In the world of music, giving kudos where it’s due is crucial in empowering and uplifting both those receiving recognition for their solid efforts, and the wider community, who are ultimately recipients of, and participants in, the culture being cultivated. When it comes to talented women in the music industry, both on stage and behind the scenes, Australia is a gold mine, and returning for its second year this October, the Australian Women In Music Awards will acknowledge the local stars who are paving the way forward in the industry.
Ahead of the ceremony, which will include performances, talks on career development, and fascinating forums (from Visibility in Hip Hop — Women on the Front Line, to The Art of Rebellion — The Intersection of Music and Politics) we asked award-winning festival founder and luminary Vicki Gordon to highlight five Aussie female artists we should all be keeping a close eye on.
Sampa The Great
The Melbourne-based hip hop artist has truly elevated her game in the last year. With her new album, ‘The Return’, slated for a September release, Sampa‘s journey in expressing her truths and culture through music is continuing to reveal itself in the form of some incredible and thought provoking music.
Courtney Barnett
Continuing to be one of the country’s best performers on an international scale, Barnett has been having an incredible year! She’s only just wrapped up a huge international run, which is a testament to the love global audiences hold for the Melbourne songwriter. Her music is an integral thread to the Australian songbook and, the best part is, she’s only getting better.
Thelma Plum
One of Australia’s most endearing and enduring young songwriters, the release of Plum‘s long-awaited debut album, ‘Better In Blak’, is a fascinating snapshot of a journey of personal growth and creative evolution. We are so proud of the songwriter and person she has invited fans to learn more about with the release of this record, and we are excited to see what the rest of this year holds for her.
Amy Taylor (Amyl and the Sniffers)
Amy is one of the country’s (possibly the world’s?) most ferociously entertaining front-people at the moment. Leading Amyl and the Sniffers‘ grunt onto an international scale, Taylor encompasses a trouble-making charm, wrapped in a brilliant and strong performance style. Wildly talented, put plainly, Taylor is one of a kind.
G Flip
Georgia Flipo is at the front of Australian pop’s new wave. Melodic, catchy and always solid in her songwriting, G Flip is one of the most exciting ones to do it right now. She is an example of the pool of talented songwriters and multi-instrumentalists coming out of Australia right now — very exciting times ahead!
The AWMA will take place on October 8-9 at Brisbane Powerhouse. For all the deets, including nominees, guest performances, and tickets, head here.