An Ettalong Beach artist has been named as a finalist in a national awards program aimed to provide support for emerging Australian songwriters and composers.
Electronic pop-indie singer-songwriter, Tessa Thames, was recognised in the 2021 APRA Professional Development Awards (PDA) for her contributions to popular contemporary music.
Thames said she was ‘totally shocked’ to discover she had made the shortlist when it was announced on June 1.
“I am so honoured to be part of what is a very, very high quality list of artists that I’m in total awe of,” Thames said.
“I did work very hard on the track I provided for the [Awards] so I do feel really proud of myself but, to be honest, I didn’t think it would be enough.
“Being a finalist amongst this crazy talented group of artists kind of feels like I’ve been thrown out into the deep end, and they are all swimming around and I’m the goose still wearing floaties.”
With Thames up against nine other entrants in the category, two awards will be given in the ‘Popular Contemporary’ category which includes Pop, Rock, Alternative, Blues, Roots, Folk, Metal, Christian, and Children’s music.
A panel of local judges comprising of Jenny Morris, Dom Alessio, Brooke McClymont, Amanda Cole, Pip Norman, Fanny Lumsden, Georgia Mooney, Joel Ma, John Ferris and more will determine which artists will take home a career-changing cash prize of $10,000 as well as a prize from Australis Music.
Thames said winning the award would reassure her she has made the right ‘life choice’ in becoming an artist.
“I’ve been doing this for a long time now … being an artist isn’t easy,” she said.
“Add in the fact that I am nearly 34, a woman, a mum and First Nations … I’ve definitely had moments when I’ve thought maybe this isn’t what I’m meant to be doing.
“So even just making this shortlist is enough validation from people that I respect in the industry to make me think, ‘Oh okay, maybe I’m not too bad after all’.”
Thames describes her music as modern 90’s nostalgic pop with clear linkages to The Spice Girls, The Fugees, TLC, and Shania Twain, just to name a few.
She credits her experience of working in her Dad’s karaoke business in the 90s in developing her love for music and songwriting, along with her joy of performing live.
“I just had my second Tessa Thames headline show sell out in Sydney last week which was incredible” Thames said.
“Gigs at the moment are still quite sporadic due to venue regulations changing constantly, which is tough, but if you follow me on Instagram, you will always be the first to know when something is coming up.
“I have at least three more singles up my sleeve ready to release throughout the year and then hopefully a super fun EP ready to go at the end of it.”
The singer-songwriter recently released her new track ‘Alone at Parties’, with a film clip expected to follow soon.
Other categories to be recognised at the PDA night include Hip Hop, Rap, Soul, R&B, Film and Television, Country, Americana and Musical Theatre.
Previous winners of the Awards include Gotye, Julia Jacklin, Ecca Vandal, Morgan Evans, Briggs, Ainslie Wills, Jeremy Rose and Caitlin Yeo.
Winners of the Awards will be announced on Thursday, June 24.
Maisy Rae