Hold onto your bikinis and budgie smugglers because things are heating up beachside with the Gold Coast Music Awards (GCMAs) announcing Casey Barnes, San Mei and Peach Fur as live performers for the 2 May event, with beloved Double J broadcaster, Sarah Howells joining the team as MC.
Having unearthed some of the biggest rising stars over the past five years, from international pop sensation Amy Shark, to Spotify streaming kings Hollow Coves, the GCMAs are a launching pad to greater success for local emerging acts, and this year’s awards will be no exception.
“The Gold Coast is full of amazing talent, with artists like Bobby Alu and Amy Shark absolutely killing it overseas after getting their start here,” said Sarah Howells, the voice of roots in Australia for almost a decade at triple j and now Double J.
“The industry and community in the area have birthed a slew of brilliant venues and music events, cultivating even more talent year after year.”
A Griffith University Gold Coast graduate, Sarah says she’s looking forward to returning to the Gold Coast to host the awards, which will take place on the iconic Surfers Paradise beachfront on 2 May.
Kicking off the 4-day Surfers Paradise LIVE festival, the GCMAs free live concert features 2018 Golden Guitar finalist Casey Barnes, indie-pop festival favourite San Mei, and indie-rock rapscallions, Peach Fur.
““The Awards shine a spotlight on the incredible depth and diversity of musical talent we have here on the Gold Coast by bringing together the music industry to celebrate both the high profile artists and the quiet achievers,” said GCMAs director, Samantha Morris.
“Gold Coast is a hotbed of musical talent with the Awards becoming a ‘must-watch’ Australian industry event.”
The party then continues for Gold Coast music lovers, with Surfers Paradise LIVE taking over the beachfront with performances from some of Australia’s best-known artists including The Living End, Hoodoo Gurus and Bachelor Girl from 2 – 5 May.
One to pop in the diary, the 2019 GCMAs are sure to delight music industry peeps and music lovers alike.
Nominations for the 2019 Gold Coast Music Awards are now closed. Finalists will be announced 4 April. Tickets for the awards ceremony at Surfers Paradise beachfront on 2 May are on sale now.
