The annual celebration of women – artists, musicians and professionals behind the scenes – in the Australian music industry, the 2023 Australian Women in Music Awards (AWMAs) showcased an extraordinary breadth of phenomenal artistry.
Staged at The Tivoli in Brisbane (27 September), a glittering array of talent as well as industry practitioners were in attendance as 23 AWMAs were bestowed upon some of the industry's most accomplished and emerging female artists, musicians and music practitioners.The two-day event (26-27 September) began with a conference programme and series of forums, plus an 'In Conversation' with Vanessa Amorosi and a First Nations showcase, culminating in last night's Awards ceremony, concert and star-studded black carpet.
More than just a conference and award ceremony, the AWMAs shine a bright spotlight on musicians, technicians, leaders, elders, performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, filmmakers, photographers, music journalists and much, much more who each play have a vital role – both onstage and behind the scenes.
Hosted by broadcaster and author Yumi Stynes and First Nations speaker Nartarsha Bamblett (Queen Acknowledgements), Kate Ceberano, Clare Moore and Jeannie Lewis each received Lifetime Achievement awards.
The Songwriter AWMA was awarded to Toni Watson (Tones And I), the inaugural ARIA Executive Leader Game Changer Award handed to Emily Collins, while the inaugural Heavy Music award went to Emmy Mack (RedHook). The inaugural AWMA Inspiration Award was presented to Amorosi.
The show featured provoking performances rooted in empowerment by Amorosi, Sarah McLeod, Hot Brown Honey, Dami Im, Samira El Koussa and Candice Bankovacki, with Beccy Cole and Hussy Hicks performing a tribute to the 2023 AWMA Honour roll recipient and country music legend Judy Stone, who was in attendance.
Vika & Linda (who won the Artistic Excellence award) performed a special tribute to the late, great Renée Geyer (2023 posthumous AWMA Honour Roll recipient); while the evening's stunning finale witnessed Vanessa Amorosi (lead vocals), Sarah McLeod (lead guitar), Véronique Serret (violin), Camille Layt (bagpipes) and the AWMA House Band perform AC/DC's much loved and iconic banger 'It's A Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock N Roll)'.
"In 2023, female artists and musicians are still having to prove themselves. Just last month, two well-known music promoters announced new festival line-ups where women were a glaring minority and in one case were virtually non-existent. Let's call it out for what it is – blatant sexism," AWMA Executive Producer & Program Director Vicki Gordon says.
"AWMA is calling on the industry to adopt gender equality as a core music industry value as a matter of priority, significant policy change needs to occur at both State and Federal level to ensure women form an equitable part of the industry.
"Gender bias can only be addressed by prioritising inclusivity and representation as core music values."
AWMA commissioned First Nations artist GLVES to compose the music for their ABC TV broadcast with a track entitled 'Stand Tall - Sister You Are A Queen'.
"This song is about standing up against the status quo and embracing the transformative strength of sisterhood love," GLVES says.
"My close female friendships are essential to my well-being, and this song is about recognising how they give me immense courage and remind me about what I'm capable of. These relationships help me lead and stand strong in revolutions inside and outside of myself."
The 2023 AWMAs will be streamed on ABC iview 29 September and broadcast on the ABC TV main channel 30 September (4pm).
Congratulations to all winners of the 2023 Australian Women In Music Awards.
2023 Australian Women in Music Awards Winners
Studio Production
Robyn Lee PayneArtistic Excellence
Vika & LindaDiversity in Music
Cerisa BenjaminMusic Journalist
Jane GazzoExcellence in Classical Music
Celia CraigEmerging Artist
AshliCreative Leadership
Claire EdwardesInaugural ARIA Executive Leader Game Changer
Emily CollinsInaugural Women in Heavy Music
Emmy MackLifetime Achievement
Kate CeberanoClare Moore
Jeannie Lewis
Tina Arena Special Impact
Oana Gilbert (posthumous)Honour Roll
Judy StoneRenée Geyer (posthumous)
