APRA will recognise Midnight Oil’s cultural contribution by awarding the band the Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Services to Australian Music at the upcoming APRA Music Awards.
APRA Chair Jenny Morris said, “Midnight Oil’s uniquely Australian songs took on societal issues with fiery determination and a musical conviction that continues to connect on a global scale. I don’t want to say there will never be another Midnight Oil because the world will always need a band like Midnight Oil – now, more than ever.”
PHOTO GALLLERY: Midnight Oil by Ros O’Gorman
On hearing news of the honour Midnight Oil said, “Midnight Oil is proud to receive the Ted Albert Award for 2018. It’s a great honour for our band. Ted’s great skill was his knack for picking talent, his genuine love for original Australian music, and the creation of his legendary production house – which has become a by-word for excellence and success. Midnight Oil’s connection to Alberts began in 1978, when the band – in between playing sweaty pub gigs in and around Sydney – recorded our first album at the Boomerang House studio in King St (‘Whoah! A band that eats!’ said Harry Vanda, when he caught us scoffing burgers). Nine years later we were back at Alberts, this time at Neutral Bay, to record Diesel and Dust – an album inspired by the Australian desert and Top End communities, but which opened doors for us right around the world.”
The 2018 APRA Music Awards will feature live performances of the Song of The Year nominated works as interpreted by a targeted line-up including 2017 APRA Song of the Year nominee Tim Minchin; and two of Australia’s most talented Toms, vocalist Tom Snowdon and Tom Iansek of #1 Dads and Big Scary, in their stunning new project No Mono. Breakthrough Songwriter nominee Ben Abraham will team up with All Our Exes Live in Texas while Jack Gray will perform with smoky voiced Teischa. Songbird Nat Dunn – songwriter on the Marshmello and Anne-Marie global smash Friends – will also hit the stage. Rising star Baker Boy, Suze DeMarchi and Baby Animals, Adalita and Isabella Manfredi round out the night with additional special performances.
Awards presenters on the night will be Isabella Manfredi, Tracey Spicer, Adam Eckersley, Country Work of the Year nominees Brooke McClymont and Kasey Chambers, Dance Work of the Year nominee Starley Hope, Andrew Farriss, Managing Director at Sony/ATV Music Publishing Australia Damian Trotter, Amber Lawrence and Guy Sebastian.
Recently in Australia for a record breaking tour, the International Work of the Year recipient is Ed Sheeran for Shape of You, co-written with Kevin Briggs, Kandi Burruss, Tameka Cottle, Steven McCutcheon and John McDaid.
The Licensee of the Year – an award introduced in 2017 to reward licensee groups for excellent music citizenship – is the Settlers Tavern, Margaret River, WA. A high-profile venue renowned for their ongoing support of live music, the Settlers Tavern operators are highly valued members of the Margaret River and wider WA communities.
The 2018 APRA Music Awards will be held on Tuesday 10 April at the International Convention Centre Grand Ballroom in Sydney’s Darling Harbour.
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