Rockers West Thebarton dominate SA Music Awards

Seven-piece rock outfit West Thebarton stole the show at the South Australian Music (SAM) Awards on November 8, scooping up four gongs for best group, best song, best release and the people’s choice award for the best rock artist.

The band closed the night with an explosive set, rounding out a year of success including international recognition and the release of their debut album, Different Beings Being Different.

West Thebarton at the SA Music Awards. Photo: Supplied.

Held at the Adelaide Town Hall, the SAM Awards were hosted by music journalist and Double J presenter Zan Rowe.

Singer-songwriter MANE took home the award for Best Solo Artist, reggae-inspired soul artist Adrian Eagle won Best New Artist and hip-hop duo A.B. Original claimed the Best Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Artist Award for Blaccout, continuing their winning streak at last year’s SAM Awards.

“The SAM Awards showcase the very best of our music scene and demonstrate why it’s in such fantastic shape,” says general manager of Music SA, Lisa Mane.

“West Thebarton has had an incredible year: a truly local band that’s broken through around the country and internationally.

“Meanwhile, we have solo artists like MANE and Adrian Eagle who are really doing great things and we can also celebrate the ongoing success of last year’s winners A.B. Original.”

Minister for Industry and Skills David Pisoni attended the awards night and praised Music SA for raising the profile of the SAM awards, as well as the state’s music industry as a whole.

The State Government announced recently it will provide more than $500,000 to support the growth of live music in SA.

“I am pleased to have provided additional funding of $550,000 to continue the Live Music Events Fund, which supports new or unique music festivals and events that have the potential to grow into major tourist attractions and increase employment in the music industry,” Mr Pisoni says.