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 kicks off with Rob Edwards, a nominee for the Best Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Artist award.
A soulfully inspired multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter, Rob combines the moving melodies of jazz, blues and R&B with the powerful art of storytelling to create a authentic sound that's sure to leave a lasting impression. Rob's newest release is 'Dreaming' that dropped earlier this month.
What's the elevator pitch version of your 2023 so far?
It's like I jumped into one of those old-timey elevators and it's flying up without stopping. It's been an incredibly wild year, from playing under the bats on NSS stage at WOMAD, headline touring the east coast and Tasmania, getting a standing ovation after sharing my song 'Searching' at the SA Ruby Awards, sharing the stage with King Stingray at the incredible community festival Yabaardu on Eyre Peninsula, releasing multiple singles and now to gearing up for the biggest stages of my career still to come this summer! Boom, the elevator flew out the roof.
Biggest moment creatively you/ the band have had in 2023?
Recording my single 'Dreaming'. We collaborated with each other, recording most of the song at our own home studios, bringing it together and it became the best music we've made to date.
Being a creative, artist, musician can be a lonely existence, so what does it mean to be nominated for a South Australian Music Award?
The best part about the SA Music Awards is by far the awards night; it's a night where no one else is gigging, we get a chance to catch up, celebrate each other and witness the greatness that is the creative music industry in our state. The award itself is just a bonus!
Fast forward to the awards ceremony; if your name is read out as winner who are you mentioning-thanking in your speech?
Well, definitely Mum and Dad, that's a given; they paid for all my guitar lessons growing up. My incredible deliciously, talented band that have helped bring my stories and songs to a level I never dreamt possible; and my dogs, Yindi and Marle, 'cause they are the ones waiting at 2am when I get home from every gig there with the love you need after a massive show!
How can folks best support independent musicians-bands?
Going to every show they can, always. Having a catch-up? Go to a gig. Need to tell your boss you're leaving your job? Go to a gig. Gender reveal party? Go to a gig.
It's the faces we see in the crowds, the cheers, and the high hi-fives after a show that really mean the most and fill the tank to keep on going. Other than that, sharing music you love with your friends, so more people get to hear our creations. Make a playlist, and send a stream link. You are the best.
2024 is just around the corner; anything special you're brewing in the background you can share?
Ohhhhhh, so many special things are brewing, not just my tasty pour-over coffees. Not many that I can announce just yet, but will all be revealed soon; safe to say I'm bloody stoked for 2024. For now, there will just be a steady stream of releases coming your way.
What makes South Australian music unique?
I feel like our connection with nature, from the parklands to the Fleurieu Peninsula, and beauty of our vast landscapes in every direction give us a wonderful space to create what feels most natural. The music speaks testimony to this, with so many incredible artists killing it in the national and international scene.
The 2023 SA Music Awards will be staged at Woodville Town Hall (Adelaide) on 8 November.
