Australia's iconic Surfers Paradise beachfront has been lit up tonight at the third annual Gold Coast Music Awards, with Amy Shark scooping up two awards: Artist Of The Year and Song Of The Year for double platinum song, 'Adore'.
More than 3,000 locals were treated to a free, outdoor concert while inside a VIP Marquee, the industry named the best in music for the last 12 months. “Historically no other song by a Gold Coast-based artist has ever received such national and international acclaim and for one very good reason. It’s brilliant," judging panel chair, Trevor Jackson says.
“It’s been an incredible year for Amy and her success at the 2017 Gold Coast Music Awards recognises the consistency of her work and her outstanding recent success.”
Lane Harry x Ike CampbellRepresenting a diverse mix of genres, winners include Breakout Artist Of The Year, dark-electronic duo Tesla Coils; hip hop pair, Lane Harry x Ike Campbell for Album Of The Year, 'Youth'; heavy metal outfit, The Black Swamp claimed Video Of The Year, 'Common Crow'; the Live Music Venue gong was awarded to GC institution elsewhere; Blues On Broadbeach claimed Music Event Of The Year.
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With another sold-out Awards ceremony and packed, live-music concert, there's no question the Gold Coast Music Awards' bold move to Surfers was timely and prescient. “If you’d told me three years ago that the Gold Coast music industry would have its very own sold-out event, on the beach in the middle of Surfers Paradise with thousands of people turning out to see local bands, I just wouldn’t have believed you,” event organiser Samantha Morris says.
“What a night!” exclaimed Surfers Paradise Alliance CEO, Mike Winlaw. “We offer our utmost congratulations to the winners, nominees, judges and organisers for an outstanding Music Awards. We knew this partnership would be a win-win and tonight has truly set the stage for an exciting few years to come for Gold Coast music.”
GOLD COAST MUSIC AWARDS 2017 WINNERS
ARTIST & SONG OF THE YEAR
Amy SharkThe judges said: 'Beyond the success of 'Adore', Amy has sold out a national tour and been added to the Splendour In The Grass line-up. Amy’s win is the culmination of her exceptional work over an extended period of time, having been a finalist in three categories (Artist Of The Year, Song Of The Year and Video Of The Year) at the 2016 GCMAs. It’s been an incredible year for Amy and her success at the 2017 GCMAs recognises the consistency of her work and her outstanding recent success.
Amy SharkBREAKOUT ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Tesla CøilsThe judges said: 'Tesla Cøils defy so many odds stylistically, conceptually and artistically, yet have extended their dedicated fan base to Brisbane in the past 12 months where they’ve gigged regularly, released their debut EP, performed at BIGSOUND and won the Hard Rock Rising competition. They’re one of the most memorable Gold Coast acts you’re likely to see.
Tesla CoilsALBUM OF THE YEAR
Lane Harry x Ike Campbell 'Youth'The judges said: 'The Album Of The Year category saw judges divided over the shortlist, but there was no argument over the merits of 'Youth' by Lane Harry x Ike Campbell, an extraordinary record that was written, recorded and produced on the Gold Coast to world-class standards.
VIDEO OF THE YEAR
The Black Swamp 'Common Crows' The judges said: 'A budget of $300 and two-person crew didn't stop heavy-metal outfit The Black Swamp from taking out the Video Of The Year with the track 'Common Crows'. In fact, it enhanced their creativity, delivering a production aesthetic that was highly effective for such a dystopian, heavy-metal song.
The Black SwampEVENT OF THE YEAR
Blues on BroadbeachThe judges said: 'Injecting $20 million into the local economy with 17 outdoor stages and venues, over 70 acts and a record-breaking crowd in excess of 166,000 attendees, Blues on Broadbeach caters to a wide-ranging demographic with a combination of big-name drawcards to cutting-edge contemporary, blues acts and more than a quarter of the line-up featuring local acts.
The 2017 Gold Coast Music Awards were proudly presented by City of Gold Coast in partnership with Surfers Paradise Alliance on 27 April at Surfers Paradise beachfront.
Blues on BroadbeachVENUE OF THE YEAR
elsewhereThe judges said: 'elsewhere has long been a crucial Gold Coast boutique venue giving both untried local artists a platform to play on, while featuring many of the finest Australian and international artists. Aside from championing local acts, elsewhere has led the charge to have live venue laws relaxed to ensure a thriving Gold Coast music scene that supports local artists.
elsewhere 
