Although the many sectors of the music industry may still be struggling to come to terms with the potential of the Internet, an awards ceremony will be held in August to honour Australian artists, labels and media that are making most of the new technology.
The Online Music Awards, nicknamed the 'ONYA! Awards, are being sponsored by OzEmail, Microsoft, Apple and Channel V and will be produced by Sydney based music marketing and promotions company Immedia.
Awards will be given in 15 categories such as 'Best Australian Artist Site', 'Best Independent Record Label Site', 'Best Online Music Event' and 'Best Music Industry Internet Resource.'
ONYA! Awards producer Phil Tripp said that the awards are being held to demonstrate the increasing importance of the Internet for the music industry.
"In just a few short years, the Internet created new opportunities for self-empowered artists, labels, media and homegrown businesses to attract a global audience and commerce for Australian music," Tripp noted. "We thought the timing was right to recognise their skills and talents as well as the risk and investment that our industry's Internet innovators have shared to take music a long step further."
Although the 'ONYA' site is not yet operational, visitors will be able to nominate sites and artists for awards from May 1 to 14 at www.onya.com.au.
