What Is 2019 Australian Women in Music Awards

Overview

The 2019 Australian Women in Music Awards (AWMA) celebrated the achievements of women across all areas of the Australian music industry, from performers and songwriters to producers and executives. Held on October 9, 2019, at the Brisbane Powerhouse, the event highlighted the vital contributions of women in a historically male-dominated field.

Founded in 2018 by industry advocates Tamara Coniff and Vicki Gordon, the AWMA was created to address gender imbalance and promote visibility for women in music. The 2019 ceremony expanded on the inaugural event, featuring a broader range of categories and higher public engagement.

• Fourteen award categories were presented in 2019, including Artist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, and Music Producer of the Year.
• Tina Arena was honored with the Outstanding Achievement Award for her decades-long influence as a vocalist and advocate for women in music.
• Emily Wurramara, an Indigenous singer-songwriter from Groote Eylandt, won the Best Emerging Artist Award for her soulful debut album Nara.
• The Live Performance Award was given to indie rock band Camp Cope, recognized for their powerful stage presence and feminist lyrics.
• Deborah Conway received the Leanne Campbell Award for Excellence in Music Journalism, acknowledging her work as a critic and cultural commentator.

How It Works

The Australian Women in Music Awards operate through a nomination and judging process led by an independent panel of music industry professionals, ensuring transparency and inclusivity across genres and roles.

• Nomination Process: Artists and professionals are nominated by peers or industry bodies; self-nominations are also accepted. Submissions require detailed portfolios and supporting materials.
• Judging Panel: A diverse committee of 12 music experts evaluates entries based on artistic merit, impact, and advocacy, with strict conflict-of-interest guidelines.
• Eligibility Criteria: Nominees must be Australian citizens or permanent residents, and their work must have been released or performed between January 1 and December 31, 2018.
• Award Categories: The 2019 event featured 14 distinct awards, including technical roles like Sound Engineer of the Year and Music Producer of the Year.
• Event Format: The ceremony combines award presentations with live performances and speeches, aiming to create a networking and empowerment-focused environment.
• Partnerships: The AWMA partners with organizations like APRA AMCOS and Screen Australia to fund awards and support outreach programs for emerging artists.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the 2019 AWMA with the 2018 inaugural event and other international music awards:

While the AWMA is smaller in scale than global events like the Grammys, its focused mission on gender equity sets it apart. Unlike the ARIA Awards, which do not separate by gender, the AWMA specifically uplifts women and non-binary artists, filling a critical gap in Australia’s music recognition landscape.

Why It Matters

The 2019 Australian Women in Music Awards played a crucial role in advancing gender equity and representation in the music industry, offering a platform for voices often marginalized in mainstream award shows.

• Increased visibility for women in technical roles, such as sound engineering and music production, helps challenge industry stereotypes and inspire new talent.
• The awards have led to greater media coverage of female artists, with post-event press mentions rising by 42% compared to 2018.
• Winning or being nominated for an AWMA has been linked to increased performance bookings and funding opportunities for emerging artists.
• The event fosters networking and mentorship, connecting young musicians with established figures like Tina Arena and Deborah Conway.
• By highlighting Indigenous artists like Emily Wurramara, the AWMA supports cultural diversity and reconciliation in the arts.
• The ceremony contributes to policy discussions on gender equity, influencing funding bodies and music institutions across Australia.

As the music industry continues to evolve, events like the AWMA provide essential recognition and infrastructure to ensure women’s contributions are not only seen but celebrated and sustained.