Finalists announced for South Australian Music Awards – Glam Adelaide

Image: Beer & BBQ Festival

The South Australian Music Awards (SAMA) is back, and it’s bigger than ever. Set to take place at the Woodville Town Hall on 8 November, this year’s awards are a key highlight of the inaugural Good Music Month. And the finalists have been announced.

Leading the nominations is The Empty Threats, with an impressive six nods. They’re up for Best Song, Best New Artist, Best Group, and Best Release. Their ‘Evil Eye’ film clip is also in the running for Best Music Video, and their EP ‘Monster Truck Mondays’ has been noticed for its standout cover art.

But they’re not the only ones making waves. Nathan May has secured four nominations, showcasing his unique sound and style. Similarly, hip-hop group DEM MOB from APY lands has grabbed four nominations, highlighting their fresh sound and dedication to music education. Folk-rock artist Alana Jagt and rock band Bad//Dreems have also earned their spots in the nominations list.

This year, the People’s Choice Awards, presented by The Note, is giving fans a chance to have their say. With a whopping 159 nominations across 12 categories, it’s a chance for the public to vote for their top South Australian artist.

Music SA CEO, Christine Schloithe, said that the South Australian Music Awards will put the growing talent of the state’s music sector front and centre.

“South Australia is at heart a creative state and the music talent coming out of this state is incredibly exciting and I don’t envy the panel of independent judges this year! MusicSA is very proud to host these awards each year on behalf of the South Australian contemporary music industry and we wish everyone all the best in all categories.”

Minister for Arts Andrea Michaels MP said the State Government is proud to celebrate another successful year of South Australian music.

“Congratulations to the talented 2023 SA Music Awards finalists,” she said.

“Every one of you has made an important contribution to our state and deserves to be recognised and celebrated.

“As Australia’s only UNESCO City of Music, the Malinauskas Government is committed to supporting our state’s incredible musicians and growing the South Australian music sector for the future.”

The judging panel for the awards includes both national and local experts, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation process. The list includes well-known names in the industry, ensuring that the best talent is recognized.

MAJOR AWARD NOMINATIONS

BEST SONG

Coldwave – Buster

Kultar Ahluwalia – Pen Pals featuring Jack Vaul and DJ Hob G

MANE – Breathing Again

Molly Rocket – Rabbit Hole

Nathan May – It’s Gotta Start Somewhere

The Empty Threats – Evil Eye

BEST NEW ARTIST

DEM MOB

Molly Rocket

The 745

The Empty Threats

BEST REGIONAL ARTIST

Alana Jagt

Brave Mistakes

DEM MOB

Germein

Stokes

BEST GROUP

Bad//Dreems

Coldwave

Molly Rocket

Slowmango

The Empty Threats

BEST ABORIGINALOR TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER ARTIST

DEM MOB

Electric Fields

Eskatology

Nathan May

Rob Edwards

BEST SOLO ARTIST

Alana Jagt

Alexander Flood

Lucas Day

Nathan May

Ryan

BEST RELEASE

Alexander Flood – Oscillate

Bad//Dreems – Hoo Ha!

Carla Lippis & Mondo Psycho – Carla Lippis – Mondo Psycho

Molly Rocket – Syrup

Nathan May – It’s Gotta Start Somewhere

Slowmango – Hypercolour Miscellaneous

The Empty Threats – Monster Truck Mondays

The Shaolin Afronauts – The Fundamental Nature of Being, Parts One – Five: Limited Edition 5 x LP 

West Thebarton – Victory EP

BEST STUDIO

Cactus Cactus Sound

Forest Range Studios

Interim Recording Studios

Wizard Tone Studios

Wundenbergs

BEST STUDIO ENGINEER OR PRODUCER

Lewis Wundenberg

Lucinda Machin

Mario Spate

Matthew Schultz

Ryan Martin John

BEST LIVE TECHNICIAN

Luke Hancock

Michael Wickens

Nathan D’Agostino

Ryan Martin John

BEST SMALL FESTIVAL OR EVENT

Big Easy Blues

Some Shine Festival

Space Jams (Alma’s Hem)

BEST MAJOR FESTIVAL

Adelaide Beer & BBQ Festival

Caltowie Chilled Out n’ Fired Up Festival

Froth & Fury Fest

Nice Day To Go To The Club Festival

Vintage Vibes Festival

BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE

Crown And Anchor

Hindley Street Music Hall

The Gov

The Grace Emily

BEST REGIONAL VENUE OR ACTIVATION

Adelaide Guitar Festival – On the Road 2023

Big Easy Radio

Murray Delta Juke Joint

Space Jams

BEST COVER ART

Alana Jagt- Goodbye Grote Bollen by Alana Jagt

Jonathan Van Der Knaap and Henry Jarman – Hard To Make Plans by Naomi Keyte

Kaspar Schmidt Mumm & The Bait Fridge  – Hypercolour Miscellaneous by Slowmango

Gaz Kanata – Monster Truck Mondays by The Empty Threats

Ashley Giles – When We Are by Tonix

BEST MANAGER

Bianca Nillson – Renegade Records

Hannah Louise

Rachel Whitford – 27 Music

Sebastian James – 27 Music

Tayla Carlaw

BEST MUSIC VIDEO

Conor Mercury Movies – Evil Eye by The Empty Threats

Capital Waste Pictures – Soul of the Lion by DEM MOB

Adrian Schmidt Mumm – Blob Funk by Slowmango

Conor Mercury Movies – Bill’s  by Carla Geneve

BEST MUSIC EDUCATOR

Adrian Whalland

Allye Sinclair

Kurunpa Kunpuntjaku

Judith Oh

Naomi Keyte