Excitement is building for the inaugural Sunshine Coast Music Awards (SCMAs) on June 1 with one winner to perform on stage at Big Pineapple Festival in October.

To celebrate the news, the Sunshine Coast Music Industry Collective (SCMIC) is extending the awards nomination period until Friday, April 11.

The Sunshine Coast Music Awards celebrates the artistic skills of musicians, creatives, and the broader talents of the Sunshine Coast music industry.

Creators of the awards, SCMIC is an independent not-for-profit industry body committed to advocating for the region’s thriving music scene.

While the group has been blown away by applications already received, they want to acknowledge the recent devastation caused by Cyclone Alfred, which hit pause on the music industry for many days.

With this in mind, SCMIC is encouraging all musicians, venues, producers, creative artists, and industry members, to take advantage of the extension.

APPLY NOW >> https://www.scmic.org/sunshinecoastmusicawards-home.

Main photo: A punter at the Big Pineapple Festival last year, by Ben Russoniello.

Big Pineapple Festival lineup spot for Rising Star recipient 

Adding to the buzz, the Coast’s own Big Pineapple Festival has guaranteed a spot on their award-winning festival stage to this year’s Rising Star recipient.

Big Pineapple Festival last year saw massive acts such as Peking Duk, The Amity Affliction and Tones and I, take over the famous pineapple fields.

Touted as a “huge celebration”, the festival on October 18 is a beloved attraction for locals and tourists alike.

This year’s Sunshine Coast Music Awards Rising Star of the Year will perform at the Big Pineapple Festival in October. Photo: Revellers at last year’s festival by Ben Russoniello.

Award Categories (full T&Cs on website)

The Sunshine Coast Music Awards 2025 has 11 categories: Artist of the Year, Rising Star of the Year, Musician 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.

FUN FACT: One in 41 people on the Sunshine Coast identify as being involved in the music industry. These awards are the first formal acknowledgement of the people who work so hard to make it a reality.

Sunshine Coast Music Awards: All You Need To Know

Nominations are NOW OPEN for the 2025 Sunshine Coast Music Awards (SCMAs) – here’s everything you need to know to get involved. 

If you want the Sunshine Coast music scene you’ve always dreamed of, don’t hesitate. Apply now, and be sure to share with your friends! 

All finalists receive a free ticket to the SCMAs!

All artists must self-nominate

WHO CAN NOMINATE?

Nominations must come from the nominee themselves (artist, band, venue, etc.) or their manager, publicist, or agent. If you want to see your favourite artist win, encourage them to nominate!

NOMINATION FEE

$8 per nomination

25% of proceeds go to our SCMA charity partner – Support Act

Each finalist receives one free ticket to the SCMAs!

ELIGIBILITY PERIOD

Nominees must have released work between 1 March 2024 – 28 February 2025.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Nominees must have a strong connection to the Sunshine Coast which is defined by:

• Live & work on the Sunshine Coast OR
• Grew up & established their career on the Sunshine Coast but currently live elsewhere
• Inclusive of the Sunshine Coast regions in the Sunshine Coast Council & Noosa Council LGA regions.

(We will verify all nominations through online sources such as Spotify, triple j Unearthed, and bios to ensure fairness.)

JUDGING

The judging of the awards will be undertaken by a diverse range of independent music industry professionals. 

No members of the SCMIC Committee are on the judging panels for the Awards.

APPLY NOW >> https://www.scmic.org/sunshinecoastmusicawards-home.

This is YOUR moment to stand alongside the best in our region’s music scene. 

Make sure to also follow SCMIC on socials to stay up to date with the latest event and industry news!