Music acts up for accolades

NOMINATIONS in this year’s Music Victoria Awards have been announced, with Ballarat-based music makers and offerings represented across two categories.

Local acts, electronic dance creative Juno Mamba and intercultural experimental duo ZÖJ are two of five artists in the running for the Best Regional Act via public vote.

Volta, which was previously up for a nod in the awards’ Best Regional Venue/Presenter (over 50 gigs a year) category in 2023, is in the running for the same category this year.

“It’s always a pleasant surprise to be nominated as one of the best regional venues,” said the venue’s programmer Lachy Anderson.

“To bring big overseas acts and look at where else they’re going on the poster and think that was an important show for the venue and the town is great.

“There’s been quite a few highlights. Last year in November, Amyl and the Sniffers played this intimate show and that was a bit of a pinch me moment.”

Having released their debut LP Fil O Fenjoon in November and recently featured in the City of Ballarat’s Be Hear Now initiative, ZÖJ’s Gelareh Pour said their nomination is recognition of what can be achieved for regional-based musicians. “Big cities move at a relentless pace,” she said. “There’s a certain energy to that, it can push innovation, fuel creativity and generate exciting opportunities.

“It’s a different story with regional areas. Places like Ballarat always seem to open up in a way that big cities can’t.

“I truly believe that the quality of art coming out of regional areas is every bit as powerful, as innovative, and as important as anything coming from the cities.

“In fact, because regional artists have that extra space to breathe, reflect, and grow, their work can often have a depth and resonance that’s harder to achieve in the fast-paced environment of the city.

“Regional arts shouldn’t be seen as second to the city. If anything, they bring something entirely unique and equally valuable to the table.”

More than 20 categories in this year’s awards will see the winners decided by industry representatives, while six awards will be driven by public vote.

The winners will be announced on Thursday 24 October at The Edge in Fed Square. Public voting is open until Tuesday 1 October and can be done by visiting Music Victoria’s website.