Exclusive: National Live Music Awards announces Brisbane gala, hints at new initiatives, unveils new board members

The 3rd National Live Music Awards (NLMAs) will be held on Thursday December 6 in eight venues across the country.

This year the event moves its Industry Gala to Brisbane, following events in Melbourne and Sydney in the last two years.

Seven other events will be held simultaneously, with one event in every state and territory around the country.

Locations and venues are unveiled in July.

The 2017 event saw over 1,000 people attend events around the country, raising money for Support Act and celebrating Camp Cope, Gang of Youths, BIGSOUND and Amy Shark among the night’s big winners.

Organiser Larry Heath told TMN this morning, “For the awards, we’re planning some big surprises this year in terms of where we’ll be holding events, and the new awards we’ll be adding to the initiative.

“We’re also working on innovative ways to connect the 8 events – both online and at the events themselves – a unique, if complicated opportunity for the only event to be held simultaneously in every state and territory. “

Venues, events and musicians wanting to be considered for nomination for the 2018 awards are invited to fill out the nomination form, which opens up at nlmas.com.au today until August 1.

Applications will be passed on to 100 national judges that they are considered, and for the relevant categories.

The NLMAs this morning also announced a change in its board.

Stepping down after two years are Dean Ormston (APRA AMCOS), Joel Edmonson (QMusic), Simon Collins (The West Australian) and Laura Harper (Music Tasmania).

Elected this year are Mark Smith of MusicNT (the awards’ first NT board member) Aeron Clark of Edge Radio and Music Tasmania, Jana Gibson of APRA AMCOS and Michelle Padovan of QMusic.

The 11 board members are:

Aeron Clark (Edge Radio, Music Tasmania)

Damian Cunningham (Elastic Entertainment)

Emma Coyle (Sundial Productions, SA)

Emily Collins (managing director, MusicNSW)

Jana Gibson (director, writer services, APRA AMCOS)

Kate Hennessy (arts writer, music critic)

Katie Noonan (musician)

Mark Smith (executive director, MusicNT)

Michelle Padovan (marketing director, QMusic)

Mike Harris (CEO, WAM)

Paris Martine (Contrary Music, Vic)

Heath says of the board changes,  “The goal of our board – as should be any board of a national endeavour –  is to have representatives of all states and territories, and of a wide range of disciplines, who provide their input and ensure that these awards are as inclusive as they can be.

“With the addition of Mark Smith we’re excited to bring ourselves closer to that goal, welcoming a great champion of the Northern Territory onto our board, alongside invaluable new voices from APRA AMCOS, QMusic and Music Tasmania.

“Collectively, we’ll be bringing a wide range of new voices into our judging panel, and working to deliver this NLMAs its most diverse and exciting line-up of nominees and performers yet. “