Ziggy Alberts, Betty Taylor and Yama-Nui Recording Studio are some of the big names who have taken home top gongs – or should we say ‘golden pineapples’ – at the inaugural Sunshine Coast Music Awards (SCMAs) on Sunday night, 1June.
The SCMAs, in its first year, saw local industry legends come together at Birtinya music venue The Station for a night of networking, live performances, and long-awaited recognition.
In a music industry trifecta, indie-popstars Betty Taylor, who were finalists in four categories, took home three of the region’s newest most-coveted awards, including; Live Act of the Year, Song of the Year and Rising Star of the Year.
As recipients of the Rising Star of the Year category, the all-femme lineup has scored a spot onstage at the Coast’s flagship music event, the Big Pineapple Festival, on 1 November.
Betty Taylor, with their heartfelt lyrics and dreamy harmonies, shot from backyard shows in 2022 to major festival slots, surpassing one million online streams, and making their US debut at SXSW this year.
Artist of the Year went to the folk-pop melodies of Ziggy Alberts – who is best known for his album “Laps Around the Sun”, while Musician of the Year went to freakishly-talented guitar virtuoso and blues artist Minnie Marks.
The First Nations Award went to industry stalwart Uncle Kevin Starkey, while Yama-Nui Recording Studio became Recording Studio of the Year.
Iconic music destination Solbar took out Venue of the Year, while teenage brothers Frank and Louis stole the Young Artist of the Year award from Ampersand and Wave Raiders.
Guests were treated to intimate performances from SCMA winners Betty Taylor and Frank and Louis, with electrifying shows from punk-rock favourites Chamber Lane, indie-rock sensation Nana’s Pie, and hip-hop star Harlum.
A “Sunny Coast formal” dress code saw a vibrant mix of yellow, fruity-inspired fashion pieces, including an original design from radio presenter and SCMIC Vice Chair Sarah Howells, who bedazzled in a hand-made dress featuring the names of over 60 local bands emblazoned across it.
Sarah, who co-hosted the night with TV’s celebrity producer Ian “Dicko” Dickson, joined presenters such as singer/songwriter Andrea Kirwin, University of the Sunshine Coast’s Dr Lachlan Goold AKA award-winning producer “Magoo”, and Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli.
The event kicked off with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony from Lyndon Davis, followed by a killer warm-up act from break-out First Nations rapper Harlum.
Out of 11 categories, the Punter of the Year award proved to be a popular one, with the one-of-a-kind award giving a nod to the efforts of gig-loving Coolum mum Leigh Kuryj.
2025 SCMAs Winners
Artist of the Year: Ziggy Alberts
Artwork of the Year: Lahni Thorogood
First Nations: Kevin Starkey
Live Act of the Year: Betty Taylor
Musician of the Year: Minnie Marks
Punter of the Year: Leigh Kuryj
Recording Studio of the Year: Yama Nui Studios
Rising Star of the Year: Betty Taylor
Song of the Year: Betty Taylor, “Young, Dumb and Immature”
Venue of the Year: Solbar
Young Artist of the Year: Frank and Louis
