ELSY WAMEYO LEADS THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN MUSIC AWARDS FINALIST SHORTLIST, WITH SIX AWARD NOMINATIONS.
The South Australian Music Awards (SAM Awards) today reveals the finalists for this year’s event, which will celebrate the best in the South Australian music industry on November 17th, at Hindley Street Music Hall.
Leading today’s announcement as a finalist across six categories is Kenyan-born and Adelaide raised Elsy Wameyo. Elsyis a finalist for Best Song with the track River Nile, Best Release for her ‘Nilotoc’ EP, Best Solo Artist, Best Music Video also for her song Nilotoc, directed by Elsy Wameyo & Richard Coburn, and a People’s Choice Award for Hip Hop artist of the year.
Elsy Wameyo is also the only artist to be nominated for her work both in front and behind the microphone, as she is additionally a finalist in the industry awards for Best Studio Engineer/ Producer.
Closely behind Elsy is Nukunu musician Tilly Tjala Thomas and Electric Fields, who are both finalists in four awards. Tilly Tjala Thomas is up for Best Song for her track Ngai Yurlku Nhiina, Best Regional Artist, Best Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Artist, and Best Solo Artist.
Electric Fields are in the running to win Best Music Video for their song Catastrophe, directed by Jack Bielby, Best Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Artist, Best Group, and a People’s Choice Award for Pop artist of the year.
Finalists in three categories are The Empty Threats, Best Release for their self-titled EP, Best Group and a People’s Choice Award for Experimental artist of the year. While TOWNS also receive a triple nod for Best Song with Season 5 (Break My Fall), Best Group and a People’s Choice Award for Rock artist of the year.
Adelaide’s punk-rockers LOLA are finalists for Best Release for their album ‘Don’t Tell My Mum’, Best New Artist, Best Music Video for What’s The Point, directed by Jed Newton, and a People’s Choice Award for Punk artist of the year.
Teenage Joans, who took home a record-breaking seven awards at the 2021 SAM Awards, are up for Best Song for Terrible and Best Music Video for the same track, directed by Lemonade City.
MusicSA CEO, Christine Schloithe, said the SAM Awards celebrates the people, venues and industry that make the South Australian Music sector great and offers the chance for the community to collectively celebrate its achievements.
“The depth of the finalists announced for the SAM Awards today is a testament to the health and strength of the South Australian music community. Across all genres and industry fields, the South Australian music sector is challenging the industry leaders and the rest of the country is taking notice.
“This 2022 SAM Awards is set to be the biggest awards yet and will offer the local industry a chance to come together and celebrate the past 12 months of music in our great state.
Premier of South Australia, Peter Malinauskas said that the South Australian Music Industry is leading the way on the COVID bounce back and its economic impact is a true result of the community’s resolve and commitment.
“The music industry is a vital part of our economy and it suffered through the pandemic,” Premier Malinauskas said.
“That’s why my government is investing $10 million in grants and vouchers to help cater for live performances.
“We’re determined to see the industry recover, rebuild and get back to doing what it does best – delivering $116 million to our economy and supporting more than 1100 full-time equivalent jobs.”
The SAM Awards are separated into three categories. The Major Awards, selected by a panel of national judges including Triple J’s Declan Byrne, front women of The Superjesus Sarah McLeod, First nations singer-songwriter Leah Flanagan, News Limited’s Music Editor Nathan Davies, and founder of Wundenberg’s Recording Studios Lewis Wundenberg.
The Industry Awards, presented by SAE Creative Media Institute, focus on the roles within the music industry that are adjacent to bands and artists, such as festivals, venues and managers.
The People’s Choice Awards, presented by Moshtix, sees the wider Australian music community nominate and vote for their favourite South Australian artist.
The full list of SAM Awards finalists can be seen below.
17th November
Hindley Street Music Hall, Adelaide, South Australia
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