The Queensland Music Awards are a state-wide search for the state’s best songwriters and musicians. The Gold Coast contingent is strong this year with four local bands receiving nominations.
It’s a positive reflection on the thriving local scene that so many GC bands and musicians are among the finalists for this year’s QMAs. Indie pop outfit Bambini were nominated for Best Music Video; the ever versatile and always delightful Nadia Sunde for Best Children’s Song while blues rockers The Vernons and Elektrik Lemonade both received nominations for Best Regional Song.
Hundreds of entries for the awards were received from all over Queensland and more than 40 Australian and international judges participated in selecting the finalists. The judging panel is comprised of music industry professionals from the media, managers, A & R representatives, label directors and publishers, and all entries go through a two-tiered judging process.
Widely regarded by the Australian music industry, the QMAs uncovers, recognises and raises the profile of Queensland’s up-and-coming music talent. “The diversity of musical talent from metropolitan and regional Queensland always amazes our QMA judges,”says Joel Edmondson of QMusic who support and host the awards.
“We were all stoked to find out we were nominated!” says Donovan Lee from blues/funk/soul seven-piece, Elektrik Lemonade, who received the recognition for their song Ain’t You Something. “I snuck out of work and called all the fellas to share the news.”
The Vernons
Bambini
Nadia Sunde
QMAs
The band will be attending the awards night at Brisbane Powerhouse on March 30th*, but aren’t going so far as to prepare an acceptance speech.
“To be honest, we are up against some really great bands. Just being there and being recognised is a win for us. If we win, I’m thinking we might wing it!” says Donovan.
Regardless of the outcome, there’s no doubt a nomination in the Queensland Music Awards attracts the right kind of attention. The kind that Gold Coast music makers are getting more and more of.
“We are really happy to be apart of this growing music scene,” says Donovan.
“We are starting to see more and more original bands playing to bigger crowds and it’s awesome! We need to keep supporting live bands and venues need to make the investment in shows and allow a great culture to grow.”
*Limited tickets are available for the awards night.
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