an initiative of the

 World Alliance for Radio Presenters

- introduced into New South Wales and Queensland in 2005 -

The Gold Medallion Awards were designed to reflect radio activity and the success of artists and tracks within each respective state throughout the designated judging period.

The awards are administered and presented by WARP. Registered radio presenters and high profile industry personalities from all over the country are invited to nominate their top 5 country artists and tracks in each of the seven (7) categories -

 

• Male Vocalist of the Year
• Female Vocalist of the Year
• New Talent of the Year
• Musician of the Year
• Bush Balladeer of the Year
• Touring Artist of the Year
• Songwriter of the Year

Judges may nominate any eligible artist in any category, showing no prejudice.

After counting votes, each artist will only contest one of the first 5 sections, and their highest polling category will be the chosen category for any given artist. Therefore, an artist is clearly defined by their primary talent. For example, if an artist is primarily a bush balladeer (as a result of the polling results), they are ineligible to contest the Male or Female Vocalist categories and vice-versa. An artist who is a renowned Vocalist (and polls accordingly) is ineligible to contest the Musician category by recording an instrumental etc. New Talent is an open section (with the exclusion of previous winners), and any finalist in this category cannot contest the other 4 main awards. Touring Artist and Songwriter are open to all who are eligible, and these nominations place no restrictions on their contesting within the first 5 categories.
 

Albums released from the beginning of the previous calendar year are eligible and will be considered providing the artist was born in the state or the adopted state was their first home state in Australia; but only the latest album released by any artist is eligible, and tracks that were in the finals of the previous year are excluded from eligibility.

Eligible tracks are judged on each artists musical ability and appeal, the quality of the song, musical arrangements and the production quality of the track.
 

The Gold Medallion Awards are judged by radio presenters and broadcasters throughout Australia, sourced from the WARP membership and recognised Country Music industry personalities; who cast their vote by nominating Artist/Track selections in priority from 1 to 5. Poll position then determines the points awarded to each artist. ie.1st position earns the artist 5 points down to 5th position earning the artist 1 point.

The votes are collated by the WARP executive, and are then counted by independent scrutineers (including a Justice of the Peace from outside the country music industry). Results are signed off by the JP and then released through the country media. The 35 finalists are notified and sent a certificate acknowledging their status as a finalist.
 

Each state hosts its annual awards concert, with full production and backing band, featuring talent from within the state.  The winners are announced at the concert, and each winner is presented with a wall plaque with an engraved Gold Medallion imbedded.
 

The 2008 Gold Medallion Awards are proudly sponsored by
                                                                      Digital Music Centre
                         Tamworth Songwriters Association  -  LBS Music Group  -  Voice Pro

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