As NSW continues to asphyxiate under Berejiklian’s red tape, Sydney’s FBi Radio has remained an institution of staunch opposition. Championing local music, arts and culture, the little radio station that could provide a platform for fringe voices unheard and supports the people that make our lives a little more colourful. A practice in equality, theirs is a pursuit devoid of racial or gender bias.
Regardless of what Sydney’s outcomes may be, it won’t stop the production of incredible creativity. It’s here that FBi’s SMAC awards—that’s Sydney, Music, Arts and Culture, not a public thwack over the ear—recognise outstanding achievements that better our city and its inhabitants.
Spread over 9 categories, the awards will celebrate Sydney finest musicians, artists, performers, restaurants and events—with the SMAC of the year award presented to a person whose single contributions have stoked the spirit of Sydney culture.
With past recipients in the music categories going onto stardom, the SMAC awards are somewhat of an eerie prophecy. Those that take away prizes for 2018 will join the dazzling ranks of Cloud Control, The Preatures and Sarah Blasko.
I’ve always found prettier things grow in shit anyway.
Voting is open to the public and will run until 5PM Wednesday 13 February. Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony held at Carriageworks on Tuesday 26 February, while FBi 94.5FM will be broadcasting the event live over the air.
Complete list of nominees:
RECORD OF THE YEAR
B Wise – Area Famous
Retiree – House Or Home
NASHO – NASHO
Phantastic Ferniture – Phantastic Ferniture
DEN – Deep Cell
Jack River – Sugar Mountain
BEST SONG
The Presets – Martini
Julia Jacklin – Body
Slim Set – Cooked
Shady Nasty – Jewellery
Kwame – Wow
Kota Banks – Zoom
NEXT BIG THING
Presented by Southern Comfort
The Kid Laroi
Kwame
Slim Set
Milan Ring
100
CLYPSO
BEST LIVE ACT
Presented Young Henrys
DIN
Slim Set
Dispossessed
Freda & Jackson
100
Sampa The Great
BEST EATS
Cavalier 2.0
Sáng by Mabasa
Paperbark
Lankan Filling Station
Bella Brutta
A1 Canteen
BEST MUSIC EVENT
Presented by Fireball Cinnamon Whisky
Mad Racket
Soft Centre
Pavlovabar
Heaps Gay Queertopia
Psyched As
Newtown Festival
BEST ARTIST
Leila El Rayes
Justin Shoulder
Nadia Hernández
Shireen Taweel
Shahmen Suku aka Radha La Bia
Talia Smith
BEST ARTS PROGRAM
The Countess Report
Desire Lines
Sissy Ball
Parramatta Artist Studios
Campbelltown Arts Centre – Real Real
Artspace – 52 Artists 52 Actions
BEST ON STAGE
Urban Theatre Projects – Right Here. Right Now.
Blackie Blackie Brown
Bangarra Dance Company – Dark Emu
Yarramadoon
A Harp In The South
The Howling Girls
For more info on the FBi SMAC Award nominees and to vote, head to FBI Radio.