GOLD COAST MUSIC AWARDS

Announces

2018 FINALISTS

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Today the Gold Coast Music Awards named 26 finalists across eight categories for its 2018 annual outing, which takes place on the beachfront with a massive free concert to kick off Surfers Paradise LIVE Festival, Thursday 3 May.

After a skyrocketing year, it’s no surprise that international indie pop sensation Amy Shark comes up trumps as a finalist in four categories, met equally by unexpected dark horse, folk duo Hollow Coves, followed closely by Hussy Hicks, Black Rabbit George and more in a hotly contested season.

“It’s been a massive year for Gold Coast music and the fact that one third of this year’s finalists will be showcased to the world while the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games is in town is testament to the calibre of talent being recognised,” said Awards director, Samantha Morris.

From Amy Shark and rising country star Casey Barnes to Tijuana Cartel, Mitch King and Eliza and the Delusionals, the breadth and depth of Gold Coast talent entered in to this year’s Awards was outstanding.

“The Gold Coast is certainly not starved for musical choice,” said judging panel chair and Queensland Conservatorium deputy director, Donna Weston.

“It was clear to all of us on the judging panel that not only was the shortlisting going to be difficult, let alone choosing winners, but that we unanimously felt honoured and excited to be part of such a dynamic and vibrant music scene. Several hours of lively discussion saw a list of finalists that any city, national or international, would be proud to call their own.”

The Awards ceremony, to be hosted by Australian radio favourite, former Triple J ‘Home & Hosed’ host, Dom Alessio, takes place in a ticketed VIP marquee on the beachfront adjacent to the festival sized stage and free live concert.

As with previous years, organisers are expecting the VIP event to sell out quickly, with tickets on sale now via Oztix.

Large crowds are expected to attend the free live outdoor concert, which this year features multi award-winning roots musician Bobby Alu and 2018 finalists Hussy Hicks, Electrik Lemonade and Eliza and the Delusionals.

Organisers have also just announced the after-party lineup at Surfers Paradise Beergarden with live entertainment from Mason Rack Band, Being Jane Lane, Peach Fur and Lens.

In partnership with Surfers Paradise Alliance, Gold Coast Music Awards will kick off Surfers Paradise LIVE (3-6 May) followed by three days and nights of non-stop, free music throughout the Surfers Paradise central precinct featuring some of Australia’s all-time greats including Jimmy Barnes, Daryl Braithwaite, Jon Stevens and Kate Ceberano as well as a swag of Gold Coast talent.

The Gold Coast Music Awards is proudly supported by City of Gold Coast.

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2018 Gold Coast Music Awards Finalists

Album of the Year
sponsored by beatniks

Hollow Coves – Wanderlust
Hussy Hicks – On The Boundaries
In Ashes – Breathe Hope
Jase Lansky – Rip It Up
Mekong Merchants – Ocean Tone
Reichelt – Seduced by the Light Side
Wayward Suns – Paradigm

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Artist of the Year
sponsored by Miami Shark Bar + Surfers Paradise Beergarden

Amy Shark
Casey Barnes
Ella Fence
Hussy Hicks
Mitch King

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Breakout Artist of the Year
 sponsored by Griffith University and Queensland Conservatorium SEED Program

Black Rabbit George
Eliza and the Delusionals
Hollow Coves

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Event of the Year
sponsored by TAFE Queensland Gold Coast

Shakafest
Summertime Sessions in the Village
Wallapalooz

Live Act of the Year
sponsored by Nightquarter

Amy Shark
Electrik Lemonade
Eliza and the Delusionals
Hussy Hicks
The Mason Rack Band
Tijuana Cartel

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Song of the Year Shortlist
sponsored by HOTA – Home of the Arts

Amy Shark – Blood Brothers
Black Rabbit George – Bring You In
Casey Barnes – The Way We Ride
Eliza and the Delusionals – Deeper End
Ella Fence – Cocaine
Hollow Coves – Coastline
Jacob Lee – Oceans
Lane Harry x Ike Campbell – The Dash
Rhea Robertson – Mr Maybe

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Venue of the Year
sponsored by The Avalon, Miami

Elsewhere
Miami Marketta
Miami Tavern Shark Bar
NightQuarter
Soundlounge

Video of the Year
 sponsored by QT Gold Coast

Amy Shark – Weekends
Baltimore Gun Club – Persona
Black Rabbit George – Bring You In
Hammers – Dead Set
Hollow Coves – The Woods
Lane Harry x Ike Campbell – The Dash
Reichelt – You Are a Song
Rhea Robertson – Pink & Gold
Tijuana Cartel – Ishtar

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2018 GOLD COAST MUSIC AWARDS FAST FACTS

Awards Ceremony

Thursday 3 May 2018
Surfers Paradise Beachfront
VIP Industry Event
Tickets on sale now via Oztix

Free Live Outdoor Concert 

Thursday 3 May 2018
Surfers Paradise Beachfront
Bobby Alu, Hussy Hicks, Electrik Lemonade and Eliza and the Delusionals

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Keep up-to-date with the event here