We Chat To This Year's QMA Nominees Including Tia Gostelow, Good Boy & More

amy shark

What does your nomination for a Queensland Music Award mean to you? Whenever your home town recognises you for something you love doing, it's a really special feeling.

Which fellow Queensland artists do you listen to in your downtime, and what attracts you to their music? I listen to a lot of Cub Sport and Violent Soho. Cubbies help me zone out and get my vibe on and the Soho boys get me pumped for a good time.

What's your favourite venue to play in the state, and why? My favourite venue is The Tivoli, I haven't played there yet, but I am supporting Milky Chance in May and I'll finally get to play there! It's the coolest looking venue and I guess I just have a lot of great memories seeing other band play there over the years.

What do you enjoy the most about playing in front of Queensland audiences? Queenslanders are so passionate and we 100% claim fellow Queenslanders. We just understand each other.

Has your relationship to, and experience of, Queensland informed or influenced your music in any way? If so, how? Most definitely. I think with the relaxed vibe and especially living near the beach, you kind of grow up differently. I find 90% of musicians from QLD are extremely down to earth, in both their music and personality.

What do you consider to be the biggest challenges and opportunities for Queensland music moving forward? The biggest challenge is simply venues, especially on the Gold Coast. We have some serious talent brewing on the Coast but everyone ends up migrating to a bigger city to try to further their career.

What aspects of Queensland's artistic communities do you feel are unique to your state, and why? I grew up loving comedy and theatre so I was always sussing out what was on at Javeenbah Theatre and The Basement at the Arts Centre. I also love visiting GOMA (Gallery of Modern Art) whenever I'm in Brissy.

If you don't end up winning, who do you reckon deserves a Queensland Music Award and why? I'd love to see either Cub Sport or Ayla [Scanlan] win. Both have great tracks with plenty of vibe and moody lyrics, which I am obviously into.

Website link for more info? amyshark.com

the belligerents

Answered by: Konstantin Kersting - Bass

What does your nomination for a Queensland Music Award mean to you? It's amazing to be recognised for what you're doing in your home state. There is so much amazing music coming out of Queensland at the moment that being nominated feels like a big deal for us.

Which fellow Queensland artists do you listen to in your downtime, and what attracts you to their music? There's so many good ones. Mallrat, Morning Harvey, Moses Gunn Collective, Good Boy, The Jungle Giants, The Kite String Tangle, Cub Sport... I couldn't tell you what it is that attracts me to these artists individually, they all just make awesome music.

What's your favourite venue to play in the state, and why? We've only ever played on the Riverstage once, but it was an amazing experience. It just looks so fucking good when you're looking up the hill at all the people. For smaller venues we love playing at The Foundry in Brisbane and at Elsewhere on the Gold Coast.

What do you enjoy the most about playing in front of Queensland audiences? Queensland people aren't afraid to actually have a good time. Our hometown shows always have 10/10 vibes.

Has your relationship to, and experience of, Queensland informed or influenced your music in any way? If so, how? I guess the music you make is always shaped by your environment so in that way our music is influenced by our surroundings. Yet to write a Great Southern Land though.

What do you consider to be the biggest challenges and opportunities for Queensland music moving forward? I don't think there are many challenges for Queensland musicians anymore but I think there are tons of opportunities! The only challenge I see is exporting all the talent we've got in QLD to overseas, I'd really love to see more QLD artists succeeding in overseas territories.

What aspects of Queensland's artistic communities do you feel are unique to your state, and why? I think there's a huge sense of community within the Queensland music industry, which I don't feel happens as much in the southern states.

If you don't end up winning, who do you reckon deserves a Queensland Music Award and why? Tia Gostelow, because she's a super-talented young girl with a huge future ahead of her.

Website link for more info? thebelligerents.net

leanne tennant

What does your nomination for a Queensland Music Award mean to you? It means a lot. To have some recognition and support from the music industry for your work feels pretty warm and fuzzy.

Which fellow Queensland artists do you listen to in your downtime, and what attracts you to their music? I definitely do a boogie to The Belligerents, Halfway, Tia Gostelow and Amy Shark.

What's your favourite venue to play in the state, and why? This is hard. Can I have three? These would be The Junk Bar, The Triffid, and The Tanks.

What do you enjoy the most about playing in front of Queensland audiences? They know where Cairns is. Also, they're a pretty fun audience.

Has your relationship to, and experience of, Queensland informed or influenced your music in any way? If so, how? I would say yes. Where I live has a pretty warm climate, with lots of sunshine, swimming holes, and cheeky cold beverages, which I guess are conducive to new lyrical ideas. Also, a lot of the people are mad like I am, so we're one big mad happy family.

What do you consider to be the biggest challenges and opportunities for Queensland music moving forward? Liquor licensing, noise limits, people moving next to live music venues then complaining about the live music. Who even are these people?

What aspects of Queensland's artistic communities do you feel are unique to your state, and why? I feel there is a lot of camaraderie within our music community. Even though we are quite spread out, I feel that there is a willingness to connect.

If you don't end up winning, who do you reckon deserves a Queensland Music Award and why? I would like to see Emily Wurramara take one out. I think she's really sweet. I also think Hanlon Brothers are pretty cool, too. In fact, just give everyone one!

Website link for more info? leannetennant.com

evol walks

Answered by: Leah Martin-Brown - Songwriter and lead singer

What does your nomination for a Queensland Music Award mean to you? I have been submitting for these awards since I was 15 years old and never made it past a Highly Commended. This nomination is such an honour for me as it signifies I have reached the next level as a professional songwriter and musician.

Which fellow Queensland artists do you listen to in your downtime, and what attracts you to their music? I adore In Death and The Black Swamp as well as Azreal. Their music is hard, heavy, passionate and beautifully executed. Their live shows kick ass also!

What's your favourite venue to play in the state, and why? I've always loved Coolangatta Hotel and New Globe Theatre! The vibe and sound is super rock and roll and the locations are great. Also a big fan of Surfers Paradise Beer Garden.

What do you enjoy the most about playing in front of Queensland audiences? It's my home state and I get to play for people I've known my whole life. I love playing in Queensland summer as the heat and intense temperatures bring out more passion in my performances.

Has your relationship to, and experience of, Queensland informed or influenced your music in any way? If so, how? Growing up in Queensland has definitely influenced and inspired my songwriting. From the beautiful beaches and crazy nightlife of Surfers Paradise to the bustling clubs and pubs of Brisbane I feel like I've seen and overheard countless scenarios that have influenced my songwriting.

What do you consider to be the biggest challenges and opportunities for Queensland music moving forward? While we have an amazing music scene in QLD, I believe we could benefit from more diverse venues and live music events that are promoted and heavily attended seven nights a week - rather than just Thursday to Sunday. I feel more venues in the country areas of our state would also help.

What aspects of Queensland's artistic communities do you feel are unique to your state, and why? I feel our outdoor festivals, especially oceanside ones like Bleach Festival on the Gold Coast are unique to QLD because of our gorgeous weather and beautiful beaches.

If you don't end up winning, who do you reckon deserves a Queensland Music Award and why? In Death. As well as being incredible men they work so, so hard to keep the band running. They tour extensively both nationally and internationally and take no prisoners live.

Website link for more info? facebook.com/evolwalks

tia gostelow

What does your nomination for a Queensland Music Award mean to you? It's so humbling to be recognised within the industry and it's such a huge thing to me! I've been playing and working on this career for the past five years and it's so lovely to know that it has been recognised! And having six nominations just blows my mind!

Which fellow Queensland artists do you listen to in your downtime, and what attracts you to their music? I love, love The Jungle Giants, Ball Park Music and Cub Sport! I'm sure there are so many more but that's off the top of my head! I think I just love the fact that they are all so different to everyone else and create some seriously cool songs!

What's your favourite venue to play in the state, and why? It's 100% The Triffid! I feel like it's just such a unique venue and so different to most other places! The whole vibe is great and you pretty much know that every person in there is there to listen and love music!

What do you enjoy the most about playing in front of Queensland audiences? They're always there for a good time and I feel like they are always so proud and passionate about fellow Queenslanders that are succeeding in any way! Always a wild time!

Has your relationship to, and experience of, Queensland informed or influenced your music in any way? If so, how? I lived on Groote Eylandt in the Northern Territory and moved to Queensland in 2010, and it has provided me with access to music opportunities I never would have gotten if we didn't move!

What do you consider to be the biggest challenges and opportunities for Queensland music moving forward? Most of Queensland's musical opportunities are in Brisbane and I don't think many people realise how difficult and expensive it can be living in a regional area and trying to pursue a music career! I've been offered great support slots that I couldn't do because the support fee wouldn't cover travel costs!

What aspects of Queensland's artistic communities do you feel are unique to your state, and why? We have such an incredible support mechanism through Arts Queensland, and I feel like the music industry really tries to get behind everybody, from bands and artists in Brisbane, to people like me that come from regional areas like Mackay!

If you don't end up winning, who do you reckon deserves a Queensland Music Award and why? I really hope Cub Sport takes out an award! Come On And Mess Me Up is such a beautiful song and definitely deserves to be recognised!

Website link for more info? tiagostelow.com

the creases

Answered by: Joseph Agius - Lead singer and guitarist

What does your nomination for a Queensland Music Award mean to you? It's really encouraging to know that what you are doing is being recognised in an industry where it's very difficult and often scary to put yourself out there. Receiving a nomination is something we never really considered as being a possibility for us amongst a sea of great QLD acts.

Which fellow Queensland artists do you listen to in your downtime, and what attracts you to their music? Babaganouj, Major Leagues, Good Boy, The Jungle Giants, Belligerents and Confidence Man are all some of our favourite friends and listens in Brisbane. They all really devote themselves entirely to their music and it's really motivating to watch.

What's your favourite venue to play in the state, and why? The Triffid is an amazing room to play in. It sounds and looks great and they really look after their acts. It's a massive goal of ours to one day headline there.

What do you enjoy the most about playing in front of Queensland audiences? There's a strong sense of family and community when playing in Queensland. I think everyone here loves nothing more than supporting an act that is from where they are from and seeing them grow.

Has your relationship to, and experience of, Queensland informed or influenced your music in any way? If so, how? Living in Brisbane has definitely influenced who we are as people, the experiences we've had and the music we write about them. It's a really easy place to be creative in.

What do you consider to be the biggest challenges and opportunities for Queensland music moving forward? The introduction of new venues like The Foundry and The Triffid has had a hugely positive impact on live music for Queensland. There is a great opportunity for people to really get behind venues and go see live music every week so we can see more venues popping up.

What aspects of Queensland's artistic communities do you feel are unique to your state, and why? I think Queensland is the underdog of music in Australia and our creative communities are a lot smaller than other states. Because of this everybody involved is always supporting and helping each other out. There's a lot of shared success.

If you don't end up winning, who do you reckon deserves a Queensland Music Award and why? Good Boy. They just supported us on our latest single launch tour and are fantastic. Some of the best energy and songwriting going around Brisbane at the moment.

Website link for more info? facebook.com/thecreases

cub sport

Answered by: Tim Nelson - Singer

What does your nomination for a Queensland Music Award mean to you? It's really encouraging to receive recognition from people in the industry. The Queensland music scene is really strong, so to be nominated alongside acts like Violent Soho - whose careers we aspire to - is super exciting.

Which fellow Queensland artists do you listen to in your downtime, and what attracts you to their music? I can't stop listening to Airling's new single Not A Fighter. Hannah [Shepherd]'s voice is so unique and beautiful and the music she's making is completely her own style.

What's your favourite venue to play in the state, and why? I loved playing at The Foundry on our first headline tour last year. It has a great vibe and always feels like a safe, accepting space.

What do you enjoy the most about playing in front of Queensland audiences? My favourite thing about playing Queensland shows is getting to play to family and friends! Queensland audiences are usually very enthusiastic which is cool.

Has your relationship to, and experience of, Queensland informed or influenced your music in any way? If so, how? A lot of my writing is about people, places and life experiences in Brisbane, so I feel like where we live influences our music pretty directly.

What do you consider to be the biggest challenges and opportunities for Queensland music moving forward? The biggest challenge is probably expanding beyond Queensland. Touring Australia is pretty expensive because of how spread out our cities are and international touring is obviously even more expensive - I think that's one of the biggest challenges for any Australian band.

What aspects of Queensland's artistic communities do you feel are unique to your state, and why? Having only been based in Brisbane, it's hard to know what's unique to Queensland's artistic community. But, from our experience, it's quite intimate, which has lead to us making a lot of meaningful friendships with other people in the music community.

If you don't end up winning, who do you reckon deserves a Queensland Music Award and why? There are so many deserving nominees. I'd be pretty stoked to see Mallrat, Airling, Amy Shark, Violent Soho, The Creases, Morning Harvey or Tia Gostelow walk away with some wins! They're all hard-working, super-talented acts.

Website link for more info? facebook.com/cubsport

good boy

Answered by: Tom Lindeman - Guitarist

What does your nomination for a Queensland Music Award mean to you? It means a lot! There are so many deserving bands in Queensland so it was quite a surprise to be considered for an award.

Which fellow Queensland artists do you listen to in your downtime, and what attracts you to their music? The John Steel Singers, The Creases, Thigh Master, Morning Harvey, Moses Gun Collective, Cub Sport, Clea, Zefereli.

What's your favourite venue to play in the state, and why? That's a really hard question. Playing at The Foundry is always great. So is Black Bear Lodge. We love these venues for multiple reasons - sound, general vibe, mates, bar staff...

What do you enjoy the most about playing in front of Queensland audiences? Queensland crowds always seem to have a bit more mongrel about them (in a good way). Although that's probably because our mates are filling most of the audience. There just seems to be more energy in the room when we play our home state.

Has your relationship to, and experience of, Queensland informed or influenced your music in any way? If so, how? I would say it has unconsciously influenced our music. Actually, there are a few songs from our first EP about growing up in Bundaberg, so there is a direct link to QLD there.

What do you consider to be the biggest challenges and opportunities for Queensland music moving forward? I think the Brisbane music scene is in a really good place at the moment. We only have opportunities to grow and expand.

What aspects of Queensland's artistic communities do you feel are unique to your state, and why? Definitely the sense of community within our scene. Good Boy being my first band, I only became part of the Brisbane music scene two years ago. Since then I've met countless bands, bookers, managers, etc who are now close mates. It's a very welcoming scene.

If you don't end up winning, who do you reckon deserves a Queensland Music Award and why? The Creases. We just finished a tour with those guys and their new music is sounding HUGE.

Website link for more info? goodboygoodboy.bandcamp.com

emily wurramara

What does your nomination for a Queensland Music Award mean to you? It is an honour for my song to be short-listed, not only because it's a nice validation for me as a musician, but because the song is written and performed in my traditional language, Anindilyakwa, and the importance to me to be able share my culture.

Which fellow Queensland artists do you listen to in your downtime, and what attracts you to their music? I love chilling to Robbie Miller, he's such a lovely person and his music is so captivating; a voice you would never expect, it's so soothing. I've also toured with CKNU and love to dance to their jams, and Chris Tamwoy's guitar skills blow me away!

What's your favourite venue to play in the state, and why? That's a hard one. Can I pick three? I love performing at Cardigan Bar in Sandgate and The Milk Factory in South Brisbane, they both have great vibes, nice and intimate; but I also love the Charleville Town Hall, it's so lovely and hot there and the drive is gorgeous!

What do you enjoy the most about playing in front of Queensland audiences? Queenslanders are a pretty unique beast I reckon... as an adopted Queenslander, I love that you always seem to know someone. Also as I've travelled regionally from Cairns to Mount Isa and down to Longreach, I always find the audiences embracing and good to have a joke with post show.

Has your relationship to, and experience of, Queensland informed or influenced your music in any way? If so, how? Yes, definitely. I wrote my first song when I was six and had just moved from a remote island in the Northern Territory to "big city" Brisbane. Songwriting became my way to make sense of my two worlds and helped shape my identity. I see myself with two homes.

What do you consider to be the biggest challenges and opportunities for Queensland music moving forward? I think that we have so much talent here. I've been really lucky in my career to have found a great team locally, in both management and a publicist who support my goals. I think that side of the industry is challenging here in Queensland and development should be supported.

What aspects of Queensland's artistic communities do you feel are unique to your state, and why? I think there's a real sense of community in the music and performing arts communities here. I've heard from other artists its not the same interstate. But you can generally ask for help here and it's not treated as a competitive thing, people are genuinely supportive of each other.

If you don't end up winning, who do you reckon deserves a Queensland Music Award and why? That's a hard question, because to be nominated is a win of its own. I don't have a preference on who should win, because everyone is amazing!