Brisbane’s best up-and-coming musical acts were crowned on Monday August 19 as part of Brisbane City Council’s annual QUBE Effect Awards. More than 270 young and emerging acts entered this year’s awards, with just five winning awards at an intimate ceremony at the Triffid.
Singer and songwriter Dublin Rose won the coveted People’s Choice Award after receiving more than 680 votes, or a quarter of all votes cast, for her song There You Go Again. Six-piece band Maarjn scored the innovation award for showing the most creativity through innovative composition, while Allegra Neve picked up the Original Song award for Bending Pressure.
The QUBE Effect program creates pathways for young artists to achieve their musical dreams though professional performance and personal development mentorship. A cohort of 18 talented finalists took part in a 35 week mentorship program with the likes of Powderfinger’s Bernard Fanning, John ‘JC’ Collins and Ian Haug and The Grates’ Patience Hodgson. Former QUBE Effect participant and artist Hope D hosted Monday night’s awards ceremony along with local singer-songwriter Nat Dunn.
Hope D has been involved as a mentor since 2021, after participating in the 2019 QUBE Effect cohort where she was awarded the 2019 QPAC Green Jam Award. “It’s particularly awesome to be able to come back as a mentor and contribute to the program,” said Hope D. “Throughout the program, each year’s ‘Qubies’ benefits from workshops, live showcases, video projects and personal mentoring, all of which are key to their development.”
“Brisbane’s music scene plays a huge role in ensuring Brisbane continues to be a great place to live,” said Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner. “We look forward to seeing this year’s program participants leave their mark on our music scene and help boost Brisbane’s reputation as Australia’s live music capital on the world stage.”
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