Sunshine Coast Music Awards announce 2026 Finalists

Following an overwhelming response from the Sunshine Coast music community, the Sunshine Coast Music Industry Collective (SCMIC) is proud to reveal the finalists for the 2026 Sunshine Coast Music Awards.

Showcasing the depth, creativity and diversity of the region’s music scene, this year’s finalists span a wide range of genres and disciplines, recognising emerging artists, established acts, live venues, studios and industry professionals helping shape the Sunshine Coast’s thriving creative landscape. SCMIC chair, Melissa O’Bryan, shares:

"Our second year of celebrating, and we are thrilled with how it's all shaping up. The diversity of genres this year is exceptional, and with increased nominations in categories such as the Punter of the Year and Artwork of the Year, it is telling that these awards are shaping up to be one of the more eclectic programs out there."

Finalists across the 2026 Sunshine Coast Music Awards span 11 categories, including Artist of the Year, Artwork of the Year, Song of the Year, Live Act of the Year, the Indidge Award, Rising Star, Young Artist of the Year and Musician of the Year.

Highlighting not only the region’s artists, but also the wider creative community and industry spaces supporting live music on the Sunshine Coast, the awards additionally recognise Recording Studio of the Year, Venue of the Year and Punter of the Year.

The finalists were selected by a panel of respected music industry professionals from across Australia, including representatives from triple j and the Woodford Folk Festival, alongside Brad Hinds (Oztix – Head of Music), Harley Evans (Managing Director, Moshtix), James See (Head Engineer/Manager at Airlock Studios), Jordan Acker (A&R at G.Y.R.O.), Dr Lachlan Goold AKA Magoo, and many more. The SCMIC extends sincere thanks to all judges for their time, insight and support in recognising the outstanding talent emerging from the Sunshine Coast music community.

Winners will be announced at the 2026 Sunshine Coast Music Awards ceremony on Sunday, June 7 2026, at The Shed in Palmview, for a night celebrating the people and spaces driving live music and creative culture across the region.

The SCMIC thanks everyone who entered. The sheer depth of talent across this region continues to shine, and we congratulate all 2026 finalists. We look forward to celebrating together on June 7 at the awards ceremony.

Tickets are available now via Moshtix here.

FULL LIST OF 2026 Sunshine Coast Music Awards Finalists

ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Katie Noonan

Linc Phelps

Minnie Marks

Nana's Pie

ARTWORK OF THE YEAR

Elke Louie - Killing Time film clip

Fake News - 'Dead Set' album artwork

Jordyn Furmedge (The Video Chick) - 'Run' by Byrd of Paradyse

Lahni Thorogood - 'Good Boy' cover art (Phil and the Blanks)