Music Victoria Applauds Diversity of Awards Nominees [Full List]

Music Victoria has applauded the diverse list of nominees in the industry-voted categories of its annual awards in December.

Announced this morning, it included Mo’Ju, Confidence Man, Alice Ivy, Evelyn Ida Morris, Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever, Batts, Bumpy and King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard.

“Victorians should be so proud of the music that is being made right here – now let’s give these artists the recognition, love and respect they deserve – go give them a listen, or better yet, grab a ticket to their next gig,” Music Victoria CEO Simone Schinkel said.

New partner MAV (Multicultural Arts Victoria) signed on to sponsor the MAV Diasporas Award (previously Best Global/Intercultural).

It’s created for, by and with culturally and linguistically diverse creatives to increase visibility, participation, and equity in the music scene towards a new music ecology. 

The Archie Roach Foundation Award for Emerging Talent strikes a poignant tone as it’s the first since Roach’s passing at end of July.

Arts Access Amplify Award will also return in 2022, casting a light on contributions in the past 12 months by D/deaf and disabled musicians.

Previous winner Eliza Hull emphasised the importance of the category, speaking about her win’s impact on her.

“(It) changed the trajectory of my life. Since receiving the award, I have travelled to SXSW in Austin, Texas, performed at BIGSOUND and created brand new music.

“Because of the award I was able to build my skills, connect with more people in the industry and feel supported and included as a musician with disability in the Victorian music industry.” 

This year’s prizes include new contributions from Fender and Jackson in the form of a Fender American Vintage II Stratocaster 57, two Pro Series Jackson guitars and a Pro Series Jackson bass. 

Also new is Ableton’s professional development package to support two category winners to take their music making to the next level. 

Bakehouse Studios will again provide rehearsal packages for the community categories. 

The 200 judges came from commercial, community and national radio, as well as festivals and associations as Creative Victoria, City of Melbourne, Support Act, APRA AMCOS, NATSIMO, Arts Access Victoria, Arts Access NSW, and Black Musicians Alliance Australia.

Schinkel recalled dropping into the room during the judging process.

“The passion with which the decision-makers discussed the music gave me goosebumps – it has to be the greatest part of my job.”

2022 Music Victoria Awards Nominees

The Archie Roach Foundation Award for Emerging Talent

Bumpy

Carissa Nyalu

Jess Hitchcock

MpathSoul – Monica Jasmine Karo

Pirritu

Arts Access Amplify Award

Batts

Between Mirrors

Evelyn Ida Morris

Nat Bartsch

Saint Ergo

MAV Diasporas Award

Ajak Kwai

Black Jesus eXperience

Charles Maimarosia

Hand to Earth

Vanessa Estrada

Best Blues Work

Checkerboard Lounge

Damon Smith

High Ace

The Black Sorrows

The McNamarr Project

Best Country Work

Georgia State Line

Lachlan Bryan and The Wildes

Michael Waugh

Sherry Rich

The Weeping Willows

Best Electronic Work

Harvey Sutherland

OK EG

Papaphilia

Puscha

Various Asses

Best Experimental or Avant-Garde Work

Cat Hope

Female Wizard

Nina Buchanan

Rama Parwata

The Amplified Elephants

Best Folk Work

Above The Bit

Austral

Charm of Finches

Kerryn Fields

Ruby Gill

Best Heavy Work

Diploid

ISUA

Jalang

Outright

Rinuwat

Best Hip Hop Work

Jaal

Nomad

MAMMOTH. & Silentjay

SO.Crates

Yung Shōgun

Best Jazz Work

Barney McAll

Claire Cross

Johannes Luebbers Dectet

Peter Knight

Sam Anning

Best Pop Work

Confidence Man

June Jones

Mug

Telenova

The Stroppies

Best Reggae & Dancehall Work

Jah Tung

JahWise

Nicky Bomba

Shottaz

Best Rock/Punk Work

Dr Sure’s Unusual Practice

Pinch Points

Jaala

King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard

Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever

Soul, Funk, RNB & Gospel Work

Kutcha Edwards

Lance Ferguson

Mo’Ju

Nikodimos

Zretro

 Best Producer

Alice Ivy

Gab Strum

Oscar Dawson

Stuart Mackenzie

Tim Shiel

There are three additions in the public voted categories: best DJ, best metro festival and best regional festival.