At eight simultaneous events around Australia, the finest live musicians, venues, events and industry organisations were awarded and recognised at the 2017 National Live Music Awards. The Sydney event was held at Leadbelly in Newtown and there was a terrific line-up of live acts in the small venue.
Rig City, co-host of the Shitshow Podcast, was the MC for the evening.
ACT based nominee Happy Axe, violinist, sawist, vocalist, opened the event with ambient melodic music using her brilliant saw playing plus cello and backup singers. I was enthralled by her playing. So much going on! What a great way to start.
Tasmanian nominee Ani Lou held the stage with electric guitar and vocals. With a melancholic, sparse feel the unusual vocal arrangements were mellow and captivating.
Fellow Tasmanian, Maddy Jane, who just supported Harry Styles in Sydney, gave a really uplifting performance. Her set was happy and full of energy.
Sarah Belkner might have played to a smaller audience by the end of the night but she was fantastic. The Sydney fave was bathed in purple as she send out an exciting set that made for some very voguey posey dancing from the crowd. She was on repeat in my ears for most of today!
The Go-Between’s Lindy Morrison delivered a special keynote speech at the event in support of the NLMA’s chosen charity Support Act.
National Category Winners
Live Act of the Year presented by APRA AMCOS
Gang of Youths
Live Voice of the Year
David Le'aupepe (Gang of Youths)
Best New Act presented by Young Henrys
Amy Shark
The NLMA
Live Music Office
Instrumentalist of the Year
Yeo
Drummer of the Year
Sarah Thompson (Camp Cope)
Bassist of the Year
Kelly-Dawn Hellmrich (Camp Cope)
Guitarist of the Year
Tash Sultana
R&B or Soul Live Act of the Year
Ngaiire
Blues & Roots Live Act of the Year
Dan Sultan
Hard Rock Live Act of the Year
Cable Ties
DJ/Electronic Live Act of the Year
Peking Duk
Hip Hop Live Act of the Year
A.B. Original
Pop Live Act of the Year
Client Liaison
Country or Folk Live Act of the Year
All Our Exes Live in Texas
International Live Achievement - Group
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard
International Live Achievement - Solo
Tash Sultana
Best Live Music Event in Australia presented by Music Insight
BIGSOUND
People's Choice Awards
Best Live Act Presented by The Music Network
Gang of Youths
Best Live Voice Presented by Audio-Technica
Stella Donnelly
NSW
Presented by 2SER
Live Act of the Year: Gang of Youths
Live Voice of the Year: Julia Jacklin
Live Event presented by Howl Around Productions: St Jerome's Laneway Festival
Live Venue presented by Oztix: Oxford Art Factory
All Ages Achievement presented by Music NSW: The Plot
For more information and a list of NATIONAL LIVE MUSIC AWARDS visit: http://www.nlmas.com.au/