Heidi Lenffer wins FBi SMAC Of The Year for sustainable touring plan

The 2019 FBi SMAC Award of the year has gone to Founder and director of FEAT. – Future Energy Artists, Heidi Lenffer.

Lenffer, also a member of Cloud Control, was recognised at the annual awards for forging a sustainable artist-led initiative that empowers artists to offset their own emissions by investing in renewable energy sources.

She began by researching the carbon footprint behind a 15-date band tour, and found it has the same environmental impact as a household does in a year.

Lenffer was one of several winners at the 2019 Awards, which took place at Carriageworks and were broadcast live on FBi 94.5 FM.

The awards were hosted by FBi presenters Maria Dimitrakas and Ruby Miles, the awards featured live performances from Shady Nasty, Tasman Keith and EGOISM.

Julia Jacklin won record of the year for Crushing while ONEFOUR won song of the year for ‘Spot The Difference’.

“Sydney is experiencing a new dawn, and we celebrate this here tonight. But the celebration of these gains has been tempered by bushfires, and now floods, ravaging the country,” said FBi Radio managing director Nikki Brogan.

“No one has been left untouched by the devastation, and in times of crisis the value of the arts is often questioned. But the way our music and arts communities have responded cannot be questioned.

“This year’s winner is rejecting the boundaries imposed on artists that tell them to just stick to their art. In striving to make change in her corner of the world, she is offering a shining example of leadership and responsibility-taking that our leaders would do well to heed.

“In rallying creatives around her and offering positive, pragmatic solutions at a time when hopelessness is the mood of the day, Heidi has not only invited us to reckon with our own impact, she’s given us the tools to do something about it.”

Full list of winners below:

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Julia Jacklin – Crushing

SONG OF THE YEAR
ONEFOUR – Spot the Difference

NEXT BIG THING
Presented by Red Bull
A.GIRL

BEST LIVE ACT
Presented by Young Henrys
Hooligan Hefs

BEST MUSIC EVENT
Presented by Fireball Cinnamon Whisky
Sissy Ball

BEST ARTIST
Amrita Hepi

BEST ARTS PROGRAM
Boundless Festival at Bankstown Arts Centre

BEST ON STAGE
RECLAIM: Black Birds x You Therefore Me

BEST EATS
Banh Cuon Ba Oanh

SMAC OF THE YEAR
Heidi Lenffer