Meet The Finalists
ROUND 1
ARTWORK OF THE YEAR
builtfromboxes - Adam Niven
builtfromboxes (Adam Niven) is a Sunshine Coast based artist who loves making art that his wife says “Oh, that’s nice” but really means “What are you doing with your life?” The name builtfromboxes was inspired by makeing things with his kids out of cardboard boxes. Watching a box become anything, powered by the imagination of the child. But ultimately, still being a cardboard box and at some point ending up in the recycle bin.
jeunae elita - Jeunae Roger
Jeunae Elita multi-disciplinary artist and musicianJeunae Elita is a multi-disciplinary artist, educator, and researcher based in Kabi Kabi Country.Her work examines the intersection of place, mythology, ecology, and relational resonance through body, mixed media, sound, and voice. As a composer and multi-instrumentalist, her music is influenced by the “imaginal realm”—a intermediate space associated with dreams and subtle experiences connecting the inner and outer worlds.
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.
YOUNG ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Ampersand
What is an “Ampersand”? That’s what everyone always asks. Ampersand is two spectacular lead vocalists (Katie Brown & Isi Semmler) backed by a tight, innovative trio of keys, bass & drums (Jarrod Tutbury, Jed Green & Orlando Hamilton-Craig)… & also the “&” symbol. After 4 years together, Noosa’s funk family has spread their infectious brand of effortlessly improvised pop/funk fusion across the globe with their recent streaming wins.
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.
Wave Raiders
Wave Raiders, a trio of alternative rock disruptors from the Sunshine Coast, aren’t here to blend in – they’re here to smash cliches and carve out their own identity! These stage-shredders have the energy of a lightning storm and have already unleashed chaos touring with The Screaming Jets, jolted 10,000 fans with Spiderbait at the final Caloundra Music Festival, and left their mark on the nation’s top festivals, from Bluesfest Byron Bay to Airlie Beach Festival of Music.
RECORDING STUDIO OF THE YEAR
Big Rock Studio
I have been recording since the mid 1980’s. and have run a studio on the Sunshine Coast since 2008. Since than I have also booked a music venue for 6 years, run a booking agency and co-managed a band for 5 years. I have also had had the opportunity to record some of the up and coming and more successful acts from the Sunshine Coast, including The Dawn Chorus, The Floating Bridges, Ziggy Alberts and the Dreggs.
Glasshouse Studios
Married for 27 years with 2 adult children, Angus has over 30 years in the music industry asan international touring musician / singer, touring live sound engineer, and also as a music producer, composer, arranger, mix engineer & mastering engineer with local, national and international clients. He has recorded, mixed and/or mastered literally hundreds of Australian & International Artists music. It is a passion and goal of his to help make the Sunshine Coast a “Global Hot Spot” and to become known for world class Artists and Bands.
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.
Meet The Finalists
ROUND 2
PUNTER OF THE YEAR
Leigh Kuryj
Letricia Delaney
FIRST NATIONS
Daddy Frank
Alister Bartholomew has played to a wide variety of audiences since beginning in a public bar at the bottom of the Myer Centre, Brisbane Queen st Mall. Alister is in the process of learning Kala Kawaw Ya in order to record and capture a Saibai songs of his forefathers.
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.
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.
Frank & 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.
Wave Raiders
Wave Raiders, a trio of alternative rock disruptors from the Sunshine Coast, aren’t here to blend in – they’re here to smash cliches and carve out their own identity! These stage-shredders have the energy of a lightning storm and have already unleashed chaos touring with The Screaming Jets, jolted 10,000 fans with Spiderbait at the final Caloundra Music Festival, and left their mark on the nation’s top festivals, from Bluesfest Byron Bay to Airlie Beach Festival of Music.
VENUE OF THE YEAR
Norton Music Factory
Norton Music Factory started out as a custom guitar workshop, because we love our guitars! As time went on things have changed in a big, big way. Now we are home to an amazing live music venue that is both intimate and incredibly thrilling.
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.
The Station
Welcome to The Station – the Sunshine Coast’s premier destination for live entertainment, good vibes, and community connection. Named QLD Music Awards’ Accessible Venue of the Year 2025, we’re proud to host world-class acts like The Temper Trap, PNAU, Matt Corby, Amyl & The Sniffers and more — but just as passionate about championing the next generation of local talent.
Meet The Finalists
ROUND 3
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.
Raw Ordio
Influenced through a wide range of musical genres and a passion for house music, Raw Ordioencapsulates their own signature sound of electronic music fused by world class musicians. Selling out shows within Queensland, and captivating audiences with their live performances, Raw Ordio delivers an innovative immersive experience in showmanship and musical wizardry.
Sunny Coast Rude Boys
The Sunny Coast Rude Boys are a 10-piece soundwave hailing from Australia’s Sunshine Coast beaches. The band has established itself as one of the country's top ska acts, attracting the attention of a diverse and growing national & International fanbase with its unique signature sound – a pop-tinged, surf-sprayed distillation of unexpected arrangements and seductive harmonies, invigorated by punchy horns and thumping drums.
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.
Buttermello - Let Me Down Easy
Buttermello is an upbeat indie band from the Sunshine Coast, formed in November 2020 and quickly becoming a local favorite, packing venues across the region. They recently launched new single "Low”, but it’s their song “Let Me Down Easy”, from late last year, which snagged them a finalist spot in the SCMAs Song of the Year category.
Frank and Louie - FAT MAN
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.
Ziggy Alberts - I'm With You
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).
MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
Josiah Niven
Josiah Niven is a Bass Player, Guitar Player, Backing Vocalist and Songwriter heavily involved. In the Sunshine Coast Music Scene, Josiah is a founding member of ChAMBER LANe, a four piece indie-punk outfit as Bass Player, Backing Vocalist and Musical Director. In 2024, Josiah started a similar role as Bass player & backing vocalist in Calan Mai, the folk rock group established by Jordan Lawrence 10 years ago.
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.
Pat Tierney
Pat Tierney is a lap slide guitarist and roots troubadour whose soulful fusion of blues and folk draws on influences like Bob Dylan, Ben Harper, and JJ Cale. Since his 2015 debut, he has toured extensively, performed at major Australian festivals, and shared stages with artists including The Beautiful Girls, Bobby Alu and Harry Manx. His acclaimed albums Red Moon and Lost in the Haze showcase his poetic songwriting and have earned national radio play, millions of streams, and multiple Queensland Music Award nominations.
ARTIST 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.
Raw Ordio
Influenced through a wide range of musical genres and a passion for house music, Raw Ordio
encapsulates their own signature sound of electronic music fused by world class musicians. Selling out shows within Queensland, and captivating audiences with their live performances, Raw Ordio delivers an innovative immersive experience in showmanship and musical wizardry.
High Tropics
High Tropics, the project of Australian indie songsmith Josh Stewart, has carved out an enigmatic presence in Australia’s underground rock ‘n’ roll scene. Originally gaining recognition with the now-defunct The Ninjas, Stewart transformed High Tropics from a simple folder of demos into one of the country’s best-kept secrets. The project has earned multiple QMA nominations and acclaim from influential tastemakers like Rolling StoneAustralia, Triple J, and Red Bull Music.
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).
