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 Adelaide singer-songwriter MANE, who is nominated for Best Song.
MANE first made ripples with her 2019 breakout hit 'Chasing Butterflies', clocking up over two million streams.
Self-taught and inspired by the likes of Florence and the Machine, Hayley Williams, St Vincent, Lorde, Kimbra and Billie Eilish, MANE (real name Paige Court) has spent the last few years transforming the music she makes from a pastime, into a career that brings meaning to others.
MANE recently released her second EP, titled 'Caught In The Undertow'. "This collection of songs is a reflection of the love, hope and healing moments in between some really cooked life sh.t," shares MANE.
"It's been refreshing to focus on all the stuff that keeps me toot toot chuggin' along in my songwriting. I guess this EP is a gentle reminder to myself and YOU that even the darkest days are transient. Thanks for being here and listening."
What's the elevator pitch version of your 2023 so far?
At the beginning of 2023, it all started with a 14-date tour in the USA, including a very exciting and exhausting SXSW in Austin, Texas, where I played 8 showcases across 6 days.
Throughout the year I had the opportunity to share new music. I released three singles, 'Breathing Again', 'Flowers' and 'We Run', which were all off my EP that was released in September 2023. I also announced my first Australian tour since 2019.
The support and love from peers and my listenership has been both overwhelming and deeply humbling. This year has been a beautiful and emotional journey, and I'm grateful for both the highs and the lows that have shaped it into what it has been.
Biggest moment creatively you have had in 2023?
Being able to play plenty of shows again; it's the tip of the iceberg for me. One of the most fulfilling things I do in music is playing live. I especially love taking a song you've worked on in the studio and finally getting to build it into the live set.
Being a creative, artist, musician can be a lonely existence, so what does it mean to be nominated for a South Australian Music Award?
It's just so nice to be recognised for your hard work and to celebrate the wider SA music community, especially when we all put so much into being creatives and it's easy to feel disheartened/ discouraged a lot of the time.
I don't create music to score nominations or awards, but it's definitely a nice pat on the back when you put so much of yourself into your project for often no return, particularly in the ever changing landscape of the music industry.
Fast forward to the awards ceremony; if your name is read out as winner who are you mentioning-thanking in your speech?
My producer Mario Spate, my collaborator/ co-writer and guitarist Benjamin Tamblyn-Morrow, my other co-writers Charlie McClean and Pip Norman, my drummer Miles Sly and of course my partner, my friends and my family.
How can folks best support independent musicians-bands?
Follow them on Spotify, pre-save their songs. It matters a metric tonne especially for indie artists that are still building their fanbase, the algorithm matters so much and these are really simple and free ways to support your favourite local bands and give them a better chance to land in editorial playlists that help expose you to more fans.
Aside from that, pay for a ticket to the show, buy some merch, it all helps fund the next endeavour (and boost morale).
2024 is just around the corner; anything special you're brewing in the background you can share?
For sure, I'll be working towards the album next! Playing more shows nationally and hopefully internationally.
What makes South Australian music unique?
I think we have such an eclectic group of music makers in so many genres and the calibre of it is just heaps good. I think we are seeing more and more local acts be recognised nationally and that's awesome for SA.
The 2023 SA Music Awards will be staged at Woodville Town Hall (Adelaide) on 8 November.
