“Music matters to my family” - a short speech from the 2022 Gold Coast Music Awards
Presenting the 2022 Gold Coast Music Award for “Release of the Year”
It’s pretty rare that I get the opportunity to give a speech on behalf of the City of Gold Coast. Most of my speeches are just for my division, in my role as a local Councillor. From the beginning back in 2012, I’ve not been appointed as a Committee Chairperson and that is probably a product of my personal convictions and willingness (or lack thereof) to speak my mind on behalf of “official spokespeople” who may not share my convictions. I’m okay with that.
But today was different.
With the Mayor unable to attend, and the Deputy Mayor unable to attend, and other committee chairpersons unable to attend, I received a formal request to present an award on behalf of the City at the 2022 Gold Coast Music Awards, an event I have been a passionate supporter of since it’s inception in 2015.
I’ve always joked around with others that the community can be fickle and political careers can be shortened dramatically from time to time, often using Terry Pratchett’s quote that “it’s the same crowd that cheers at your inauguration as roars at your beheading”. With that in mind, I accepted what I considered a rare and unique invitation to speak and present the 2022 Gold Coast Music Award for “Release of the Year”.
The award went to the epic hardcore rock act Wildheart for their release Global Crisis. There’s a few Kombumerri First Nations guys in the band who grew up on the Gold Coast and for lovers of metal and hard rock, they will be a worthy edition to your music catalogue.
Here’s the words of the short speech I made before the presentation;
They gave me 90 seconds to three minutes to say a few words so I want to start by acknowledging the Kombumerri people who are the traditional custodians of the land on which we meet today paying my respects their elders past, present and emerging. I know they would appreciate being acknowledged and I feel very deeply about doing so.
Today I want to share something personal.
Music matters to my family. Every moment of significance seems to have a soundtrack and for more than decade now it’s Gold Coast music that shapes those moments.
My wedding day is punctuated by Electrik Lemonade.
My drives to school with my kids over the years have been filled with requests for Eliza & the Delusionals, Ivey and Aya J.
Our community events in Mudgeeraba Village remember a bunch of you but particularly the Buttered guys Jackson and Scott, Scotty & Alisha who are now from Geniie Boy, the Hollow Coves dudes, Felicity Lawless & Bigfellalinc, the Hussy Hicks and my first casual meeting with my wife Jude was a Bobby Alu gig in Mudgeeraba.
You musicians all shape my life and set the soundtrack. I am so proud of Gold Coast music.
But today I’ve got 3 requests for you.
Keep writing epic music. I’m definitely not the only one who loves what you are making and my stories about your songs are just one of thousands.
Keep cultivating your business skills. Merch and distribution and licensing are important. Get involved in the councils assistance there. Go talk to Libby and Helen and Adam from the council team today. I’m sure they’re all here. You should be as awesome at business as you are at musical creativity.
Keep looking after each other. I love the way you care for one another and cheer off stage. Watching Peach Fur front and centre at Buttered set on the beach last night at Springtime Festival while I was there with my family was awesome. Keep that cheering for each other up. Keep loving and caring for one another. That’s part of what makes our Gold Coast music community unique and awesome. Keep it up.
That’s my personal reflections. Without further delay, let’s get to “Release of the Year” for the 2022 Gold Coast Music Awards!
You can find out more about who won the 2022 Gold Coast Music Awards by visiting the Blank Street Press website.