by Sonia Isaacs
THE Sunshine Coast’s homegrown music scene is once again in the spotlight, with strong local representation among finalists announced for the 2026 Sunshine Coast Music Awards by the Sunshine Coast Music Industry Collective (SCMIC).
Now in its second year, the awards recognise excellence across 11 categories spanning performance, songwriting, production and industry contribution, including Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Live Act of the Year, Rising Star, Young Artist of the Year and the Indidge Award. The program also celebrates the broader ecosystem supporting live music through Venue of the Year, Recording Studio of the Year and the community-driven Punter of the Year category.
SCMIC chair Melissa O’Bryan said the strength and diversity of nominations reflected a thriving and rapidly expanding music culture across the Sunshine Coast, with strong participation from both emerging and established artists. “We are thrilled with how it’s all shaping up. The diversity of genres this year is exceptional,” she said.
“With increased nominations in categories such as the Punter of the Year and Artwork of the Year, it is telling that these awards are shaping up to be one of the more eclectic programs out there.”
Ms O’Bryan said the growth in categories highlighted the importance of community engagement alongside artistic achievement, recognising not just performers but the venues, audiences and behind-the-scenes contributors who support the region’s live music industry.
Finalists were selected by a national judging panel featuring representatives from triple j, the Woodford Folk Festival, Oztix, Moshtix, Airlock Studios and leading Australian producers and engineers, with SCMIC acknowledging the panel’s expertise and commitment to the process.
Local finalists include Glass House Mountains artist 8 Ball Aitken, shortlisted for both Live Act of the Year and Musician of the Year, and Mooloolah Valley resident Chris Cobb, named a Rising Star finalist.
In the Venue of the Year category, Sunshine Coast Hinterland live music spaces including The Presynct, Norton Music Factory, Kings Beach Tavern, The Nook and Mapleton Public House (Green Room) have been recognised for their role in supporting the region’s artists and audiences.
Winners will be announced at the 2026 SCMA ceremony on Sunday, June 7 at The Shed in Palmview. Tickets are available via Oztix, with full finalist details at scmic.org.