The fourth annual Gold Coast Music Awards took place last night with a sold out beachside event hosting the best of the Gold Coast’s musical talent.

The event which featured performances from Bobby Alu, Hussy Hicks, Electrik Lemonade, and more celebrated the thriving music industry and culture in the coastal area.

On judging the nominations, panel chair and Queensland Conservatorium deputy director, Donna Weston said “The categories were hotly contested in the judging this year. Given the strength of nominations, the judges just had to keep coming back to the criteria to ensure the right results were reached.”

The ceremony saw indie darling Amy Shark beaten out for three of the four awards she was nominated, however she won Artist of the year for a second time. Hollow Coves took home two awards for Breakout artist of the year, and Song of the year.

On Hollow Coves big wins, judge Julia Bridger said, “Hollow Coves were a revelation for the judging panel this year. Beautifully written and recorded songs, and incredible steps that they’ve made career-wise meant they were deserving winners in a very competitive field of finalists.”

The winners:

Album of the year – Hussy Hicks: On The Boundaries

Artist of the year – Amy Shark

Breakout artist of the year – Hollow Coves

Event of the year – Shakafest

Live act of the year – The Mason Rack Band

Song of the year – Hollow Coves: Coastline

Venue of the year – Miami Tavern Shark Bar

Video of the year – Lane Harry x Ike Campbell: The Dash. Directed by Nils Nilsson

The event also kicked off Surfers Paradise LIVE, a four day event celebrating local and national talent with free gigs throughout the area. Performers include Jimmy Barnes, Darryl Braithwaite, as well as a bunch of locals.

The event is well supported by the City of Gold Coast, and acting mayor Cr Donna Gates congratulated all the artists at the event; “What an achievement for all involved, there’s a real depth of talent across the Gold Coast and it’s fantastic to see them celebrated through these music awards.”

The article was originally published on The Industry Observer