Locals represent at state music awards

Gloria Ragesh (Wild Gloriosa). (Supplied)

Two venues and one performer from the region have been recognised among the state’s finest at the Music Victoria Awards 2024.

Neo-soul artist Wild Gloriosa, the Torquay Hotel and The Sound Doctor in Anglesea were among the award-winners, alongside the likes of Gretta Ray, Michelle Nicolle and the Corner Hotel.

The Surf Coast swept the regional venues categories, with The Sound Doctor winning the Best Regional Venue Award (Under 50 Gigs) and Torquay Hotel taking the Over 50 Gigs award, while Wild Gloriosa won the Diaspora Award.

Wild Gloriosa, aka Gloria Ragesh, said she was “definitely shocked” to win the judge’s choice Diaspora Award.

“I was of course very hopeful that I would win, but I also just knew the incredible artists that were nominated alongside me,” Ragesh said.

“I felt very honoured to be nominated in the first place, even to be invited to this event, so I was just excited to be there, to be honest.

“It was a really beautiful thing to be acknowledged in that way. I have put a lot into this project in the last few years and everything just keeps feeling like it’s aligning in the right place.

“Getting this award was just another affirmation that I’m on the right track and I need to keep going, that I’m doing the right thing.”

Ragesh is currently working on an EP with musicians Jake Amy and Anthony Liddel, which she describes as “very hype, very high energy”.

Visit musicvictoriaawards.com.au to see the full list of winners and Hall of Fame inductees.