The Queensland Music Awards (QMAs) returned to Royal International Convention Centre at Brisbane Showgrounds on Tuesday night (19 March) for a star-studded ceremony crowning 23 winners.
Hosted by Patience Hodgson (The Grates) and comedian Mel Buttle, the sold-out celebration of Queensland music also featured live performances by Amy Shark and DZ Deathrays, Resin Dogs, Clea, Bobby Alu, Emma Beau and Tokyo Twilight.
Celebrated recipients include Brisbane’s ethereal pop artist Clea, whose song ‘Dreaming’ was awarded the coveted 2019 Song of the The Year.
Making QMA history, Tia Gostelow became the youngest ever winner of the Album of The Year award for her outstanding debut record ‘Thick Skin’.
Emerging songwriters dominated the night. Prolific songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Emily Wurramara took home the Indigenous Award with ‘Lady Blue’. Sunshine Coast’s Sahara Beck won the Regional Award for her big chorus pop anthem ‘Here We Go Again’.
Best Rock song was taken out by multi-award winning party starters, The Jungle Giants with ‘Used To Be In Love’, and electronic powerhouse, The Kite String Tangle took home the Electronic/Dance Award for the second year running, this time for ‘Give It Time (feat. Aalias)’, while global sensation Confidence Man picked up their first Export Achievement award.
The 2019 Billy Thorpe Scholarship was picked up by Brisbane dream-pop shoegaze outfit Pool Shop.
Henry ‘Seaman’ Dan was honoured with the Grant McLennan Lifetime Achievement Awardfor his work, blending traditional Torres Strait Islander songs and pearling songs with jazz, hula and the blues, which he began recording at the age of 70.
Returning with a new album in 2018, Queensland favourites Resin Dogs won best Hip-Hop / Rap song for ‘Pack Your Bags’ and later closing the night on a high with an erupting performance for industry and fans alike.
