CASEY CLAIMS TOP GONG
GC MUSIC AWARDS
COUNTRY music star Casey Barnes was cuddled up on his couch with wife and two daughters when he finally won Artist of the Year.
After six years of nominations, Barnes finally took out the top gong at the Gold Coast Music Awards shown online last night.
“I’m over the moon. I deadset can’t believe it. I really can’t. Unreal. I honestly didn’t think I had it. I’m absolutely chuffed. Thank you so much.”
It comes days after he hit number one in the ARIA charts for his new album Town of A Million Dreams.
Thousands tuned online for the awards, which featured special guests and music royalty Tones and I, Amy Shark and ex-Bardot member Sophie Monk.
“I would very much rather be on the beach having a champagne but this will have to do for now,” Shark said.
“Congratulations to Eliza & the Delusionals. Breakout Artist is such a huge award. It’s a special one for me because I know how hard it is to be an emerging artist on the Gold Coast. It’s a tough grind.”
Tones and I delivered a congratulatory message to emerging artist DENNIS. for her inaugural Gold Coast Music Prize win, which includes career development with management tips, video production and media support.
“I know how hard it can be as an emerging artist. It’s so great to see an award like the Gold Coast Music Prize help artists and give them a leg up,” Tones said.
Video of the Year was taken out by Eddie Ray, for DIY animation The Story while fans voted Lagerstein for People’s Choice Award.
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate: “I have no doubt the industry here will bounce back stronger than ever and after the restrictions have eased, I look forward to hearing them once again play their music at venues across the city.”
Shark was ineligible for an award after taking the top gong for three consecutive years and was entered into the city’s Music Hall of Fame.