and emerging talent based here.

“This will be a perfect celebration that will have the spotlight on local talent here… And show emerging artists and industry people alike that it is possible to grow and sustain your career from your home, here on the Coast.

“This is the beginning of something very special that will see so many artists celebrated for years to come.”

Celebrating the whole music industry

The Sunshine Coast Music Awards will feature eleven categories.

These are: Artist of the Year, Musician of the Year, Rising Star of the Year, Young Artist of the Year, Live act of the Year, Song of the Year, First Nations Award, Punter of the Year, Venue of the Year,  Artwork of the Year, and Recording Studio of the Year.

The awards will celebrate the artistic skills of musicians, creatives, and the broader talents of the local music industry.

Did you know one in 41 people on the Sunshine Coast identify as being involved in the music industry? These awards are the first formal acknowledgement and celebration of the people who work so hard to make it a reality.

How to nominate for the Sunshine Coast Music Awards

To be eligible to nominate, musicians must have a strong connection to the Sunshine Coast.

The awards will focus on work released between March 1, 2024 and February 28, 2025.

SCMIC Chair Melissa O’Bryan says: “This is a chance to show the industry, and the broader community, just how much talent we have here on the Sunshine Coast, and we are so excited to share what this process can achieve.”

“I’m personally really looking forward to hearing from all corners of the region. I know we have enormous expertise out there and can’t wait to be blown away by what comes out of the first ever awards. Opening nominations is the first major step to bring these awards to life.”

Nominations can be made here, and 25% of all nomination fees will be donated to industry charity Support Act. 

Nominations close on March 28.

Sunshine Coast Music Award Categories:

Artist of year is the award for the biggest act coming out of the Sunshine Coast. It recognises the work of an established act (either an individual or a band) who has produced a consistent body of work and achieved significant outcomes over the past year.

Musician of year is an artistic award, which acknowledges excellence in vocals or instrumentation of an individual Sunshine Coast musician.

Rising Star of the Year will be awarded to an act who has made a significant career breakthrough during the past year.

Young Artist of the Year recognises the talent of a Sunshine Coast musician who is under 21 years of age.

Live act of the Year honors an act that consistently delivers an engaging and highly respected live performance both on and off the Sunshine Coast.

Song of the Year is exactly what it sounds like – the best song released by a Sunshine Coast artist over the past year.

First Nations Award recognises the contribution of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons to the Sunshine Coast music industry.

Punter of the Year recognises the support that a music lover gives to the Sunshine Coast music industry.

Venue of the Year celebrates a committed Sunshine Coast live music venue that primarily showcases live, original music.

Artwork of the Year recognises a creative visual contribution that enhances the music experience, and can include artworks such as posters, cover art, merchandise designs and film clips.

Recording Studio of the Year will be awarded to an outstanding Sunshine Coast recording studio.

For more information head to Sunshine Coast Music Industry Collective here.

Photos by Dameeka Middleton.