Duo takes out Grant McLennan Memorial Fellowship

Embargoed for first use Friday 04, 8pm


Up-and-coming Gold Coast musicians Laneway have been named as winners of the 2012 Grant McLennan Memorial Fellowship.

Arts Minister Ros Bates said Laneway, which is made up of Louise O’Reilly and Paul Hannan, are based at Natural Bridge on the Gold Coast.

“This is a case of second time lucky for Laneway as they were shortlisted for last year’s Fellowship,” Ms Bates said.

“They have toured throughout Australia, playing venues and festivals small and large and have just released a new album.

“This $25,000 award will now give them the chance to build an international profile by establishing a Berlin base for touring in Europe and record new material.”

Laneway was one of four talented finalists for the 2012 award. The other finalists were Sue Ray from Toowoomba and Brisbane-based songwriters Kellie Lloyd and Edward Guglielmino.

The judging panel consisted of Robert Forster, Adele Pickvance and Glenn Thompson who are all former members of The Go-Betweens. Sally McLennan, Grant’s sister, also sat in on the interviews as a guest panellist.

The Fellowship was established in 2007 to honour the late Queensland singer-songwriter Grant McLennan - considered one of Australia's greatest songwriters and founding member of internationally successful 1970's Brisbane band The Go-Betweens”

The winners were announced at Bands of Your Town, a special concert at the Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts to honour the legacy and music of the late singer and songwriter.

[ENDS] 3 August 2012

Media contact: Ken Vernon: 0431 027 017