Meet The Winners

ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Ziggy Alberts

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 and Raw Ordio

ARTWORK OF THE YEAR

Lahni Thorogood

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 and jeunae elita

FIRST NATIONS

Kevin Starkey

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.

FINALIST: Daddy Frank

LIVE ACT OF THE YEAR

Betty Taylor

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 and Sunny Coast Rude Boys

MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR

Minnie Marks

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 and Pat Tierney

PUNTER OF THE YEAR

Leigh Kuryj

FINALIST: Letricia (Letty) Delaney

RECORDING STUDIO OF THE YEAR

Yama-Nui Studios

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 and Glasshouse Studios

RISING STAR AWARD

Betty Taylor

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 and Wave Raiders

SONG OF THE YEAR

Betty Taylor - Young, Dumb and Immature

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 OF THE YEAR

Solbar

Solbar’s mission is to provide a sophisticated venue where people from all walks of life can meet, to respectfully appreciate all types of artistic expression in a friendly, fun and safe environment. Solbar blends cutting edge sound design with a warm atmosphere to set the stage for performances second to none on the Coast.

FINALISTS: Norton Music Factory and The Station

YOUNG ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Frank and Louis

Frank and Louis are two young brothers from the Sunshine Coast on a mission to make meaningful pop. They sing, harmonise, and play guitar, bass, drums and harmonica. After years of songwriting, they’re finally writing lyrics and music that “don't gag them”. Their first release “FAT MAN” addresses the dearth of contemporary nuke-pop. Named after the atomic bomb, it's a synthy pop song about imminent nuclear annihilation. It beat over 1100 entries to reach the final of TripleJ’s 2024 Unearthed High Competition.