News : Australian Metal Awards change hands

The Association for Australian Heavy Metal founders Matt Willis and Natalie Meisenhelter have decided to step down from their roles as administrators of the Australian Metal Awards (AMAs). Changing life circumstances for Willis and Meisenhelter have left the duo with limited time to put into the awards. They have handed the administration of the AMAs over to Jamie and Jon Hocking whose business, Jon Hocking Design Studio, played a supporting role in the 2009 AMAs.

Matt Willis stated “While we are disappointed that we are unable to commit the time and resources necessary to run the AMAs this year, we worked closely with Jamie and Jon last year and we are confident that they will bring the right spirit, energy, and work ethic to carry on in the way we envisioned.”

Jamie Hocking said “Our business, Jon Hocking Design Studio, is an Australian business that has worked mainly with bands and businesses in the Australian metal community. Although we started this business to provide graphic art and design for bands, we have built strong relationships with most of our clients, providing them support in many different facets of the industry. The artwork has only been one component of how Jon and I have contributed to the Australian metal community, and that will be reflected in some big changes ahead for our business. We believe this new role with the AMAs to be a great fit with our values and commitment to the many people working hard to make the Australian metal community a world class scene. Matt and Nat laid a lot of the important ground work and we are fortunate to have their continuing support and guidance in our new role.”

“We believe that this event belongs to the Australian metal community, and see our role as administrators and not as dictators,” Jamie continued. “Our first step is to reach out to the people who make this scene happen to determine how the AMAs can best honour the hard work and talent within the Australian metal community.”

More information about award categories and nominations will be available in the upcoming weeks. While the future of the Association for Australian Heavy Metal (AAHM) is yet to be determined, information about the AMAs will be updated on this AAHM website, www.australianmetal.com.au. The Australian metal community’s input is desired, and an online discussion will take place at www.facebook.com/australianmetal