Shark hunts third straight GC Music Award title

LOCAL artists are gearing up in anticipation for a win at the Gold Coast Music Awards tonight.

Amy Shark, 32, is hoping to bring home the Artist of the Year award for her 2018 album Love Monster.

If she wins tonight, it will be her third year straight.

“I’m so proud to call the Gold Coast my home and incredibly honoured to be recognised amongst my peers,” she said.

“Thank you to the Gold Coast Music Awards for supporting local talent and for helping me pave a career in this incredible country.”

Country music star Casey Barnes, who is headlining the Gold Coast Music Awards free live concert tonight, is also in the running for the award.

Emerging artists San Mei, Mass Sky Raid and Ella Fence are all finalists in three categories, while Peach Fur, Athena Joy and ELSKA make their Gold Coast Music Awards debut, nominated for Release of the Year and Songs of the Year.

Gold Coast Music Awards judging panel chair and Head of Popular Music at the Griffith University Queensland Conservatorium Donna Weston will be one of nine judging the artists, saying it “gets more challenging every year.”

Tonight’s awards will be hosted by Double J presenter from Stir It Up, Sarash Howells, in a ticketed VIP marquee on the Surfers Paradise beachfront.

A free concert with a festival size stage will kick off the event.

Tickets for the awards ceremony are still available and can be purchased online at Oztix.