The state’s premier music industry celebration, the South Australian Music Awards, returns this November, and you can now nominate yourself or another music industry professional for a gong before entries close on Monday.

It’s been a turbulent 17 months for the music industry.

So what better way to show your support for a scene that has been battered and bruised by the COVID-19 pandemic than to nominate an artist or industry professional in South Australia’s most coveted music awards ceremony, the South Australian Music Awards.

Winners of the South Australian Music Awards will be announced on 18 November 18 at a “COVD-19 appropriate gala-style” event, with 28 awards to be announced, spanning Best Small Festival, Best Studio, Best Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Artist, and Best Song.

“I’d like to encourage everyone to nominate themselves or their favourite band, artist or business to be in the running for this year’s awards,” says Music SA General Manager Kim Roberts.

“It’s been a difficult time for our industry, so the SAM Awards are the perfect way to get together safely to celebrate the SA music community’s achievements over the last year.”

Categories include a mix of people’s choice and industry-voted awards, aiming to encompass the scene’s varied players – such as musicians, businesses and innovators.

Alongside other music industry institutions, such as retail outlet Derringers Music and music education centre SAE Institute Adelaide, CityMag will again present its own award: Best Innovation.

South Australia’s music scene has historically pumped hundreds of millions of dollars into the local economy. Aside from money, it does a lot for the cultural fabric of the postcode 5000, with Minister for Innovation and Skills David Pisoni encouraging the public to “take this opportunity to celebrate their achievements”.

Nominations for the South Australian Music Awards close Monday, 20 September, with polls for the People’s Choice Awards opening two days later, on Wednesday, 22 September.

Head to the South Australian Music Awards website for a full list of awards and more information.