2016 Scene Awards - Album of the Year

So here we are guys at our final award of the year. What a ride it's been, so many artists we love, so much music we can't live without and how awesome that we've gotten to album of the year and are celebrating 2016 with two Australian artists we adore. Thank for joining us and here's to another year of spine-tingling, nod-inducing, smile-filled hands in the air music. Happy 2017!

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Runner-up: Olympia - Self Talk

It was one of those albums that I stuck on in the car and found myself driving around and around unfamiliar suburban streets pretending I was an uber looking for my ride because at track four I realised I didn't want to stop until I'd soaked it all in. It was one of those moments where I was scrolling through the thousands of songs to vote for in the Hottest 100 when I came across ..........and realised it was released early this year and it hasn't actually been in my life for, like, ever. Olympia is one of those names that I want to read about all over my socials and see on the TVs and hear on the commercial radios like Ariana Swift or whoever it is the kids like these days, because I want everyone you know to know just how awesome she is and above all of that Self Talk, with all it's references to pop from the past and it's face turned directly at the future, it is one of those albums that took me from wherever I was and dropped me right in the middle of happy. And some days, there's no better place than that. (Jo Michelmore)

Winner: Montaigne - Glorious Heights

Let's get this out of the way early... Montaigne easily reached those glorious heights she was aiming for with her debut album. She reached them, then she kept going and blasted off into outer space and found herself on a planet where only the very best music makers can go. You can tell that every single element that makes up this album was so considered. Not in a crazy way, in a way that saw Montaigne's vision brought to life. It tells you stories that make you wonder if our leading lady has been following you around with a camera for some inspiration and then you have to remember that there's stuff, good and bad, that everyone goes through and maybe their stories are the same as yours and also you've been pretty low-key this year so maybe the stalking wouldn't have been all that 'inspiring' at all for her. Glorious Heights takes you to all the places you want your most loved albums to take you to. There's the highs, the lows, the singalong moments of pure joy, the moments you can't help but dance to, the moments you can't help but think of that certain someone or that other certain someone you'd much rather be able to forget forever. It's all these things and more but it's also just really, really incredible pop music. The very best. And from one of our all-time faves. Everyone's been dragging all over 2016 for some very valid reasons as it winds up. But this right here? This will always be one of my 2016 highlights. (Matt Bond)

2015 Winner

For The Company by Little May

Runner-up: The Positions by Gang Of Youths

2014 Winner

The Golden Echo by Kimbra

Runner-up: I Never Learn by Lykke Li

2013 Winner

The Electric Lady by Janelle Monae
Runner-Up: Mosquito by Yeah Yeah Yeahs


2012 Winner
Theatre Is Evil by Amanda Palmer and The Grand Theft Orchestra
Runner-Up: Blunderbuss by Jack White


2011 Winner
Seeker Lover Keeper by Seeker Lover Keeper
Runner-Up: Vows by Kimbra


2010 Winner
The Suburbs by Arcade Fire