Nominations for the Queensland Music Awards open
Pictured: Sycco at the 2021 Queensland Music Awards
The Queensland Music Awards have opened for nominations this morning.
Artists who have released songs and music videos between December 1, 2020 and November 30, 2021 will be eligible to enter across more than 20 award categories.
Nominations are open until 11:59pm (AEST) on Thursday, October 21, and the QMAs ceremony will take place at The Fortitude Music Hall in Brisbane on Tuesday, March 29.
Applications for the $10,000 Billy Thorpe Scholarship – which offers recording and career support – are also open. Past winners of the package include Sam Hales of The Jungle Giants, Jeremy Neale, Greta Stanley and Beckah Amani.
QMusic CEO, Kris Stewart, said it had been a big year for the industry in Queensland.
“From household names Keith Urban, Amy Shark and Sheppard, to emerging artists like Jaguar Jonze, Jesswar and Hope D, it’s clear that the talent coming out of Queensland has never been stronger,” he said.
“The QMAs is Queensland music’s night of nights. And after what the industry has endured over the past year, not only will the 2022 Queensland Music Awards shine a spotlight on the state’s best music, it will be a celebration of the incredible tenacity and passion shown by all.”
At this year’s awards, Sycco won Song of the Year and the Pop Award. This week, she will be honoured on the Valley Walk of Fame alongside the likes of The Bee Gees, Savage Garden, The Saints and Powderfinger.
She said it was a huge honour to be recognised in this way.
“Winning a QMA as a huge milestone for me, I did not expect to actually win at all, so there was a huge shock factor. To have that sort of support and recognition really means a lot,” she said.
“Having a plaque in the Valley is absolutely immense. I used to walk past those all the time and see big names that have inspired me so much – to be part of that is unreal.”
The state’s minister for the arts, Leeanne Enoch, said the Palaszczuk Government recognises the power of music in telling stories, and spruiked the Government’s support of the sector.
“The arts, cultural and creative sectors are key to delivering the Palaszczuk Government’s plan for economic recovery from COVID-19, each year contributing $8.5 billion into the state’s economy and supporting more than 92,000 jobs for Queenslanders.
“That’s why our Government has committed to more than $79 million worth of initiatives to support the arts and cultural sector through COVID-19, including a $22.5 million Recovery Package, and a further $7 million in 2021-22 to support the state’s live music sector.
“Since the commencement of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Palaszczuk Government has invested nearly $11 million in the live music sector through the arts portfolio, including direct funding support for 37 live music venues statewide.
“The Billy Thorpe Scholarship is a perfect way for emerging Queensland musicians to develop their skills and enhance their career in the live music industry, and I encourage aspiring Queensland musicians to apply.”