The finalists have been revealed for the 2026 Sunshine Coast Music Awards.
The Sunshine Coast Music Industry Collective (SCMIC) chair Melissa O’Bryan said the nominations showcase the depth, creativity and diversity of the region’s music scene, with this year’s finalists spanning a wide range of genres and disciplines, recognising emerging artists, established acts, live venues, studios and industry professionals.
“Our second year of celebrating, and we are thrilled with how it’s all shaping up. The diversity of genres this year is exceptional, and with increased nominations in categories such as the Punter of the Year and Artwork of the Year, it is telling that these awards are shaping up to be one of the more eclectic programs out there,” Ms O’Bryan said.
There are 11 categories, including Artist of the Year, Artwork of the Year, Song of the Year, Live Act of the Year, the Indidge Award, Rising Star, Young Artist of the Year and Musician of the Year.
Highlighting not only the region’s artists, but also the wider creative community and industry spaces supporting live music on the Sunshine Coast, the awards also recognise Recording Studio of the Year, Venue of the Year and Punter of the Year.
The finalists were selected by a panel of respected music industry professionals from across Australia, including representatives from triple j, the Woodford Folk Festival, Oztix and Moshtix.
Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Sunday, June 7, at The Shed in Palmview.
FULL LIST OF 2026 Sunshine Coast Music Awards Finalists
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Katie Noonan
Linc Phelps
Minnie Marks
Nana’s Pie
ARTWORK OF THE YEAR
Elke Louie – Killing Time film clip
Fake News – ‘Dead Set’ album artwork
Jordyn Furmedge (The Video Chick) – ‘Run’ by Byrd of Paradyse
Lahni Thorogood – ‘Good Boy’ cover art (Phil and the Blanks)
INDIDGE AWARD
Adam James
Al Bartholemew
Deline Briscoe
LIVE ACT OF THE YEAR
8 Ball Aitken
Katie Noonan
Marshall Hamburger
Raw Ordio
MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
8 Ball Aitken
Katie Noonan
Minnie Marks
Pat Tierney
PUNTER OF THE YEAR
Laura Thompson
Letty Delaney
Lindsay Gibson
RECORDING STUDIO OF THE YEAR
Alpha & Omega Digital Recording Studio
Nyssa Ray Recordings
Tom Does Stuff Studios
Yama-Nui Studios
RISING STAR
Cora
Chris Cobb
Marshall Hamburger
mou
Zorrovian
SONG OF THE YEAR
Alys Ffion – Secret
Buttermello – Low
Che Burns – Devil Like You
Cora – (boy)cott
Jesse Taylor – I Can Feel It
VENUE OF THE YEAR
The Presynct
Norton Music Factory
Kings Beach Tavern
The Nook
Mapleton Public House (Green Room)
YOUNG ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Cora
Elke Louie
Frank & Louis
Jemzel
Layla Havana
