Amy Shark Headlines 2017 Gold Coast Music Awards Nominations

The third annual Gold Coast Music Awards (GCMA) have announced 43 finalists ahead of next month's ceremony at Surfers Paradise Beach, 27 April.

Fast-rising superstar Amy Shark (nominated for Song and Album Of The Year) and local scene stalwarts Hussy Hicks and Benny D Williams headline the finalist lists, alongside newcomers Tesla Coils, Eliza And The Delusions and Chelsea Rockwells.

This year's GCMAs will feature the launch of a new category – Album Of The Year – and additions to the high calibre of judges, including Woodford Folk Festival Program Director Chloe Goodyear and Australian Music Week director Ryan Van Gennip.

“Gold Coast continues to punch above its weight when it comes to diversity of genres and sheer quality of music being produced,” says GCMA director, Chloe Popa.

“This year we have a mix of dark brooding as well as sweet pop offerings, pub rock, punk, hip hop, folk, metal and indie rock in our finalist fraternity. It’s a wonderful snapshot of the talent and diversity of musical talent here on the Gold Coast.”

Carefully considering over 130 entries, the judges were unanimous about one thing for sure, "the Gold Coast has so much talent," says Sydney-sider, Van Gennip. "It was a real pleasure to listen to so much great music."

Thanks to a new partnership with Surfers Paradise Alliance, some 3,000 people are expected to turn out for the GCMAs on 27 April, which kicks off at 6pm with a free, public concert headlined by Amy Shark alongside fellow Gold Coast favourites Hanlon Brothers, Aquila Young and Yes Sir Noceur on the Surfers Paradise beachfront.

The GCMAs precedes Surfers Paradise LIVE music festival, headlined by pop sensations The Veronicas, as well as a host of Gold Coast artists set to feature in the Surfers Paradise LIVE programming - another nod to the quality of the region's musical natives.

2017 Gold Coast Music Award Nominations

BREAKOUT ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Being Jane Lane
Chelsea Rockwells
Donny Love
Jacob Lee
Tesla Coils
The Ruiins

EVENT OF THE YEAR

Blues on Broadbeach
Buskers by the Creek
Fuzzfest
Shakafest
Summertime Sessions in the Village
Wallapalooza

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

City Over Sand – Good Grief
Driven Fear – Freethinker
Felicity Lawless – Tails
Hussy Hicks – Lucky Joe’s Wine & Other Tales from Dog River
Lane Harry x Ike Campbell – Youth

VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Chelsea Rockwells – Stone
Felicity Lawless – Cowboy Camerman
Marcus Blacke – Umbrella Brain
Phoebe Sinclair – This Isn’t Love
Purple Zain – I Am The Best
The Black Swamp – Common Crows


Marcus Blacke

VENUE OF THE YEAR

Elsewhere
Expressive Ground
Miami Marketta
NightQuarter
Soundlounge


NightQuarter

ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Amela Duheric
Amy Shark
Benny D Williams
Driven Fear
Ella Fence

SONG OF THE YEAR

Amy Shark – Adore
Athena Joy – Blue
CC The Cat – Free Your Mind
Chelsea Rockwells – Stone
Electrik Lemonade – We Know This
Eliza And The Delusionals – Salt
Hussy Hicks – Whole Lotta
Jacob Lee – I Just Know
Tesla Coils – Eyes
The Ruiins – Eventually