After an overwhelming response from the Sunshine Coast music community, Sunshine Coast Music Industry Collective (SCMIC) have revealed the finalists for the 2026 Sunshine Coast Music Awards.
Across 11 award categories, the list of nominees showcase the depth, creativity and diversity of the region's music scene, highlighting both established veteran talent as well as the emerging next-gen stars already building a following.
"Our second year of celebrating, and we are thrilled with how it's all shaping up," SCMIC chair, Melissa O'Bryan says.
"The diversity of genres this year is exceptional, and with increased nominations in categories such as the Punter Of The Year and Artwork Of The Year, it is telling that these awards are shaping up to be one of the more eclectic programmes out there."
Local icon, Katie Noonan has collected three nominations including Artist Of The Year, while emerging pop-rock artist Cora (who showcased at 2025 BIGSOUND) is in the running for three awards including Song Of The Year.
Another rising star of the local scene, Minnie Marks is also contending for Artist Of The Year as well as Musician Of The Year (which she won at the inaugural Sunshine Coast Music Awards last year).
While industry stalwart 8 Ball Aitken has been recognised with two noms including Musician Of The Year. 2025 Australian Idol winner, Marshall Hamburger will contend for both Rising Star and Live Act Of The Year.
After releasing her debut EP last month, Elke Louie has scored two nominations including Young Artist Of The Year.
"I am so excited to be a finalist in three categories for the Sunshine Coast Music Awards," posted Cora.
"Thank you to everyone who has believed in me throughout my journey so far and for everyone who has been listening, it means the world.
"Music is my outlet and I'm so grateful that so many of you connect with my songs, it is so special to me. I can't wait for you guys to hear what else I've been cooking. . . Congrats to all the other Sunny Coast finalists, some amazing talent locally!"
Adds 8 Ball Aitken: "Thank you Sunshine Coast Music Awards for the two nominations. Congratulations to all of the other finalists. See y'all on 7 June at the awards to celebrate all the talent in our local music community."
While Elke is ecstatic to receive industry recognition for the first time. "These are my very first music award nominations since graduating from high school," Elke says.
"I'm so honoured to be mentioned alongside so many artists I truly look up to in music. My debut single release 'Killing Time''s film clip has been nominated for Best Artwork; Lizzy and I absolutely love collaborating together in this space, so it's amazing to receive this recognition of our first official film clip project together."
Winners will be announced at the 2026 Sunshine Coast Music Awards ceremony at The Shed on 7 June.
2026 Sunshine Coast Music Awards Finalists
Artist Of The Year
Katie Noonan
Linc Phelps
Minnie Marks
Nana's Pie
Artwork Of The Year
Elke Louie - 'Killing Time' film clip
Fake News - 'Dead Set' album artwork
Jordyn Furmedge (The Video Chick) - 'Run' by Byrd of Paradyse
Lahni Thorogood - 'Good Boy' cover art (Phil and the Blanks)
Indidge Award
Adam James
Al Bartholemew
Deline Briscoe
Live Act Of The Year
8 Ball Aitken
Katie Noonan
Marshall Hamburger
Raw Ordio
Musician Of The Year
8 Ball Aitken
Katie Noonan
Minnie Marks
Pat Tierney
Punter Of The Year
Laura Thompson
Letty Delaney
Lindsay Gibson
Recording Studio Of The Year
Alpha & Omega Digital Recording Studio
Nyssa Ray Recordings
Tom Does Stuff Studios
Yama-Nui Studios
Rising Star
Cora
Chris Cobb
Marshall Hamburger
mou
Zorrovian
Song Of The Year
Alys Ffion - 'Secret'
Buttermello - 'Low'
Che Burns - 'Devil Like You'
Cora - '(boy)cott'
Jesse Taylor - 'I Can Feel It'
Venue Of The Year
The Presynct
Norton Music Factory
Kings Beach Tavern
The Nook
Mapleton Public House (Green Room)
Young Artist Of The Year
Cora
Elke Louie
Frank & Louis
Jemzel
Layla Havana
