Finalists Announced for Billy Thorpe, Grant McLennan, Carol Lloyd Prizes

The shortlists are published for the Billy Thorpe Scholarship, Carol Lloyd Award and Grant McLennan Scholarship, the winners of which will be announced at the 2023 Queensland Music Awards (QMAs).

The Queensland government contributes a total of $45,000 in funding for those annual prizes, which support Queensland artists to further their careers.

Each award carries a cash prize of $15,000, which can be used to offset the cost of recording, touring or travel for professional development.

When the QMAs are presented next Tuesday, March 28 at Brisbane’s Fortitude Music Hall, it’ll mark the first time those three special prizes will be presented as part of the annual ceremony.

Kris Stewart

“We at QMusic are so proud to continue the legacies of Billy Thorpe, Carol Lloyd and Grant McLennan by supporting these new generations of artists,” comments QMusic CEO Kris Stewart.

“From early career musicians to established artists continuing to tell their story, the scholarship finalists for this year are some of the most exciting music makers from our State and I can’t wait to hear what they make with this support.”

Established in 2007 in the memory of Go-Betweens co-founder Grant McLennan’s enduring influence on contemporary music and songwriting, the fellowship is designed to expose recipients to travel to one of the great cultural cities of New York, London, or Berlin.

Previous winners of the award include Jack Bratt, Jeremy Neale and Danny Harley.

Jeremy Neal

The Billy Thorpe Scholarship is named in honour of the late, great Australian rocker Billy Thorpe, and provides the opportunity for an emerging act to record with an established producer and receive career planning from Chugg Entertainment.

Previous winners include Cloe Terare, Beckah Amani, Sam Hales (The Jungle Giants), and Greta Stanley.

The Carol Lloyd Award takes its name from the late Railroad Gin singer and recognises her contributions to supporting emerging female identifying or non-binary artists.

The 2023 recipient will be awarded a cash sum to facilitate the recording of a full-length album or tour an EP.

Previous winners include Hope D, Sahara Beck, Leanne Tennant and Moreton.

“The Queensland Government is committed to supporting artists and backing live music,” says state minister minister for the arts Leeanne Enoch.

“Our investment in QMusic and support for these awards recognise the social and economic impacts of the live music industry, and help to position Queensland as a leader.

This investment, she continues, delivers “on the priorities of Creative Together, the ten-year roadmap for arts, culture and creativity in Queensland, allowing each of these outstanding home-grown artists to be celebrated.”

Sycco at the 2021 Queensland Music Awards QMAs

As previously reported, Sunshine State stars Thelma Plum, DZ Deathrays, Confidence Man, Mallrat and Cub Sport are among the artists chasing glory at the 2023 Queensland Music Awards.

On the night, 17 categories will be presented, with 74 artists nominated for QMAs – which showcase the best and brightest in Queensland’s contemporary music scene.

The 2023 Queensland Music Awards is produced by QMusic which is supported by the Queensland Government. Major partners this time are The Australia Council, Brick Lane and Brisbane City Council.

For tickets visit queenslandmusicawards.com.au.

2023 GRANT MCLENNAN FELLOWSHIP FINALISTS:

AYLA (Ayla Scanlan), BANFF (Ben Forbes), Elizabeth (Elizabeth Mitchell) and Sahara Beck

2023 BILLY THORPE SCHOLARSHIP FINALISTS:

Full Flower Moon Band, GLVES, Jem Cassar-Daley and NEISH

2023 CAROL LLOYD AWARD FINALISTS:

Beckah Amani, Dana Gehrman, Jem Cassar-Daley and Platonic Sex