Our favourite acts from the 2019 PDA Awards winners list
The APRA Professional Development Awards (PDA’s) are a pretty good way to get a sense of the who’s who of rising stars in Aussie song-writing.
Winners receive some cold hard cash, aimed at supporting them as they continue to imprint their mark on the musical landscape.
2019 threw up some pretty damn impressive nominations, with the winner’s list reading like one hell of a dream Spotify playlist.
Without further ado, here are some of our choice picks from the PDA winners for 2019, AKA artists you can brag that you were aware of when they’re superstars in the near future.
1) Angie McMahon (Popular Contemporary)
Having just released her quality debut LP Salt, the folk-meets-indie blues songstress has gone from strength to strength since she first crossed our radars nearly two years ago.
Having already opened for the likes of Angus and Julia Stone around the world, as well as selling out her own headline tours, expect to see Angie featured in more lists for many years to come.
2) Ecca Vandal (Popular Contemporary)
The enigmatic performer refuses to be tied down to any particular sound and has cemented herself as one of the most important, outspoken Aussie musicians going around today. Combining punk rock with industrial pop, hip-hop and any other manner of influence, she’s just wrapped up a month on the road with legends Hilltop Hoods, and things only look like they’re getting better from here.
3) Imogen Clark (country)
The Sydney-based songwriter has been making waves recently, landing a single in the ARIA charts and touring around the major capitals. With brand new LP Collide being distributed by Universal Music, as well as a tour coming up with legendary artist Jim Lauderdale, there’s never been a better time to catch the artist playing intimate venues. She won’t be for much longer.
4) Jessica Hitchcock (Indigenous Music and Media)
Both classically trained opera singer and folk songstress, Jessica Hitchcock is a versatile package and is well worth your time. Currently touring with Kate Miller-Heidke’s live band, she’s also got some select live shows coming up, performing cuts from her wonderful record Bloodline. Check out all the details here.
Read more about the awards here, and check out the full list below.
2019 PDA Winners
Angie McMahon – Popular Contemporary
Ecca Vandal – Popular Contemporary
Mojo Juju – Popular Contemporary
Deline Briscoe – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Amanda Cole – Art Music
Imogen Clark – Country
Beatrice Lewis – Dance/Electronic
Pru Montin – Film and Television
Niran Dasika – Jazz
This article originally appeared on The Industry Observer, which is now part of The Music Network.