With 18 major award categories that are voted on by industry members, 2023 South Australian Music Awards spotlight the diverse and incredible local talent on display within the state.
"South Australia is at heart a creative state and the music talent coming out of this state is incredibly exciting and I don't envy the panel of independent judges this year," shares Music SA CEO, Christine Schloithe."MusicSA is very proud to host these awards each year on behalf of the South Australian contemporary music industry and we wish everyone all the best in all categories."
Read the list of 2023 SA Music Award nominees.
We'll be profiling a number of this year's nominees with our Spotlight On series, that continues with live music venue Big Easy Radio (that doubles as a boutique winery), who are nominated for Best Regional Venue and Best Small Festival (BigEasyBlues 2022).
Located in the Adelaide suburb Aldinga, Big Easy Radio has become a must-play venue for local and touring musicians. "We have created a unique space for original and emerging artists to express themselves and develop their craft to a consistent crowd of appreciative visitors.
"Since our inception we have supported and promoted musicians who create original music. We have given them the space and confidence to be themselves and to express themselves."
What's the elevator pitch version of your 2023 so far?
[Matt] We're back baby. . . music has returned with bright light after three years of darkness.
Biggest moment creatively you/ the band have had in 2023?
The return of our OG Friday nights where we showcase Adelaide's best original bands every Friday night on stage at Big Easy Radio.
Being a creative, artist, musician can be a lonely existence, so what does it mean to be nominated for a South Australian Music Award?
Being nominated is a lovely recognition for years of hard work in building our venue and staying true to supporting original live music.
Fast forward to the awards ceremony; if your name is read out as winner who are you mentioning-thanking in your speech?
We are going to thank all the original bands and musicians who venture down south to play at Big Easy Radio in Aldinga.
How can folks best support independent musicians-bands?
By turning up to gigs is where it's at. . . there's no greater support aside from buying some merch.
2024 is just around the corner; anything special you're brewing in the background you can share?
We have a new festival bubbling away in the cauldron. . . can't say too much just yet but it will be a first for SA.
What makes South Australian music unique?
We live where the desert meets the sea. . . we are surrounded by beautiful country and a lot of the sound resonates with where we live.
The 2023 SA Music Awards will be staged at Woodville Town Hall (Adelaide) on 8 November.
