Sounds Australia up for two international awards

Image: Harts at Aussie BBQ at SXSW.
Photo Credit:Cian Davis and Bianca O’Neill

While the Australian music industry rallied around Sounds Australiaafter its funding loss from the Australian Government’s Catalyst program, the music export body has confirmed the good work it does with two international award nominations in the UK.

It is up for two export achievements in the Yearly Music Convention Awards (YMCAs) on Saturday May 21 in Brighton. It is for Best Showcase for the Aussie BBQ (Reeperbahn) and Best Export Office.

Queensland’s BIGSOUND conference and showcase also received a nomination for Best Convention Centre.

Through May, Sounds Australia is presenting four showcasing events and working with more than 25 Australian artists and over 50 music industry representatives.

Starting in London with an expert panel focused on UK festivals, before moving to Brighton for The Great Escape music conference (May 19-21) for the eighth time. The Australian delegation has already generated significant interest in its UK activity.

At the sold-out The Great Escape. The annual invite-only Sounds Australia Luncheon, co-presented by the Australian High Commission, will see international tastemakers and music execs to network with Australian artist managers and other members of the local industry.

It will also present two events – Sound Gallery and the Aussie BBQ – where 18 artists will showcase, and delegates can see a number of Australia’s best up-and-coming talent.

The Aussie BBQ, now a global brand name in terms of finding new Aussie talent, will return to London (May 22).

Sounds Australia returns to Liverpool Sound City (May 28—29) for the seventh time for more showcases.

Outside of the UK, it will continue to fly the flag for Australian music at conferences and events in Barcelona, Rotterdam, Cannes and New York.

Since inception, Sounds Australia has supported 620 Australian artists, at 48 different international events in 52 cities across 19 countries.

Artists performing with Sounds Australia in the UK in May are, alphabetically: Banff, Boo Seeka, Chiara Hunter, City Calm Down, Clea, Cloves, Cub Sport, DRELLER, Gang Of Youths, Gordi, Grenadiers, Hein Cooper, Julia Jacklin, Kim Churchill, Methyl Ethel, North East Party House, Oh Pep!, Owen Rabbit, Ry X, SKIES, Slow Dancer, Slum Sociable, Suzie Stapleton, Tempesst, The Rubens, Vallis Alps, William Singe and Zefereli.