Live Review: NATIONAL LIVE MUSIC AWARDS (Canberra)

The third annual National Live Music Awards, hosted simultaneously in 8 cities around the country, was held at the Phoenix in Canberra’s CBD and celebrated the rich and diverse talent the national capital has to offer. Presented by Chris Endrey of Endrey and Fun Machine the awards were sponsored by APRA AMCOS, Jamison and Panhead, with all profits going to Support Act a charity dedicated to addressing the mental health issues so prevalent in the music industry.
Opening the event was local four-piece Sputnik Sweetheart, an upbeat, glossy pop-rock four piece who’s guitarist worked in a slightly jazzy feel to their sound.
After a quick set Endrey presented the first three awards of the night with Phoenix taking out the trophy for Best Live Venue, Spilt Milk winning Best Live Event and Girls Rock taking home Best All Ages Achievement.
After a short break Evan Buckley, voice of local favourites The Burley Griffin, did an acoustic folky-pop set and won the room over with the trademark brand of humble sincerity he’s become so well known for.
The final three awards went to Ella Hunt for Best Live Voice, her second win in that category, Moaning Lisa for best Live Act and Evan Buckley hurried back on stage to take out the big one. Rounding out the show was Slagatha Christie the aggressively melodic four-piece punk act.
This event was less about who took home the statues and more about getting together the best of Canberra’s local talent to honour the experience that only music played live can offer. Canberra’s live scene has really developed in the last 10 years or so with a host of venues offering access to an extraordinary array of performers every night.
Special mention should go to Larry Heath, director of the NLMAs, for organising such an incredible night of music all over the country and managing to pull it all off seamlessly.