The Canberra music scene celebrated its revival in 2022, with venues opening back up after the pandemic lockdowns. Though numbers aren’t quite what they were before COVID-19 took over the world, the effort made by the attendees and performers deserved its own special night.  

The MusicACT Music Awards were hosted at ONE22 in the city, and supported by Dickson Taphouse, Moray & Agnew, and the Bec Taylor School of Music on 13 December. Drinks were flowing, and canapés did the rounds as tunes filled the air. The live music scene is back – and boy, was it missed!

Minister for the Arts Tara Cheyne and musician Chris Endry served as the official presenters for the evening, while Lucy Sugerman played the role of emcee for the evening. The warmth and charisma from nominees, presenters, and winners was undeniable.

Though it would be great if all those involved in the Canberra music scene could be awarded, that isn’t how award nights work. So without further introductions, the winners of the Canberra music night of nights. Sorted by category.

Independent Debut Album of the Year 2022

Rental Snake – Snake Down
Ragged Blossom – In My Mess
Micah Heathwood – Club Oof
MUESLI – Hello Out There – Recipient
Bad Lunar – See Ya Never

Artist of the Year 2022

ARCHIE
Genesis Owusu – Recipient
Jack Biilmann
Kim Yang
Box Dye
St.Sinner

Industry Legend of the Year 2022

Nigel McRae & Beth Tully
Louis Montgomery
Sarah O’Malley – Recipient
Jannah Fahiz
Mitch Lamb

The MusicACT Hall of Fame Inductees 2022

Beth Tully & Nigel McRae – Smiths Alternative
Duncan Lowe – Infidel Studios
Ryan Sabet – Kicks Entertainment

Find about more about MAMA: musicact.com.au

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