Cox, who identifies as non-binary, was nominated for the Diversity In Music award, alongside Indigenous quartet Mission Songs Project and Melbourne’s 3 Signal Creative.

The award “recognises individual artists or female-driven musical collaborations for their contribution to advancing a culturally diverse and inclusive music industry.”

The winners will be announced in Brisbane on October 10.  

FOR a band that only played it’s first live show last November, Rum Jungle have wasted little time creating an impact.

Late last year they released their debut EP Crazy Days and two weeks ago it was followed by the seven-track Sun & Smoke, a collection of reggae-rock that carries influences from The Arctic Monkeys and early Sticky Fingers.

Given that Crazy Days was hastily recorded before the band had even finalised their line-up with their 17-year-old drummer Frazer McDonald, Ben McIntyre (guitar and vocals) said Sun & Smoke feels like Rum Jungle’s true debut. 

“We love the first EP, but this one’s had a lot more put into it creatively from all four of us,” McIntyre said. “All four of us have all become far better at music in general and writing.

“Playing live as well, has really helped with writing and figuring out what’s fun to play and for people to listen to.”

Almost from the moment McDonald teamed up with 21-year-old McIntyre, Michael Kolmajer (bass) and Josh Giles (lead guitar), Rum Jungle gelled.

“We recorded the first EP pretty fast and we didn’t even have Frazer in the band, so what ended up happening was when he joined the band, we started writing straight away,” McIntyre said.

The band launched Sun & Smoke at the Cambridge Hotel on Friday. 

AFTER a pumping launch, Heaps Gay Newcastle will be back at the Lass O’Gowrie Hotel every month. 

The event showcases local musicians, DJ's, “qweens” and performance artists. 

The next Heaps Gay is September 22, 9pm until 2am.

$15 will get you through the door.