Live Review: Five Things We Learnt at the SAM Awards

Adelaide's annual celebration of South Australian Music saw Tkay Maidza lead the pack with nominations and number of wins. The night of nights was hosted by Triple J's Dom Alessio and one of Adelaide's favourite musical sons, Max Savage. Here are the five things we learnt at the SAM Awards:

History: Formerly known as the Fowler's Live Music Awards, this year's event was rebranded under the guidance of Music SA. The inaugural SA Music Awards continues to acknowledge musical successes in the state and was first headed up by tour manager Peter Darwin to celebrate a diverse range of genres — from rap, folk and electronic dance — that are big in this state. For the first time in the event's history, the program underwent a structural change, starting off with an invite only formal ceremony. Among the distinguished guests were the honourable Premier and self-confessed live music supporter Jay Weatherill, who officially opened up the ceremony, and prominent Music SA staff Anne Wiberg and Lisa Bishop who welcomed the musicians, media and friends. The event was wrapped up with a hashtag #samawards and an afterparty open to the public. 

Glitz and Glam: The event was held at Mercury Cinema. Musicians and guests were greeted by a balloon arch and rolled out red carpet. Now, our musicians are often seen in tight jeans and battered boots when taking the stage at live shows; however, tonight saw the entire industry dressed to the nines and looking a million bucks. The pre-party reception was overflowing with South Australia's finest wines and musicians who were looking forward to seeing who will take home the ultimate prize. The award trophies were donated by Lord Mayor Martin Haese and crafted by a local Adelaide artist. 

I'd Like To Thank...: Collecting a massive four awards, Tkay Maidza was unable to attend this year's ceremony. Her manager Ross Osmon accepted the awards on her behalf: "If Tkay were here, she would just say 'LOL'". Skies picked up the award for Best New Artist and gave honourable mention to their "mortal enemies" The Wasted Wanderers. Robert Dunstan was emotional upon accepting the Fowler's Live Achievement Award for his services to the music industry. Dunstan has had an extensive career in music from managing tours to creating music media, and tonight made the announcement that music venue Fowler's Live would be closing at the end of 2017. Taking home the award for best acceptance speech of the night, as well as the award for Best Producer, was Motez. The internationally renowned producer was praised for his two-track EP Vancouver and dedicated his award to those "who think boat people cannot do much". Respect. 

Kicking On: After the show is the afterparty which took place at Fowler's Live. Catering was done by Adelaide's most aptly named band The Beards, who served up barbecued bangers-sausages with an enticing vegetarian option to boot. The promise of hairy sausages didn't seem too appetising but somehow, defying all food health and safety expectations, there was not a hair in sight. Skies kicked off the live music component of the afterparty followed by psychedelic indie rockers Sparkspitter. Garage grunge kings West Thebarton Brothel Party tore up the stage with their seven-headed band. Finally, The Shaolin Afronauts pulled all the stops and wrapped up the event with a full live stage band. We're talking drums, live horns section, the lot. 

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner: The awards were split into two main categories, industry and artists. Back to back winners included 5/4 Entertainment and The Governor Hindmarsh, recipients of theBest Manager and Best Music Venue, respectively. 5/4 Entertainment, headed by Ross Osmon and Craig Lock, have orchestrated the career pathways of Tkay Maidza and Jesse Davidson. Host Max Savage thanked the live music venues who played an important role in "pouring beers" at gigs. WOMADelaide was named Best Music Event and Kelly Menhennett received a cash prize along with the Ryan Freeman Live Music Award. This award was made in honour of a staunch music fan who had passed away in 2009. Metal band Truth Corroded were voted by the public as Most Popular Artist. Bad//Dreems were deemed Best Live Act and Grenadiers were named Best Group. Timberwolf took home two awards for Best Songwriter and Best Male Artist. Sachio Cook was awarded the Best Music Video prize for his work with his cartoon characterisation of Tkay Maidza seen in the Switch Lanes video clip.

The overall winner was SA music and arts. Despite being hounded by lock out laws, musicians and industry personnel have worked tirelessly to bring live music to the audiences. The local network has fostered a vibrant environment for up and coming independent musicians in the state. A special 'thank you' must go to Koral Chandler for looking after everyone at the event.