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Legislative Council - Fifty-Third Parliament, Second Session (53-2)
2016-11-16 Daily Xml
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South Australian Music Awards

The Hon. J.M. GAZZOLA (15:57): Norwood Town Hall was abuzz with feelgood vibes and creative camaraderie as the cream of local contemporary music talent gathered for the 2016 South Australian Music Awards. Outside the Norwood Town Hall were groups of young artists, looking hip and ready for a night of fun and frivolity, but what was brewing inside was the night of nights for South Australian music.

The concert hall provided a magical backdrop for the evening, where hosts Maggie Collins of Triple J and local acclaimed musician Adam Page, welcomed winners on stage to receive their awards. Chair of Music SA Anne Wiberg's welcome was heartening as she told of envisaging a night such as this, and how it felt having that dream realised. Anne acknowledged industry practitioners, artists and Music SA for taking the reins from Peter Darwin of Fowlers Live four years ago and for continuing to grow the awards and the industry.

Gary Burrows was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement award for his continuous contribution to the industry, and he acknowledged South Australia as 'leading the way nationally in terms of commitment and support'. The Premier acknowledged the member for Newland (Mr Tom Kenyon MP), the Hon. Tammy Franks, and the member for Morialta (John Gardner MP) before presenting an award for Best International Collaboration to Tkay Maidza for her Do It Right collaboration with Martin Solveig. This is just another feather in Tkay's cap as she continues to gain recognition internationally.

From there, awards went to Bad//Dreems, Jesse Davidson, Mane, A.B. Original, Tkay Maidza, Motez, Aaron Shuppan and Mount Gambier's Recreator, to name but a few. Those working behind the scenes to promote the work of artists also saw recognition, with Tom Barnes taking out the title of Best Engineer, and Mixmasters Productions the Best Studio. The Grace Emily Hotel received a nod for Best Music Venue, with WOMAD backing up last year's win for Best Festival.

Sian Walden of Little Acorn Music was awarded for her efforts in Artist Management. Electric Fields and Mane performed on the night, leaving crowds raptured by their extraordinary stage presence. The Derringers Adelaide All-Star Band featuring Bad//Dreems, Taasha Coates, Jesse Davidson and more saw the night out.

This event was not only a testament to the artists' commitment, drive and passion, but to all those who work every day to make careers in music and these awards possible. Music SA and the Music Development Office's commitment to the industry has paid off. The sold-out event was a huge success and the mood in the room was electric. It is important to recognise the role of the MDO as a connector in the local, national and international music industry. Through actively connecting people, businesses, industry segments and government agencies, good ideas have become realities through collaborative efforts getting noticed by our national counterparts.

International composer and company director, Tom Hajdu, reached out to the Music Development Office which swiftly connected him to government agencies, ministers, Adelaide Film Festival and Events South Australia, which looks to result in some very exciting new initiatives in the coming year. Internationally renowned live music engineer, Jon Lemon, was introduced to the Director of the Adelaide Conservatory of Music by the Music Development Office, which led to Jon becoming the first expert-in-residence for the new Sia Furler Institute.

I would like to acknowledge and congratulate not only the winners, but all the nominees, the volunteers, and especially Music SA and the MDO for their commitment to music in South Australia. Thanks also go to the event's major sponsors Music SA, Moshtix, The Music, Derringers, the AHA, NXTGIG and Duografik, and all other sponsors and event partners, too numerous to mention. This industry is going from strength to strength and I am confident that 2017 will see the South Australian music industry build on the successes of 2016.

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