Changes revealed for music awards in Victoria and Western Australia

Two major state music awards announced major changes for their 2020 editions.

The Music Victoria Awards has introduced two new categories and the merging of two others.

Outstanding Woman in Music recognises the achievements of not only female musicians but those behind the scenes, like managers, crews or publicists, voted by the Music Victoria board.

Best Producer will be an industry vote, while Best Male and Best Female Musician becomes Best Musician, voted for by the public.

The Archie Roach Foundation Award for Best Emerging First Peoples Act will continue to provide an artist with a cash grant and access to mentorship as part of the award.

Submissions opened today (July 1) for a range of genre releases, acts, festivals and venues, and close on August 30. Only members of Music Victoria can vote, and are announced in October.

This year’s WAM song of the year party is streamed on the music association’s Facebook page on July 29, with performing acts to be announced shortly.

Presented by mental health association Act-Belong-Commit, over 1,100 entries have been received from across the state.

They include Stella Donnelly, Carla Geneve, HUSSY, Grace Barbé, Flood The Moon, MC Dead Tooth, Tracey Barnett, Jack Davies and The Bush Chooks and XIII.