ABOUT
The SAM Awards exist to recognise, promote and celebrate excellence in the South Australian contemporary music industry and take place annually in Adelaide, South Australia every November. It has become a stand out fixture on the UNESCO Adelaide, City of Music’s calendar of music events and is a “night of nights” for the South Australian music community.
The SAM Awards are presented annually by Music SA with support from the South Australian Government, our major partners and a variety of generous sponsors from within the SA music community. Every year we see a star-studded red carpet full of SA musicians celebrating another year of national and international success. From West Thebarton’s huge award grabs, to Adrian Eagle’s magical opening performance, the SAM Awards have reached national acclaim. Music Industry delegates from far and wide come to Adelaide every year to experience the distinctive SAM Awards and, this year, it’s time for a huge celebration of SA talent.
The inaugural South Australian Music Awards took place in November 2015, after having been previously run as the Fowler’s Live Music Awards since 2012. Not-for-profit organisation Music SA took custodianship of the rebranded SAM Awards in 2015 and continues to build and grow the event to this very day.
Acknowledgement of Country
The SAM Awards acknowledges the Kaurna people of the Adelaide Plains, the traditional custodians of this land. We acknowledge their continuing culture and pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging.
2020 WINNERS
SAM AWARDS
Best Innovation
– presented by CityMag
play / pause / play
Best Music Educator
– presented by SAMII
Nick O’Connor
Best Studio
– presented by Adelaide Music Collective
Ghostnote
Best Engineer/ Producer
– presented by SAE Institute
Mario Spate
Best Live Technician
– presented by Novatech
Luke Hancock
Best Small Festival/ Event
– presented by UniBar
The Porch Sessions
Best Major Festival/ Event
– presented by Pirate Life
St Jerome’s Laneway Festival – Adelaide
Best Venue
– presented by AHA (SA Branch)
Lion Arts Factory
Best Cover Art
–presented by VERSION Design
Todd Fischer (Lost Woods – Shaping Distant Memories)
Best Manager
– presented by Association of Artist Managers
Matthew Khabbaz
Best Music Video
– presented by Channel 44
Motez, Pilot Studio, Mapped Design, Daggers Production, Kelsey Pedler (Motez – Soulitude)
Best Song
– presented by APRA AMCOS
Affection by Jess Day
Best New Artist
– presented by WOMADelaide
Siberian Tiger & Slowmango
Best Group
– presented by Derringers
Wing Defence
Best Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
– presented by CASM
Jessica Wishart
Best Solo
– presented by Adelaide Festival Centre
Jess Day
Best Release
– presented by The Music
Soulitude by Motez & Friends by Wing Defence
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS
Blues/Roots Award
– presented by Radio Adelaide
Ollie English
Country Award
– presented by Grace Emily Hotel
Jessica Wishart
Electronic Award
– presented by MOSHTIX
Motez
Experimental Award
– presented by Ancient World
SONS OF ZÖKU
Folk Award
– presented by Wheatsheaf Hotel
Naomi Keyte
Heavy Award
– presented by Enigma Bar
NO NO NO NO NO
Hip Hop Award
– presented by The Gov
We Move Like Giants
Jazz Award
– presented by Elder Conservatorium
Django Rowe
Pop Award
– presented by Lion Arts Factory
Germein
Punk Award
– presented by Three D Radio
Wing Defence
Rock Award
– presented by Crown & Anchor
TOWNS
Soul/ Funk/ RnB Award
– presented by Woodville Town Hall
Wanderers
2019 WINNERS
SAM AWARDS
Best International Collaboration
– presented by Adelaide UNESCO City Of Music
SLAVA AND LENNY GRIGORYAN WITH BEIJING DUO, AS PART OF ADELAIDE GUITAR FESTIVAL
Lifetime Achievement Award
– presented by Music SA
NEVILLE CLARK
Best Studio
– presented by Adelaide Music Collective
Wundenberg’s Recording and Rehearsal Studios
Best Engineer
– presented by SAE
Mario Spate
Best Music Festival / Event
– presented by MOSHTIX
Stonecutters / Porchland
Best Music Venue
– presented by AHA
Lion Arts Factory
Best Manager
– presented by AAM
Alex Karatassa
Best Cover Art
– presented by VERSION
Jack Fenby (Dress Code – Caffiene)
Best Music Video
– presented by Channel 9
Ryan Sahb (Horror My Friend – Wedding)
Best Song – presented by APRA AMCOS
Horror My Friend – Turned Loose
Best New Artist
– presented by WOMADelaide
Jess Day
Best Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island Artist
– presented by CASM
Electric Fields
Best Group
– presented by Music SA
Horror My Friend
Best Solo Artist
– presented by Adelaide Fringe Adrian Eagle
Best Release
– presented by themusic.com.au Adrian Eagle – A.O.K.
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS
Blues/Roots Award
– presented by Radio Adelaide
Ollie English
Country Award
– presented by Grace Emily Hotel
The Cut Snakes
Electronic Award
– presented by Rocket Bar
Electric Fields
Experimental Award
– presented by Ancient World
SONS OF ZÖKU
Folk Award
– presented by Wheatsheaf Hotel
Ukulele Death Squad
Heavy Award
– presented by Underground Records
Hidden Intent
Hip Hop Award
– presented by The Gov
Elsy Wameyo
Jazz Music Award
– presented by Elder Conservatorium
Adam Page
Pop Award
– presented by Lion Arts
Germein
Punk Award
– presented by Three D Radio
Wing Defence
Rock Award
– presented by Crown & Anchor
TOWNS
Soul/Funk/RnB Award
– presented by Woodville Town Hall
Wanderers
PREVIOUS YEARS
WINNERS