SUNSHINE COAST MUSIC AWARDS •
SUNSHINE COAST MUSIC AWARDS 2025
WINNERS
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Ziggy Alberts is no stranger to success, building a dedicated global following through steadfast touring, captivating songwriting, and an independent ethos that sees him thrive without the backing of a major label. An artist who has mastered the acoustic charm of busking, through to the electrifying energy of sold-out world stages-all as a solo act-Alberts is now entering a new phase of his artistic journey with his seventh studio album, ‘New Love’(February 2025).
FINALISTS: Betty Taylor, High Tropics, Raw Ordio
ARTWORK OF THE YEAR
Lahni Rae Thorogood was born and raised in Nambour, Sunshine Coast. Her love for visual arts came in early childhood and flourished in later years of high school (Nambour State College) with two of her short films being displayed in QGOMA’s Creative Generation exhibit two years in a row (2020, 2021). After graduating, she became inspired by the local music scene, and began creating music videos, cover art, posters, and merch designs for local bands.
FINALISTS: builtfromboxes, jeunae elita
FIRST NATIONS
Involved in the Music and Arts industry for the past 3 Decades. Aboriginal Elder, Uncle Kev Starkey has become a valued Music Industry Stakeholder, Regionally and Nationally. Utilising his ever expanding knowledge of ATSI Culture and the Music Industry, Uncle Kev is assisting in the Professional Development of many First Nations Artists and Organisations across the Country, sharing his experiences to help them navigate a pathway to their career and Organisations vision.
FINALISTS: Daddy Frank
LIVE ACT OF THE YEAR
Betty Taylor is the friend who holds your hand after a heartbreak. Fronted by Sophie Patrick, with harmonies and dreamy guitar from Kayla Smart (AKA Dorah Jacson), the band is rounded out by Claire Chittick (bass) and Katie Ishaque (drums). From an open mic at Solbar to major festivals, they’ve become one of Australia’s most exciting indie acts.
FINALISTS: Raw Ordio, Sunny Coast Rude Boys
MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
Minnie Marks is not just some blazingly electrified guitar playing freak of nature. She is also a rare and triple threat: Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.
From winning the world renowned ‘Bluesfest Busking Competition’ in 2011, to taking out the People’s Choice Award’ at both Blues At Bridgetown and Nannup Music Festival, plus earning the winning place of ‘Best Guitarist’ for the Open Arms Festival competition, Marks is no stranger on the block.
FINALISTS: Josiah Niven, Pat Tierney
RECORDING STUDIO OF THE YEAR
Yama-nui Recording Studio is a hidden hive of musical creativity oozing with inspiration and vibe that delivers superb recordings and albums that land exactly where you want them to. Established by renowned musicians PaulieB and OJ Newcomb Yama-Nui has been producing award winning records for some of Australia’s most successful independent artists since 2017. CONTACT US today and become part of the growing legacy of Yama-Nui Studios.
FINALISTS: Big Rock Studio, Glasshouse Studios
RISING STAR AWARD
Betty Taylor is the friend who holds your hand after a heartbreak. Fronted by Sophie Patrick, with harmonies and dreamy guitar from Kayla Smart (AKA Dorah Jacson), the band is rounded out by Claire Chittick (bass) and Katie Ishaque (drums). From an open mic at Solbar to major festivals, they’ve become one of Australia’s most exciting indie acts.
FINALISTS: Frank and Louis, Wave Raiders
SONG OF THE YEAR
Betty Taylor is the friend who holds your hand after a heartbreak. Fronted by Sophie Patrick, with harmonies and dreamy guitar from Kayla Smart (AKA Dorah Jacson), the band is rounded out by Claire Chittick (bass) and Katie Ishaque (drums). From an open mic at Solbar to major festivals, they’ve become one of Australia’s most exciting indie acts.
FINALISTS: Buttermello, “Let Me Down Easy”, Ziggy Alberts - “I'm With You” and Frank and Louis - “FAT MAN”
VENUE THE YEAR
Betty Taylor is the friend who holds your hand after a heartbreak. Fronted by Sophie Patrick, with harmonies and dreamy guitar from Kayla Smart (AKA Dorah Jacson), the band is rounded out by Claire Chittick (bass) and Katie Ishaque (drums). From an open mic at Solbar to major festivals, they’ve become one of Australia’s most exciting indie acts.
FINALISTS: Norton Music Factory, The Station
YOUNG ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Betty Taylor is the friend who holds your hand after a heartbreak. Fronted by Sophie Patrick, with harmonies and dreamy guitar from Kayla Smart (AKA Dorah Jacson), the band is rounded out by Claire Chittick (bass) and Katie Ishaque (drums). From an open mic at Solbar to major festivals, they’ve become one of Australia’s most exciting indie acts.
FINALISTS: Ampersand, Wave Raiders
PUNTER OF THE YEAR
Leigh is a music lover who always tries to support local musicians' gigs year-round, spending many a night attending as many gigs as possible for local and more established artists, as well as amassing an impressive collection of merch & vinyl from shows all over the coast.
FINALISTS: Letricia (Letty) Delaney
