Amy Shark inducted into Gold Coast Music Awards inaugural hall of fame

Amy Shark has become the inaugural inductee of Thursday night’s Gold Coast Music Awards.

Dominating the evening, she also took out Artist Of The Year, Live Act Of The Year and Release Of The Year for hit album Love Monster.

Shark used the opportunity to acclaim the growing buoyancy of the Coast’s music scene.

“I feel so honoured to be recognised by the Gold Coast Music Awards, by my home town and by the community that stood by me from the very beginning,” she said.

“Thank you so much for these incredible awards and for inducting me as your first artist in the Gold Coast Music hall of fame

“It’s such an exciting time for the Gold Coast and for music in this country, there are so many amazing bands and artists coming through the GC – it really feels so special to be part of the artist community.”

Tonight’s spotlight also fell on triple j-endorsed emerging dream pop singer-songwriter San Mei.

Entering the winner’s podium twice, first for the Breakout Artist gong, and then when her indie rock number ‘Wonder’ (LXVI Records) took out Song Of The Year.

Born Emily Hamilton to Chinese-Malaysian and New Zealand born parents, she began her career with a MIDI-keyboard and a Macbook and began writing songs about coping with her mother’s passing.

San Mei performed on the night alongside Casey Barnes and Peach Fur.

Wolfmother keyboard player and acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, Ian Peres won the newly introduced Musician Of The Year category.

Video Of The Year went to experimental dance and music artist, YT Dingo, for his music clip ‘Shipwrecked’.

The phenomenal clip was always destined to win, with an underlying message of the spiritual link between ocean and land, top choreography, strong characters, and inspired creativity.

New venue Vinnies Dive was the recipient of the venue gong for its support of emerging acts.

The people’s choice winner is yet to be unveiled.

Gold Coast Music Awards director, Samantha Morris said, “Our 2019 award winners and finalists are a true testament to the creative gold that continues to grow and emerge from this city.

“It was such a close call for the judges in many of the categories.

“Amy Shark, San Mei, Ian Peres and YT Dingo are all very deserving winners and we’re especially thrilled to announce that Amy will be the very first artist to be inducted into the Gold Coast Music Hall of Fame.

“We are currently consulting with City of Gold Coast and our industry partners to determine what a hall of fame might look like for the Gold Coast, but it’s sure to be a bit different!”

Shark’s formal induction will take place in 2020.

“It’s history-in-the-making with our hall of fame honour sure to become one of the most prestigious accolades musicians strive for throughout their career,” said Mayor Tom Tate.

“The depth of musical talent in our city has exploded in the last decade and I don’t envy the judges who will cast their eyes over future potential hall-of-famers.”

The Gold Coast Music Awards are supported by City of Gold Coast and Surfers Paradise Alliance.

The awards kicked off the four-day Surfers Paradise LIVE festival.

The Living End, Hoodoo Gurus, The Screaming Jets, Daryl Braithwaite, Jebediah, Reece Mastin, Thirsty Merc, Chocolate Starfish, Boom Crash Opera and Bachelor Girl will perform over the weekend.