2019 Gold Coast Music Awards Finalists

Much like her namesake that dominates the world's oceans, Gold Coast's golden girl of music Amy Shark continues her recent triumph of the Australian scene scoring four nominations in next month's 2019 Gold Coast Music Awards.

Amy is a finalist in both Release Of The Year (her debut album 'Love Monster') and Song of The Year (her hit single 'I Said Hi'). "I'm so proud to call the Gold Coast my home and incredibly honoured to be recognised amongst my peers," Amy says.

"Thank you to the Gold Coast Music Awards for supporting local talent and for helping me pave a career in this incredible country."

But another musician has managed to erect a shark netting around the Gold Coast, with country music star Casey Barnes also securing four nominations.

He also headlines the Gold Coast Music Awards free live concert that takes place on the Surfers Paradise beachfront after the VIP awards ceremony.


Though the awards are more than a 2-musician race with 31 finalists revealed across 8 categories. Emerging artists San Mei, Mass Sky Raid and Ella Fence are all finalists in three categories, while Peach Fur, Athena Joy and ELSKA make their GCMAs debut.

Gold Coast Music Awards judging panel Chair and Head of Popular Music at Queensland Conservatorium, Donna Weston says the judging "gets more challenging every year".

"But this is a good thing, because it means the calibre of artists making it to the shortlist is getting higher and higher, which also makes the whole process a lot more fun for us."

Set to be hosted by Australia's queen of roots, former triple j and now Double J presenter, Sarah Howells, the Awards ceremony takes place 2 May in a ticketed VIP marquee on the Surfers Paradise beachfront.

Large crowds are expected to attend the free live outdoor concert, which this year features an exciting line-up of the region's fastest rising stars: Casey Barnes, San Mei and Peach Fur.

Gold Coast Music Awards officially kicks off the Surfers Paradise LIVE festival, a free, four-day, family-friendly festival.

2019 Gold Coast Music Awards Finalists

ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Amy Shark
Brooklyn
Casey Barnes
Hussy Hicks
San Mei

BREAKOUT ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Chloe Styler
Elska
Mass Sky Raid
Radolescent
ROMII
San Mei

LIVE ACT OF THE YEAR

Amy Shark
Casey Barnes
Electrik Lemonade
Ella Fence
Hussy Hicks

MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR

Ella Fence
Ian Peres
Jesse Boyle
Julz Parker
Scott French

RELEASE OF THE YEAR

Amy Shark - 'Love Monster'
Casey Barnes - 'The Good Life'
Cold Ghost - 'Bachelor Tapes'
Mass Sky Raid - 'Science Of Fiction'
Peach Fur - 'Doreen Drive'

SONG OF THE YEAR

Amy Shark - 'I Said Hi'
Athena Joy - 'The Weekend'
Calan Mai - 'XO'
Casey Barnes - 'Be Mine'
Cheap Fakes - 'I Got Nothing'
DVNA - 'Girl On The Move'
Ella Fence - 'Call Girl'
Elska - 'Boy'
Hussy Hicks - 'Silence Creeping'
Mass Sky Raid - 'Delirium'
Romii - 'Cupid Love'
San Mei - 'Wonder'

VENUE OF THE YEAR

HOTA - Home of the Arts
Miami Tavern Shark Bar
Mo’s Desert Clubhouse
Soundlounge
Vinnies Dive

VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Burger Joint - 'Best Day Ever'
Calan Mai - 'XO'
Kobrakai - 'Big Evil'
ROMII - 'Cupid Love'
Tesla Coils - 'Dinosynth'
DiNGO - 'Shipwrecked YT'