The finalists for the inaugural Australian Women in Music Awards have been announced but there’s still a wait until the star-studded ceremony at Brisbane’s Powerhouse Theatre on Wednesday October 10.
For the first time, the AWMAs is recognising women across a range of categories including artistry, songwriting, technical and production skills, cultural development, education, photography, leadership and humanitarian work, all within the music industry.
“This will be a very special celebration of women in Australian music,” adds AWMA Founding Director and Executive Producer, Vicki Gordon. “We are overwhelmed with support which we continue to receive from artists, the music community and the broader creative sector.”
Fourteen AWMAs are to be won this year, assessed by a Jury Council of industry professionals and practitioners. Highlights from nominees include Amy Shark, Katie Noonan, Deborah Cheetham, Gordi, Jen Cloher, Stella Donnelly, Ngaiire, Camp Cope, Sarah Blasko, Tiddas and the Mission Songs Project.
The ceremony will feature performances from Kate Ceberano, Tiddas and Emily Wurramara plus the reformation of Do Re Mi. Iconic singer-songwriter Helen Reddy will be inducted onto the AWMA Honour Roll. In addition to the awards, there will be a two-day program at the same venue, with a series of free forums, a keynote from Kate Ceberano and Queensland premiere of documentary Her Sound – Her Story.
Australian Women in Music Award finalists
Songwriter Award: Sara Blasko, Gordi, Ngaiire
Music Leadership Award: Linda Bosidis, Jen Cloher, Susan Heymann
Diversity in Music Award: Mission Songs Project, Rachel Maria Cox, 3 Signal Creative
Studio Production Award: Anna Laverty, Kath Naunton, Becki Whitton
Music Photographer Award: Lisa Businovski, Tashi Hall, Wendy McDougall
Creative Leadership Award: Zoe Hauptmann, Katie Noonan, Roz Pappalardo
Breakthrough Artist Award: Camp Cope, Stella Donnelly, Amy Shark
Artist Excellence Award: Dalla Frasca, Gordi, Ngaiire
Filmmaker Award: Gemma Lee, Ruth Morris, Claudia Sangiorgi Dalimore
Live Production Award: Lynetter Britten, Kait Hall, Robyn Jelleff
Musical Excellence: Fem Belling, Lydia Davies, Nerida Tyson-Chew
Educator Award: Dr Anita Collins, Louise Denson, Elizabeth Stellars
Auriel Andrew Memorial Award: Deborah Cheetham AOM, Jessie Llyod, Shellie Morris, Tiddas, Gina Williams.
Lifetime Achievement Award: to be announced
