The 34th annual ACRA Awards, held on October 14, will feature an all-star Australian musical lineup, with tickets on sale now for industry participants.
Four live performances from iconic and emerging artists will feature, alongside the announcement of the inaugural Australian music champion, who will receive the ‘Gudinski’ Award, named in honour of Mushroom Records founder Michael Gudinski.
Ford Ennals, the CEO of CRA said:
“From the 1970’s through to his passing in 2021, Michael Gudinski was at the forefront of discovering great musicians and promoting Australian talent.
Australian music is at the heart of commercial radio. The industry plays 2.7 million Australian songs a year and APRA Chair Jenny Morris is presenting the 2023 Award for the most played new Australian song. We wish to thank the Gudinski family for allowing us to honour the greatest Australian music champion by naming an award after him, acknowledging those that follow.”
Live performances will include the founding member of Cold Chisel Ian Moss, proud Coodjinburra man Budjerah and singer-songwriter Mia Ray. Mitch Tambo, whose performance of the anthemic “You’re the Voice” electrified the audience at the 2022 ACRA Awards, will perform again, with the ACRAs held the same day as the Referendum vote.
Ian Moss
As a founding member of Cold Chisel, the Ian Moss helped shape Australia’s rock sound. His solo career, starting with 1989’s album “Matchbook,” showcased versatility from soulful renditions to blues-infused tracks. Moss continues to captivate audiences with his distinct musicality and heartfelt stories.
Budjerah
Winner of the ARIA ‘Michael Gudinski Breakthrough Artist Award, Budjerah supported Ed Sheeran in his Australian stadium tour. Budjerah’s live performances, influenced by gospel icons like Usher and Beyoncé, merge authenticity with stage presence.
Mia Ray
Originally from Noosa, Melbourne artist Mia Wray is one of Australia’s most highly acclaimed emerging artists. Her debut single ‘Work For Me’ gained widespread support including from Elton John. Mia entered the global arena in 2021 which included her debut headline show in the UK and resulted in an invite to the Great Escape Festival as part of its First 50.
Mitch Tambo
In 2019, proud Gamilaraay man Mitch Tambo gained fame with a First Nations version of “You’re the Voice” on “Australia’s Got Talent.” Merging Aboriginal sounds with modern beats, his album ‘Guurama-Li’ topped iTunes World Music charts globally. Tambo’s music and social work advocate diversity and women’s achievements. Mitch is a UNICEF ambassador and speaker and was commercial radio’s spokesperson for an Australia-wide mental health campaign in early 2023.
Around a thousand on-air and off-air commercial radio talent will come to Sydney’s ICC from across Australia to honour excellence in commercial radio and audio across entertainment, news, talk, and sport.
The 2023 Hall of Fame Award winner will also be announced, who will join radio luminaries such as Kyle Sandilands, Jackie Henderson, Neil Mitchell, Ray Hadley, Amanda Keller, Cathy O’Connor, the late Doug Mulray, and Lee Simon
For tickets and more information go to www.acras.com.au.