GOLD COAST MUSIC AWARDS NOMINEES AND WINNERS
Presented by BLEACH*
Curated by Gold Coast Music Network
With the crashing waves and golden sands of Burleigh Beach as your backdrop, let the sweet sounds of Gold Coast’s best local talent captivate you at the city’s coolest seaside club.
Curated by the Gold Coast Music Awards, the stacked line-up will feature a host of 2024’s most inspiring nominees that are guaranteed to raise your frequency. Open Friday to Sunday for the duration of the festival, this non-stop, openair gig is the epicentre of good vibes so multiple visits are highly recommended.
Launching the Gold Coast Music Awards in 2015, armed with an idea, an empty brewery and the support of some of the Gold Coast’s most dedicated music industry workers, the growth of the Awards has been swift and impressive. Off the back of the Awards, co-founders Amanda Gorman, Chloe Popa and Samantha Morris Identified the need for further industry support and connection across the Gold Coast and have since worked to develop a program of networking and profiling opportunities for the local sector, leading to the launch of Gold Coast Music Network in 2021. We’re honoured to play a role in the growth and development of Gold Coast’s live original music scene and work together to shine a spotlight on the talent coming out of our City.
Proud Gubbi Gubbi/Butchulla woman hailing from Tamborine Mountain, Arianna is an emerging contemporary-folk musician. Inspired by the world around her and experiences growing up busking on the streets and market lanes of the Gold Coast and Northern Rivers, she has honed her sound to reflect the earthy tones of the Australian-coastal landscape and its vibrant folk music scene.
Arianna has captivated audiences during her performances at local events, festivals, and her independent live tour in 2023 up the NSW coast. As she sets the tone for her long-awaited releases, she is a bright rising artist to keep your eye on.
Painfully crafted lyrics, angelic vocals, brooding guitars and power-pop synth production, combine to create Athena Joy's unique and heartfelt spin on the indie/dark pop genre. Athena has strong ties to the coast having lived there for 10 years actively performing, songwriting and recording 2 EP's there.
Inspired by the likes of Kate Bush, Florence and the Machine and Halsey, fans are also drawn to Athena Joy's soaring voice and force of nature songwriting.
Her latest single Blame it on the Brain received stellar online reviews from the likes of Plastic Mag, Illustrate Mag, Sounds on the Couch and Lost in the Manor. The dark pop single also received radio play from Amazing Radio station based in the UK and US, as well as receiving airplay on other community stations in France and Spain.
This in combination with Queensland and Gold Coast music award nominations, Athena Joy has showcased at local festivals as well performing along the East Coast, including at much loved past venues The Zoo and Nightquarter.
Most recently an unreleased song of Athena's is a semi finalist in Listen Up Music organisations annual Songwriting Prize taking place in Brisbane 16th of August and she has announced the song will be released later this year.
Hailing from Tamborine Mountain in the scenic rim of one of Australia’s most notorious and diverse cities, the Gold Coast, Atticus Chimps are a rock & roll juggernaut that’s beginning to make a lot of noise. Tearing down the boundaries of what is possible as a two-piece band, Sam and Daniel are bursting at the seam with passion and intensity and audiences are routinely captivated by their music.
They perform heavy rock anthems that convey a message of heartbreak, self-actualization, dissatisfaction with authority and alienation from society. Their thunderous riffs, raspy vocals and upbeat energy typify their sound and made them a stand out among their peers.
Bella Paton makes music that sounds like the summertime. Each song draws you into a world of sweet layered vocals, glittery elements and nostalgic production, often drawing references to influences like Lana Del Rey and Lorde alongside lofi dusty elements from early 2000’s hip hop production. As a songwriter, the lyrics explore themes of growing up, sexuality, friendships and escaping reality, something relatable and cathartic for any listener. The unique combination of this nostalgia and sparkle makes for a dreamy listening experience you can’t miss. With a handful of impressive opening slots, festival slots and streams Bella Paton is one to watch.
Gudjingburra artist, Birren, has a deep love for music. His ocean-inspired rhythms are rooted in his lifestyle of surfing and fishing in his coastal home of Booningbah (Fingal Head) in Northern NSW.
Birren’s soothing voice and his rootsy sounds takes his audience on a journey of discovery and reflection allowing plenty of time to dance and enjoy the groove.
Fresh out of the studio in 2024 Birren is set to share his music with the world. His most recent single, Back To My Roots, was released on 10th July 2024.
Waltzing onto the stage of the Australian weirdo Jazz scene in 2024, Brain Electric are on a fast track to hypnotising audiences and lighting up dance floors all over the shop.
Living somewhere between Jazz, Funk, House, Hiphop and World Grooves, the dudes behind Brain Electric are true music lovers looking for their place sonically. It seems that the ‘looking’ may actually be the destination, finding a sound of their own that is unique yet ever changing.
Brain Electrics debut single ‘Black Cat Strut’ is a warm introduction to the project, showcasing their love for jazz, hiphop and house music all in one 6 minute sonic journey that frontman Matty describes as ‘ a turning point for bad luck’.
‘Black Cat strut’ speaks to the frustration felt when existing at the whim of bad luck, consciously choosing to not take control of your circumstances. It’s a declaration, a speech about regaining control of your situation and kicking your bad luck to the curb. If bad luck is represented as a black cat, you have to tell that kitty to strut off into the night.
Buttered is more than just a band, it's a sonic experience that washes over you like a warm, velvety embrace. With every note, you're transported to another world, where the smooth, soulful sounds of Scott Dalton and Jackson James Smith intertwine to create a musical harmony that's simply beautiful.
Chloe Behrens, the rising star from the Gold Coast, sprinkles indie vibes with cinematic flair, eager to contribute to the newly emerging genre of "Cinema-Sad-Girl Pop." Her music speaks straight to the heart, forming a genuine connection with her fans. Join Chloe on her artistic journey, where vulnerability meets strength, and immerse yourself in a world of authentic expression.
Gold Coast Based DJ & Producer, Cory has been building up his repertoire for the last 10 years, performing and crafting his style of mix and mashing club hits across the Country. An equal lover of retro hits & club grooves with a touch of disco, CORY HOTLINE’s passion for dance music is unparalleled with his ability to read any room.
Gold Coast | Yugambeh based artist Eimhin (Ev-an) is an Irish singer songwriter doing his darndest to put out vulnerable, wholehearted music that explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery.
With a diverse background informed by his Irish folk heritage, he spent his teenage years exploring musical theatre before ultimately playing in original bands and answering the call of punk rock, hardcore, glam and emo.
More recently, Eimhin’s songwriting has matured to embrace a deep sense of emotional honesty and fearlessness - from ethereal folk, to shout-it-at-the-top-of-your-lungs indie anthems.
A happy little traveller writing sad little songs, award-winning singer-songwriter, ELEEA, will take you on a journey with her signature autobiographical lyrics, lingering acoustic guitar and emotive voice.
A dynamic live performer, captivating storyteller and semi-permanent wanderer who seamlessly lifts stories from her lifelong diary entries or postcards from her adventurous solo backpacking trips to 45+ countries, ELEEA is an independent artist, fearlessly chasing her passion for long flights and stage lights.
Infusing playfulness and wonder into the Australian pop music industry, Gold Coast Music Award winning pop artist ELSKA is an unstoppable rush of fun! Fresh from her dazzling performance at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, ELSKA wowed crowds with her effervescent synth-pop and shimmering electric harp. Swirling together the spirits of ‘70s disco and ‘80s synths, ELSKA will sweep you onto the dancefloor with her dazzling live show – filled with catchy pop bops, a euphoria of electric harp, golden vocals and nostalgic beats. ELSKA is a must-see musical experience that will mesmerise you into a glittery high!
Emily Grace Taylor is a Gold Coast based country-folk artist who mixes a decade of creating luscious, guitar-driven indie-pop with a lifelong love of country, Americana and folk music. Centred around heart-on-sleeve storytelling, Emily's songwriting blends both nostalgia and the sensibilities of modern pop. Emily has received high rotation on ABC Country radio, editorial playlisting, and supported established acts such as Boy and Bear, Sam Teskey, Kyle Lionhart, Adalita and Darlinghurst in the live setting.
Cold Ghost is composer, multi-instrumentalist, producer and sound designer, Fletcher Babb.
His new album ‘Red Gold’ is an exploration of The Nerang River through sound and song. This project uses field recording and sound design along with his detuned nylon stringed guitar and flutes to reflect the history, stories and flow of the Gold Coast's waterways.
Red Gold was supported by HOTA’s Artkeeper program which placed Fletch on HOTA’s payroll along with three other artists, providing income security, fair work conditions and organisation-wide support to develop new work and ideas.
HaydenGoSeek and the Good is a standout band from the Gold Coast, celebrated for their stellar songwriting and upbeat Americana rock vibes. You'll get Energetic performances and good-time atmosphere with catchy melodies and glorious songwriting. Delivering unforgettable live shows, HaydenGoSeek and the Good continues to make waves in the music scene, offering a dynamic and memorable musical experience.
Haystack Mountain Hermits family band is the ultimate embodiment of musical talent and family spirit. Inspired by their motto “We Play We Sing We Fight” the 2023 Australian Folk Music Awards and 2023/24 ICMA finalists Haystack Mountain Hermits transport you to an acoustic world of sensational blood harmonies, coupled with the band’s fine musicianship, which will leave you spellbound as they weave traditional favourites and original songs into an unforgettable live performance. This family can really sing, and they can really play. Whether they fight onstage depends on the day!
Huxley and Friel are both independently deeply refined, and experienced standalone musicians from the Gold Coast, coming together over a shared love of the guitar and a steep interest in Bluegrass music, the two have certainly created something greater than the sum of its parts.
Jake Whittaker, a rising country musician has a passion for live performance and songwriting, Jake's unique sound blends country influences with contemporary flair. His debut singles have caught the attention of radio and music industry personnel, alike, enjoying airplay on KIX Country, ABC Country, MMM Country, iHeart Radio, 94One Today’s Country and across community radio in Australia and internationally and playlisted by Apple Music. Following the sell out debut show and a Top 10 finalist in the Toyota Starmaker Jake is releasing new music and booked for major festivals throughout Australia. Be sure to catch his captivating and energetic live show that will leave you wanting more!
Jerome Williams makes his guitar do things you’ve never heard before. Expect the unexpected as he switches from percussive guitar beats to spitting bars then suddenly throws in some insane shredding like if Drake and Slash had a mildly deranged lovechild. Born to perform, his mission is to get people up dancing with his rawness and mashup of rock/hip hop/funk.
Lover, believe, songstress and dreamer is how you would describe the nature of
Indie-Pop artist Kirsty Abrahams. Pen to paper Kirsty writes with elegance and simplicity allowing for nostalgic motivation to influence her melodies.
Writing with honesty and a vulnerability from both personal and inter-personal experience Kirsty is devoted to making a difference in the music and creative industries. She has a unique ability to minister to one’s soul allowing for a heaven like experience and leaving you wanting more. With more than Kirsty can capture the attention of the audience with her vocal authority and gentle spirit.
KLACEY is the Gold Coast's up and coming dream-pop artist, making waves with her dynamic live band shows and singles such as "Waiting for a While" and "Curveball". She has been interviewed by TAFE Queensland, Reverie Australia, earnt radio play on many local radio stations and has been reviewed by The Gold Coast Music Network Multiple Times. She kicked off the year with her very own headline launch show, followed by shows all over South-East Queensland and has been consistently releasing new music, all while also studying Contemporary Music full-time at University.
LAVELIN, is a captivating and emotive Pop Artist hailing from the Gold Coast, Australia. Boasting a Pop Music Degree specializing in Songwriting and Performance. Recognized as JMC QLD's 2022 Alumni Act of the Year, she has sold out headline shows in various cities and collaborated with renowned artists like Ian Haug of Powderfinger. Notably, LAVELIN's debut EP has received global acclaim. Drawing inspiration from artists like Lana Del Rey, Chappel Roan and Jack River, she aims to make a lasting impact in the industry with her upbeat, honest and introspective music.
Lily Papas is a singer-songwriter whose musical journey is a harmonious blend of eclectic genres, poetic storytelling, and a uniquely enchanting vocal tone. With millions of streams across platforms, Lily’s music has struck a chord with audiences worldwide and with each release, she continues to create music that resonates with her growing fan base while always staying true to her individuality and artistic innovation. Her enchanting voice, genre-blending song writing, and boundless creativity position her as a beacon of originality in the ever-evolving music landscape and a voice that is destined to leave an indelible mark on the industry for years to come.
20-year-old Gold Coast singer/songwriter and producer, Lyric, entrances audiences with her relatable lyricism and innovative production quality.
Her TikTok-viral singles ‘Wine Stain’ and ‘Gravity’ took the internet by storm, garnering 120k and 340k streams respectively after gaining a staggering 3M+ views across TikTok and Instagram Reels.
After taking home two Gold Coast Music Awards, opening for artists such as Mallrat, and sharing festival stages with the likes of BENEE, Matt Corby, Sycco and The Rions, Lyric returns with her new single ‘Isabella’ from her upcoming sophomore EP ‘Nostalgia’.
NXT are the newest boyband coming out of Australia! The 4 member group started as a dance crew and found success touring all of Australia opening for mulit-platinum artists, which during they transitioned into making hip hop and pop music which got them nominated for multiple music awards and landed them on many festival line ups and even as a main act on the world stage at Splendour in the Grass in 2022.
Ollie is a heavy acoustic folk-rock artist who plays a mix of energetic, melodic riffed tunes driven by introspection and heart. Finessing the difficult path of playing songs of hope and love, along with loss and trauma. Ollie derives influences from Australian folk, 2000's pop punk, and the groundswell of talent around the Gold Coast. Ollie has shared the stage with the likes of Budjerah, Tay Oskee, Kyle Lionhart and The Buckleys.
Rhea Robertson is a pint sized fairy singing dreamy alt-pop stories of love and life. Her music captures audiences with a fusion of melodies that linger in the mind, with jazzy undertones, poignant lyrics and dreamy alt-pop melodies . Her voice has been compared to that of Lana Del Rey, Billie Eilish and other sultry, femme fatale vocalists. Rhea has been an active part of the GC music scene for over 15 years now..from home-grown songwriting teen to well established Intentional female artist. Rhea stands out as an artist who isn't afraid to push limits, distinguishing herself in the realm of alternative pop with her distinctive blend of genres and emotive essence.
Rhea's current independent releases have catapulted beyond 3 million spotify streams, included in over 15000+ playlists and over 35k+ monthly listeners across the globe. Her distinct vocals can also be heard across various genres as a feature topline vocalist including soul, pop, RnB, EDM.
Introducing Tomorrow's Forecast, a captivating four-piece from the Gold Coast. Starting at age 14, this female-fronted indie band has formed an unbreakable bond reflected in their music. Influenced by mid-2000s indie rock and nostalgia, they blend fresh lyricism with deep perspectives, lively guitars, and fun slacker beats, creating unforgettable musical moments. They've played alongside Hockey Dad, Benee, The Moving Stills, and Babe Rainbow, gaining attention for their charming indie pop sound. Tomorrow’s Forecast brings a raw and refreshing perspective on life, offering a breath of fresh air in the Gold Coast music scene.
Founded in 2014 by yarrabilginngunn (songwoman) Candace Kruger, Yugambeh Youth Choir aims to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth (age 5-25) in South East Queensland to engage with culture and language, and to find a place in our community.
Acts performing on the live music stage are primarily sound-based. Sight is not required to enjoy close to the full experience of the work.
The Live Music Stage will have an accessible viewing area. This area will be close to the stage and accessible via a temporary matted surface, making it accessible to most wheelchair users.
The stage is in close proximity to other sound based works, which may result in overlapping sounds at times.
Click here for more information.
| Director | Chloe Popa |
| Director (Judging Panel Chair) | Samantha Morris |
| Director | Amanda Gorman |
| Program and Industry Coordinator | Kirsty Abrahams |
| Partnerships Manager | Shannon Hart |
| Marketing | Issy Schooenberg |
| Photo | Elska |
| Friday 02 Aug | 4PM- 9PM |
| Saturday 03 Aug | 12PM- 9PM |
| Sunday 04 Aug | 12PM- 9PM |
| Friday 09 Aug | 4PM- 9PM |
| Saturday 10 Aug | 12PM- 9PM |
| Sunday 11 Aug | 12PM- 9PM |
Presented by
Our Partners
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the Yugambeh Language Region and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People of the Gold Coast. We recognise their continuing connection and contributions to country and culture. We pay respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.
© Experience Gold Coast 2024 | Website by Embark
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the Yugambeh Language Region and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People of the Gold Coast. We recognise their continuing connection and contributions to country and culture. We pay respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.
