Who's Going To Win The Music Victoria Awards?

The first ever The Age EG Music Victoria Awards are just around the corner, so debate is heating up as to who will take home gongs on the night.

As voting closes at 5pm tonight, we've decided to put together a little form guide on some of the top categories at the re-branded EG Awards - here's what we think might go down next week:

BEST ALBUM

Melbourne loves The Drones and though they also love Adalita and Paul Kelly as well it's hard to look past the cult vote for I See Seaweed. There's an outside chance for the cream of the slacker crop Dick Diver's Calendar Days, though, as an album that was applauded by critics and the Melbourne music scene alike when it was released.

BEST BAND

This one's probably split between the votes of The Drones and Clairy Browne & The Bangin' Rackettes – is the Melbourne soul vote strong enough to overtake the traditional rock-mongers? Both have had busy years and the inclusion of Saskwatch in this category could split Clairy Brown's vote.

If that's the case, looks out for King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard to throw themselves into the mix. They've surpassed hype band status and solidified their place with their third album, particularly after a strong showing at the Carlton Dry Indie Awards. Should take votes away from Dick Diver.

BEST SONG

There's a real mix of styles and genres here, but one of 2013's best breakout stories Vance Joy should have this with Riptide. This song was smashed everywhere, plus used in a US GoPro ad that generated plenty of web traffic.

BEST MALE ARTIST

There's every chance that Mikelangelo could take this out, but after a big year opinion's leaning towards Paul Kelly. This year he released another album, an ARIA Award-winning concept album (Conversations With Ghosts) and a live CD/DVD with Neil Finn. Plus he went on tour. ABC's screening of his documentary recently helps as well.

BEST FEMALE ARTIST

Another super-tight category (which is being presented by The Music) with a range of genres represented, and we're going to tip Courtney Barnett for this. As well as garnering quite the following over here, she's gotten the tick of approval from Pitchfork and was recently in the US and Europe – facts which aren't lost on the voting public. Don't be surprised at all, though, if Adalita takes this one, nor Kylie Auldist.

You can relive all the nominees here.

The awards will take place at Billboard The Venue next Wednesday 20 November, as part of Melbourne Music Week. Tickets are still on sale, which you can purchase from here.