The Sunshine Coast is set to roll out the red carpet for an industry-first music awards night to be held on June 1 next year.
UniSC lecturer and producer Dr Andy Ward made the announcement at a SCMIC (Sunshine Coast Music Industry Collective) gathering at Solbar on Tuesday night.
ABC journalist Sarah Howells, Solbar’s Melissa O’Bryan and even TV’s Ian “Dicko” Dickson were in attendance, with live performances from rising stars Ayla and Nana’s Pie.
The Sunshine Coast Music Awards will be held at Your Mates Brewing, in Warana, and celebrates all facets of the industry – from artists, songwriters and venues to recording studios, record stores, punters, and other music businesses.
Musicians stoked to ‘get the recognition they crave’
Local artists have welcomed the announcement saying it’s a strong “YES” from the majority of talent who have been wanting a special night to call their own.
Buderim singer-songwriter Drew Wilson says the awards is “something we’ve been wanting for a long time”.
“It will be a positive way for our creatives to put their names in lights and get the recognition that they crave and deserve for their art,” Drew says.
“Hopefully this can lead into other industry opportunities, like our own Sunshine Coast showcase at Bigsound to continue to put our region on the map.
“This is positive news and well done to the SCMIC crew for laying the platform.”
Ayla Scanlan (pictured), who goes by Ayla on stage, says an awards night will allow for “a recognition of the talent and scene”.
“Community is so important, and this awards night is another opportunity to strengthen ours even further.”
Drummer Bailey Walker says: “Seeing the turn out from all areas of the music industry was extremely promising and the direction and support from those on the board of SCMIC was great to see.
“After a solid chunk of time where the music industry has been left out (or forgotten), it’s great to know we’re building something strong, community-focussed and prosperous here on the Sunshine Coast.
“It’s time that the Coast was recognised locally, nationally and also on the global stage. Exciting times ahead.”
The Sunshine Coast now joins the Gold Coast which has their own Gold Coast Music Awards, founded in 2015.
SCMIC will also hold an inaugural AGM on January 16.
Those interested in joining the collective and being involved in the music awards can get in contact via https://www.scmic.com.au.
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