The 2021 Gold Coast Music Awards announced talented winners across ten categories this afternoon, celebrating the region’s creative gold with thousands of national livestream viewers and the hundreds of Queensland musicians, music lovers and industry folks who attended the glamorous red carpet event at Gold Coast’s Home Of The Arts (HOTA) theatre.
Following a performance with Tones and I and two Queensland Music Awards this year, a standout today was singer-songwriter and first time Awards nominee, Beckah Amani, whose smooth vocals and honest conversation about racism in single ‘STANDARDS’ earned her the Song Of The Year award, while the track’s Triple j and NIDA supported clip also earned her Video Of The Year.
“’STANDARDS’ is my most vulnerable work. Turning this reflective poem into a song and releasing it was both liberating and important for me and my people, and the recognition today is super encouraging as an emerging artist,” said Amani.
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.”
The Gold Coast Music Awards ceremony took place midday-4pm, Saturday 4 September at Home of the Arts (HOTA), Gold Coast, in partnership with SPRINGTIME Music Festival. Please find the awards ceremony livestream to re-watch, here.
The Gold Coast Music Awards is produced by Blank Street Press and proudly supported by City of Gold Coast and Major Events Gold Coast.