Rolling Stone Australia publisher The Brag Media has unveiled the hosts and performers for its annual Sailor Jerry Rolling Stone Australia Awards, which returns to Sydney on March 30.
Former triple j breakfast duo turned podcasters, Matt Okine and Alex Dyson are confirmed to share hosting duties for the awards this year. After three years at triple j, the pair took a hiatus from the spotlight at the end of 2016 to focus on their own solo creative projects.
In 2020, the Matt & Alex brand was revived when they joined Southern Cross Austereo to launch the All Day Breakfast podcast, an alternative offering to traditional morning radio.
Matt & Alex said: “Rolling Stone is a cultural icon in Australia’s media landscape, so it was only fitting that they ask Australia’s most iconic male podcast duo to host their awards. Unfortunately, Hamish and Andy were unavailable, so now they’ve got us. But we’re stoked!”
Also announced is the all-female lineup set to take the stage The Argyle in Sydney next week, where the Australian music industry will once again be reunited after months apart.
First up is the ARIA award-winning Australian singer-songwriter and producer from the Gold Coast, Amy Shark, who is nominated for Best Record and Best Single.
Also scheduled to perform next week is triple j darling Ruby Fields, whose 2021 album Been Doin’ It for a Bit debuted at #1 on the ARIA Albums Chart. Ruby is nominated for Best Record.
Poppy Reid, The Brag Media’s editor in chief, said “We are so thrilled to be able to host two of the most tenacious music visionaries as performers this year.
“It’s been another challenging 12 months in music, and Amy Shark and Ruby Fields have taken their careers to new heights despite the constant hurdles they faced.
“Music has fed our soul during the pandemic and I can’t wait to celebrate our industry’s perseverance while I cut a rug with our all-female live-lineup and Awards guests this month.”
Among the nominees vying for top honours at this year’s Sailor Jerry Rolling Stone Australia Awards are a diverse mix of hitmakers and breakthrough stars: Baker Boy; Skegss; Tash Sultana; Teenage Dads; Genesis Owusu; Gang of Youths; Tones And I; Keith Urban; and more.
Sailor Jerry returns as headline partner this year, along with new supporting sponsors Canna, Jands, JMC Academy and Panhead.
Lucille Rose-Hopkins, Sailor Jerry Brand Ambassador, said “Sailor Jerry is pumped to partner with Rolling Stone Australia to shine a spotlight on the local Australian music scene and give support to an industry challenged in recent times. Sailor Jerry is backing live music in the bar industry all across Australia, ensuring we can connect with one another and unapologetically get back to our roots.”