Mushroom, Guy Sebastian among nominees for new NLMAs gong

The National Live Music Awards has today revealed the five nominees up for the first-ever Musicians Making A Difference Live Award, ahead of the virtual event on October 20.

The award recognises people or organisations from the live music industry who have created positive social change using the power of music during the eligibility period.

The nominees are E^ST, Guy Sebastian, L-Fresh the Lion, Mushroom Vision and Peking Duk.

E^ST received a nomination for her latest album I’m Doing It. The open and honest lyrics tackle mental health, her open discussions on the subject and online performances.

Sebastian is nominated for the incredible work done by The Sebastian Foundation, and for his contributions to Firefight Australia and raising $200,000 with The Sony Foundation.

Sydney’s L-Fresh the Lion is in the mix for his contributions to social change in the community, both in South West Sydney and through his performances and outreach.

Mushroom Vision earned themselves a seat at the table for The Sound, the TV program on the ABC uniting the industry to showcase live music during COVID-19.

Peking Duk (pictured, below) is nominated for their relentless fundraising efforts during the bushfire crisis and with Support Act, as well as their performance at Firefight Australia.

The NLMAs announced the remaining nominees last month including Sampa The Great, Ball Park Music, Genesis Owusu, Tropical Fuck Storm and WAAX. View the full list of finalists here.

The 5th annual NLMAs will take in tandem with BIGSOUND 2020, with organisers also announcing two new award categories for this year.

The 2020 NLMAs will take place as a sole ceremony, as opposed to the usual eight separate events, taking advantage as the industry gathers in Brisbane for BIGSOUND this October to celebrate the resilience of the sector during the coronavirus pandemic.

NLMAs founder and director Larry Heath revealed there were originally plans to scupper this year’s ceremony, but that witnessing musicians fight back with live streams and other ways to connect with audiences forced a rethink.

“While the initial instinct was to take the year off, as the pandemic developed, and the ingenuity and perseverance of the music industry sat at centre stage, it became clear there was a lot to celebrate this year,” he said.

“We are a resilient industry, and as we faced our darkest hours, we collaborated, we created, and we pushed on. This year’s award show will reflect that, and also look ahead to a better and brighter future for this vibrant, wonderful industry.”

Ticket’s for this year’s NLMAs range from free to $50. Get yours here.