The fourth instalment of the Gold Coast Music Awards has crowned Amy Shark as Artist Of The Year for a second successive year at a beach-side awards ceremony staged tonight (3 May) at Surfers Paradise.
The 'Adore' indie-pop darling was nominated for a further three awards, but was pipped at the post by The Mason Rack Band for Live Act Of The Year, folk duo Hollow Coves for Song Of The Year and Lane Harry x Ike Campbell for Video Of The Year.
Following up their 2015 Artist Of The Year win, roots duo Hussy Hicks took out Album Of The Year for their fifth studio album 'On The Boundaries', while Hollow Coves doubled down adding Breakout Artist Of The Year award to their earlier win for Song Of The Year.
"The categories were hotly contested in the judging this year," said panel chair and Queensland Conservatorium deputy director, Donna Weston.
"Given the strength of nominations, the judges just had to keep coming back to the criteria to ensure the right results were reached."
And, of course, a thriving music scene is not possible without events and venues who consistently programme quality, original acts with a high standard of production and customer experience and last year, Shakafest and Miami Shark Bar did just that taking out the Event and Venue Of The Year awards respectively.
The Awards ceremony, hosted by former triple j favourite Dom Alessio, sold out with the general public enjoying a free concert by Bobby Alu, award-winners Hussy Hicks and finalists Electrik Lemonade and Eliza and the Delusionals.
Acting Mayor Cr Donna Gates congratulated all the local artists. "What an achievement for all involved, there's a real depth of talent across the Gold Coast and it's fantastic to see them celebrated through these music awards."
In partnership with Surfers Paradise Alliance, Gold Coast Music Awards kicked off Surfers Paradise LIVE (3-6 May) with four days and nights of non-stop, free music throughout the Surfers Paradise central precinct to follow this weekend with some of Australia's all-time greats including Jimmy Barnes, Daryl Braithwaite, Jon Stevens and Kate Ceberano as well as a swag of Gold Coast talent.
