The Queensland Music Awards recently took place, with James Blundell receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his 34-year career and numerous accolades. Blundell emphasized the importance of longevity in the music industry, stating that it is essential for artists to be interesting and able to sustain their careers over time. The event also featured performances by country nominees Haley Marsten, Melody Moko, and Tori Forsyth, who paid tribute to Blundell with a rendition of his 1992 track “Way Out West” alongside James Reyne.
During the awards ceremony, various categories were recognized, including Song of the Year, awarded to Jem Cassar-Daley for “King of Disappointment,” and Album of the Year, which went to Cub Sport for “Jesus at the Gay Bar.” Other notable winners included Busby Marou for the Blues, Roots Award, Joff Bush for Children’s Music with “Dance Mode” from the popular children’s show Bluey, and Tori Forsyth for the Country Award. Electronic Award winner was Cub Sport for “Songs About It,” while Indigenous Award went to Tia Gostelow for “Spring to Life,” among others.
Joff Bush, the composer for the hit children’s show Bluey, was recognized for his work on the series with the Children’s Music Award for “Dance Mode.” His contributions to the show, known for its innovative and engaging music, have resonated with audiences of all ages. Additionally, Bush also won the Music for Screen category with his composition “Cricket” from Bluey, showcasing his talent and versatility as a composer across different genres and platforms.
The People’s Choice Awards honored various venues and events, including the Metro Venue of the Year, Regional Venue of the Year, Festival of the Year, and Accessible Venue of the Year. The Fortitude Music Hall was named the Metro Venue of the Year, while Kings Beach Tavern received the award for Regional Venue of the Year. The Gympie Music Muster was recognized as the Festival of the Year, and the Kingston Butter Factory Cultural Precinct was honored as the Accessible Venue of the Year.
Overall, the Queensland Music Awards celebrated the diverse talents of artists across various genres, from country to electronic to folk and more. With award winners like Jem Cassar-Daley, Cub Sport, and Tia Gostelow, the event highlighted the rich musical landscape of Queensland and showcased the depth of talent within the industry. The recognition of artists like James Blundell for their contributions and achievements further solidified the importance of longevity and creativity in sustaining a successful music career.
