Applications open for Qld Music Awards, Billy Thorpe Scholarship

Pictured: Dami Im

Applications open today for the Queensland music community to enter their songsin the 2018 Queensland Music Awards (QMAs).

Artists can enter their songs in a wide range of categories from pop and rock,to blues/roots, electronic / dance and soul/funk/R’n’B.

The full list of categories and awards is available on the new QMAs websitewww.queenslandmusicawards.com.au.

Submissions will be accepted until January 21 via www.queenslandmusicawards.com.au.

Also open today is the 2018 Billy Thorpe Scholarship, which is funded by theQueensland Government and administered by QMusic.

The scholarship, now in its 10th year, provides $10,000 for an emerging artistto record with an established producer, and receive career-planning advice froma Chugg Entertainment representative.

Applicants can apply online through www.qmusic.com.au until January 21, 2018.

The winner is announced at the 2018 Queensland Music Awards, on Monday, May 14.

Next year’s QMAs are also moving to a new venue.

After three years at the Brisbane Powerhouse, they will be at the Royal International Convention Centre at the Brisbane Showgrounds.

The Centre is a new presenting partner of the QMAs, which will as a result ofthe venue change, have a new still-unspecified format.

Another new QMAs presenting partners is Mountain Goat Beer, which alreadysupports QMusic’s BIGSOUND conference and showcase.

Hutchinson Builders and APRA AMCO return as partners.

Tickets will be available to the general public via Oztix, early next year.

Q Music said in a statement, “The QMAs recognise the diverse people and placesthat make contemporary popular music an invaluable part of our state’s culturalheritage.

“Each year, the QMA Song of the Year is immortalised in a plaque on FortitudeValley’s Walk of Fame in the Brunswick Street Mall.

“In a coup for songwriters, the SOTY winner will also receive a promotionalprize pack worth $20,000 courtesy of the event’s media partners, The Music andNOVA 106.9, to complement this honour and to assist with momentum.”

The ceremony will move to recognise a more diverse group of contributors toQueensland music, including Live Music Festival of the Year and Live Music Venueof the Year (Metro & Regional) as part of the annual QMA People’s Choice Awards.

Voting will open to the public in April 2018.

The judging panel s wider than ever before, covering media, labels, A&R,managers, booking agents, publishers & sync agents.

QMusic Program Manager and QMA Producer, Trina Masseysaid, “Just enteringyour song, you get to put your music in front of some of the most respectedindustry movers and shakers from Australia and across the world.

“That’s what so special about the QMAs, the opportunity one gets.”