This month's Gold Coast Music Awards will go ahead despite the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, with the official ceremony to be presented virtually via Facebook (30 April at 7pm).
This news is accompanied by this year's list of nominees (31 finalists) that is fronted by local legends, blues-roots act and festival favourites Hussy Hicks who have picked up five noms including Artist Of The Year.Those to score multiple noms include country artist Casey Barnes (who is releasing his new album 'Town Of A Million Dreams' on 17 April), alternative indie pop kids IVEY (who recently released new single 'Valentine' and plan to release some "special things" ASAP), and folk troubadours Hollow Coves, who are fresh off a tour of North America (scroll down to see their tour video).
Also in for the win this year are PACES, Busby Marou, San Mei, Eliza and the Delusionals, Ella Fence, Tijuana Cartel and many more – scroll down for the complete list of nominations. While DVNA, DENNIS. and Doolie will go head-to-head for the inaugural, career-propelling Gold Coast Music Prize.
"We put more love and effort into this record ['The Great Divide'] than anything we've ever done before, so it's an absolute pleasure to be recognised as a finalist by the Gold Coast Music Awards," Tom Busby of Busby Marou, who are nominated for Release and Artist of the Year, says.
"The music scene on the Coast is pumping and keeps on kicking. Despite the madness going on around the world right now, it's comforting to see these Awards forging ahead to recognise and celebrate artists when we need it most."
While the event will forego the usual flamethrowers and beachfront fanfare of previous years, Gold Coast Music Awards director, Samantha Morris acknowledges the event offers a way for the music industry to come together – at least virtually – in these challenging times.
"The music industry was one of the first to really feel the impact from the COVID-19 pandemic," Samantha says, "and we were hit hard here on the Gold Coast. Our economy is largely driven by events.
"While we can't hold a big, face-to-face awards ceremony, we think it is really important to bring the community together, virtually at least, to acknowledge and celebrate the creative gold that continues to come out of this city.
"We'd love for everyone to tune in and watch the 2020 Gold Coast Music Awards together for an hour of support and solidarity from the comfort and safety of your couch."
The winners will be announced via video on the Gold Coast Music Awards Facebook page at 7pm EST Thursday 30 April and will also feature special iso-lounge-room performances from some of the city's finest talent.
Click here to RSVP to the 2020 Virtual Gold Coast Music Awards Facebook event.
2020 Gold Coast Music Awards Finalists
Artist Of The Year
Bombs AwayBusby Marou
Casey Barnes
Hollow Coves
Hussy Hicks
San Mei
Breakout Artist Of The Year
Eliza and the DelusionalsIVEY
Peach Fur
Highly Commended: Doolie
Live Act Of The Year
Casey BarnesElectrik Lemonade
IVEY
Hussy Hicks
Tijuana Cartel
Musician Of The Year
Felicity LawlessJackson Dunn
Julz Parker
Leesa Gentz
Lindsay Waddington
Release Of The Year
Being Jane Lane - 'Savage Sunday'Benny D Williams - 'Cities Of Gold'
Busby Marou - 'The Great Divide'
Electrik Lemonade - 'Squeezed Fresh'
Hollow Coves - 'Moments'
Song Of The Year
Casey Barnes - 'A Little More'DENNIS. - 'Trap Door'
DVNA - 'Looking Like A Snack'
DVNA - 'Sushi In Tokyo'
Eliza and the Delusionals - 'Just Exist'
Ella Fence - 'Don't Feed The Monster'
Hussy Hicks - 'Get Ready'
Hollow Coves - 'Anew'
IVEY - 'Bodies'
PACES feat. Yorke - 'Vertigo'
Sunset City feat. Samantha Jade - 'Forget It All'
Venue Of The Year
Coolangatta HotelElsewhere
HOTA Home Of The Arts
Mo's Desert Clubhouse
Rompa Room
Soundlounge
Video Of The Year
Baltimore Gun Club - 'Archangel'Being Jane Lane - 'Savage Sunday'
Casey Barnes - 'A Little More'
DENNIS. - 'Vertigo'
Eddie Ray - 'The Story'
Ella Fence - 'Don't Feed The Monster'
Lagerstein - 'Dig, Bury, Drink!'
Tijuana Cartel - 'Tommy Franklin'
Gold Coast Music Prize
DENNIS.Doolie
DVNA
