Applications open for Qld Music Awards, Billy Thorpe Scholarship

Pictured: Dami Im

Applications open today for the Queensland music community to enter their songs in the 2018 Queensland Music Awards (QMAs).

Artists can enter their songs in a wide range of categories from pop and rock, to blues/roots, electronic / dance and soul/funk/R’n’B.

The full list of categories and awards is available on the new QMAs website www.queenslandmusicawards.com.au.

Submissions will be accepted until January 21 via www.queenslandmusicawards.com.au.

Also open today is the 2018 Billy Thorpe Scholarship, which is funded by the Queensland Government and administered by QMusic.

The scholarship, now in its 10th year, provides $10,000 for an emerging artist to record with an established producer, and receive career-planning advice from a Chugg Entertainment representative.

Applicants can apply online through www.qmusic.com.au until January 21, 2018.

The winner is announced at the 2018 Queensland Music Awards, on Monday, May 14.

Next year’s QMAs are also moving to a new venue.

After three years at the Brisbane Powerhouse, they will be at the Royal International Convention Centre at the Brisbane Showgrounds.

The Centre is a new presenting partner of the QMAs, which will as a result of the venue change, have a new still-unspecified format.

Another new QMAs presenting partners is Mountain Goat Beer, which already supports QMusic’s BIGSOUND conference and showcase.

Hutchinson Builders and APRA AMCO return as partners.

Tickets will be available to the general public via Oztix, early next year.

Q Music said in a statement, “The QMAs recognise the diverse people and places that make contemporary popular music an invaluable part of our state’s cultural heritage.  

“Each year, the QMA Song of the Year is immortalised in a plaque on Fortitude Valley’s Walk of Fame in the Brunswick Street Mall.

“In a coup for songwriters, the SOTY winner will also receive a promotional prize pack worth $20,000 courtesy of the event’s media partners, The Music and NOVA 106.9, to complement this honour and to assist with momentum.”

The ceremony will move to recognise a more diverse group of contributors to Queensland music, including Live Music Festival of the Year and Live Music Venue of the Year (Metro & Regional) as part of the annual QMA People’s Choice Awards.

Voting will open to the public in April 2018.

The judging panel s wider than ever before, covering media, labels, A&R, managers, booking agents, publishers & sync agents.

QMusic Program Manager and QMA Producer, Trina Massey said, “Just entering your song, you get to put your music in front of some of the most respected industry movers and shakers from Australia and across the world.

“That’s what so special about the QMAs, the opportunity one gets.”