Jem Cassar-Daley, Cub Sport and Joff Bush Lead 2024 QMAs

With two wins each, Cub Sport, Jem Cassar-Daley and Joff Bush were the big winners Wednesday night (April 17) at the 2024 Queensland Music Awards, held at Brisbane’s Fortitude Music Hall.

Cassar-Daley, daughter of legendary country artist Troy Cassar-Daley, won the night’s big prize for song of the year, and the pop award, for “King of Disappointment.”

“To say that I was not expecting this is an understatement, this is absolutely huge,” she said from the podium following the announcement of song of the year, the final prize of the night. “I can’t wait to tell my mum and dad.”

With her QMA song of the year win, Cassar-Daley is immortalised with a plaque on Fortitude Valley’s Walk of Fame in the Brunswick Street Mall, joining the likes of Sycco, the Jungle Giants and Thelma Plum, who, during a brief ceremony prior to the QMAs, received her permanent piece of the Valley for “Backseat of My Mind,” winner at the 2023 awards.

Cub Sport’s ARIA Albums Chart No. 1 Jesus at the Gay Bar nabbed album of the year and the Brisbane band took out the electronic award for “Songs About It.”

Also, Bluey music composer Joff Bush won children’s music award for “Dance Mode” and the music for screen award for “Cricket,” both written for the popular kids’ show.

With Queensland premier Steven Miles in the room, and federal minister for the arts Tony Burke delivering a video message to the room, John “JC” Collins” made an impassioned plea for support for live music venues, struggling from brutal business conditions.

“After COVID 19, we thought the world would open up. It did for TayTay,” Collins said during the presentation of the people’s choice award for metro venue of the year, won by The Fortitude Music Hall, for which he serves as venue director. “It’s really important that we understand that the costs are up 40% and the ticket sales are down 60%. Do the maths on that.”

Also on the night, James Blundell was on hand to collect his lifetime achievement award, Busby Marou took home the blues and roots category for “Conversation,” DZ Deathrays’ “My Mind Is Eating Me Alive” won the heavy award, Sahara Beck’s “Compromise” claimed the
Soul/ funk/ rnb award and Tia Gostelow’s “Spring To Life” earned the Indigenous award.

“The talent that comes up on that stage every year never ceases to amaze me,” comments QMusic CEO Kris Stewart. “Tonight was a display of Queensland artists showing the rest of the world how it’s done and having their hard work rewarded.”

Hosted by Myf Warhurst and Michael Tuahine, the 2024 QMAs were produced by QMusic which is supported by the Queensland government. Major partners include Brick Lane Brewing and Grant Thornton.

2024 Queensland Music Awards winners:

Major Awards

Song Of The Year

Jem Cassar-Daley – ‘King Of Disappointment’

Album Of The Year

Cub Sport – Jesus At The Gay Bar

Lifetime Achievement Award

James Blundell

Scholarships

2023 Billy Thorpe Scholarship

Lottie Mcleod

2023 Carol Lloyd Award

Jo Davie

Dennis “Mop” Conlon Scholarship

Kristal West

2023 Grant Mclennan Fellowship

Georgia Potter

Dalwood-Wylie Foundation Scholarship

Ethan Roberts

Category Awards

Blues | Roots Award

Busby Marou – ‘Conversation’

Children’s Music Award

Joff Bush – ‘Dance Mode’ (Bluey)

Contemporary Classical & Music For Stage

Karin Schaupp – ‘Cybernylon’

Country Award

Tori Forsyth – ‘Sometimes’

Electronic Award

Cub Sport – ‘Songs About It’

Folk Award

Minor Gold – ‘Cannonball’

Heavy Award

Dz Deathrays – ‘My Mind Is Eating Me Alive’

Hip Hop Award

Ozi Jarel – ‘Uptown’

Indigenous Award

Tia Gostelow – ‘Spring To Life’

Jazz Award

Andrew Butt Trio – ‘Le Baiser Salé’

Music For Screen

Joff Bush – ‘Cricket’ (Bluey)

Pop Award

Jem Cassar-Daley – ‘King Of Disappointment’

Rock Award

Felony. – ‘Everyone I Like Wants To Kill Themselves’

Soul | Funk | Rnb Award

Sahara Beck – ‘Compromise’

World Award

Taitu’uga – ‘Falealili Manusamoa’

Youth (Ages 10 – 17) Award

Parker – ‘Sofa Bed’

Regional | Regional Award

Lt – ‘Act Your Age’

Video Award

Luis Campbell, Adam Hasa & Julian Panetta – ‘Make It So Easy’ By Jordan Briton Feat. Juno

Export Award

Skin On Skin

Highest Selling Single

Fisher & Kita Alexander – ‘Atmosphere’

Highest Selling Album

Brad Cox – Acres

Venues + Festival Of The Year Awards

People’s Choice Award Metro Venue Of The Year

The Fortitude Music Hall

People’s Choice Award Regional Venue Of The Year

Kings Beach Tavern

People’s Choice Award Festival Of The Year Nominees

Gympie Music Muster

Accessible Venue Of The Year

Kingston Butter Factory Cultural Precinct