SCMIC launches industry awards celebrations, nominations open now
THE Sunshine Coast’s vibrant music industry is set to receive long-overdue recognition with the launch of the first-ever Sunshine Coast Music Awards.
Nominations are now open for local musicians, venues, producers, and creative artists to be acknowledged for their contributions to the region’s thriving music scene.
The awards have been established by the Sunshine Coast Music Industry Collective (SCMIC), an independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to advocating for and supporting the local music industry.
“This will be a perfect celebration that will shine a spotlight on local talent and show artists and industry professionals alike that it is possible to build and sustain a career from the Sunshine Coast.”
SCMIC Working Musician Chair, Alex Henrikkson, highlighted the significance of the awards for the region. “Growing up on the Sunshine Coast, it always felt like the whole industry was everywhere but here. Now, the Sunshine Coast is producing some of the best national and international acts in Australia, and it’s time to recognize both established and emerging talent based here.”
This is the beginning of something very special that will celebrate artists for years to come.
The Sunshine Coast Music Awards will feature eleven categories, including:
- Artist of the Year
- Musician of the Year
- Rising Star of the Year
- Young Artist of the Year
- Live Act of the Year
- Song of the Year
- First Nations Award
- Venue of the Year
The awards will honour the artistic and creative skills of musicians and the broader talent within the Sunshine Coast music industry. While one in 41 people in the region identify as being involved in the music industry, this marks the first formal recognition of their hard work and contributions.
To be eligible for nomination, individuals must have a strong connection to the Sunshine Coast, and their work must have been released between March 1, 2024, and February 28, 2025.
SCMIC Chair Melissa O’Bryan expressed her excitement for the event. “This is a chance to show the industry, and the broader community, just how much talent we have here on the Sunshine Coast. We are so excited to see what this process can achieve,” she said.
“I’m personally looking forward to hearing from all corners of the region. I know we have enormous expertise here, and I can’t wait to be blown away by the talent in our first-ever awards. Opening nominations is the first major step in bringing these awards to life.”
Nominations can be submitted via www.scmic.org/sunshinecoastmusicawards, with 25% of all nomination fees donated to the industry charity Support Act. The deadline for nominations is March 28, 2025.
The winners will be celebrated at the inaugural Sunshine Coast Music Awards on Sunday, June 1, 2025.
