The Marshall Government has announced more than $500,000 in funding to support the growth of live music in South Australia.
Minister for Industry and Skills, David Pisoni who attended last night’s SA Music (SAM) Awards said this event showcased the diversity and breadth of South Australian music talents who are deserving of recognition and support.
“Music SA has done an outstanding job of raising the profile of these awards and as such, the South Australian music industry,” he said.
“I am pleased to provide $550,000 in additional funding to the Live Music Fund which supports new or unique music festivals and events that have the potential to grow into major tourist attractions and increase employment in the music industry.”
Minister Pisoni said the SAM Awards at the Adelaide Town Hall revealed a tremendous array of homegrown musical talent that many South Australians are proud of and duly support.
“The evening’s standout was the seven-piece rock band ‘West Thebarton’ who took out four awards including Best Group, Best Song (Bible Camp) and Best Release (Different Beings Being Different),” he said.
“It was also great to see hip-hop band ‘A.B Original’ which scooped five awards last year, to return and take out the Best Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Artist Award, for their single ‘Blaccout’.”
In the Industry Award categories, ‘A Day of Clarity’ won Best Event/Festival and the ‘Crown and Anchor’ took out the Best Music Venue Award.
Other achievements included the ‘Zephyr Quartet’ which was recognised with the UNESCO International Collaboration Award and Tam Boakes who won the Music SA Lifetime Achievement Award for her contribution to Adelaide’s live music scene and venue, ‘Jive’.
Music SA general manager, Lisa Bishop said the SAM Awards represented a celebration of contemporary music in South Australia.
“The South Australian Music Awards showcase the very best of our music scene and demonstrates why it’s such in fantastic shape,” she said.
Minister Pisoni congratulated all award winners and thanked them for their contribution to South Australia’s performing arts.
“This is a great example of how the Marshall Government through its contribution to the Live Music Fund is benefitting creative people by providing valuable incentives to make the most of their talents for the enjoyment of other South Australians,” he said.
A list of all 2018 award winners is available on the website.
