Lime Cordiale have come out on top at this year’s J Awards, with the duo taking out the all-important Australian Album Of The Year award at this year’s festivities.
Announced today, the 2020 J Awards were handed out in a different manner than usual, with the national broadcaster revealing the winners solely on-air rather than at a designated event. Having announced the nominees earlier this month, it was clear that this year was set to be a hard-won fight, though a number of big names stood out amongst the others. Notably, much speculation was placed upon Tame Impala, with many fans wondering whether Kevin Parker would take home a record third award for the release of The Slow Rush.
In the end, it was revealed that Northern Beaches duo Lime Cordiale had taken out the Australian album award by way of 14 Steps to A Better You, which not only topped the ARIA charts, but scored the group a massive eight nominations at this year’s ARIA Awards.
“What a great award to receive from such a unique radio station [that] supports artists from all backgrounds,” Oli and Louis Liembach said in a pre-recorded acceptance speech, before paying tribute to the other nominees. “We look up to you, you’re our heroes! Cheers.”
Meanwhile, ARIA Hall of Fame inductee and Aussie music veteran Archie Roach was awarded the Double J Australian Artist Of The Year award – a highlight in a dark year which saw his plans for a final tour scuppered thanks to a global pandemic.
“Just to be recognised at all for what you do, it means you’re still contributing to society through your music,” Archie said his acceptance speech. “To remain relevant is a good thing, it keeps you going and gives me the idea that I must be doing something right.”
Notably, the triple j and rage Australian Music Video of the Year was awarded to Tasman Keith and the Joey Hunter-directed video for “Billy Bad Again!”, while Isol-Aid was understandably awarded the Done Good Award for the weekly livestream concerts launched as a way to keep fans entertained, and raise much-needed funds since the advent of the pandemic.
Last, but not least, the Unearthed Artist of the Year award was given to rising star JK-47, who has already had a massive list of achievements to his name – including releasing his debut album, Made For This, and winning triple j Unearthed’s 2020 NIMAs competition.
“I feel so thankful and blessed,” the Gudjinburra artist said to triple j. “To come from this area and you got to keep chasing it and now it’s happening, bro. It’s unreal”
“That’s what it’s all about, relating to people through your music. Helping people find strength,” he added. “I’m truly honoured with this award, and more things to come in 2021.” Made For This? Yeah, you bet.
2020 J Awards Nominees
triple j Australian Album of the Year nominees
Lime Cordiale, 14 Steps To A Better You
Double J Artist of the Year nominees
Archie Roach
Unearthed Artist of the Year nominees
JK-47
triple j and Rage Australian Music Video of the Year nominees
Tasman Keith, ‘Billy Bad Again’ Directed by Joey Hunter
Done Good Award nominees
Isol-Aid: for their innovation in producing over 30 online music festivals with local and international artists to raise money during COVID
