On April 10 Australia held their annual APRA – Australasian Performing Right Association – Music Award ceremonies in Sydney. Like the Ivor Novella Awards held in Britain, the APRA Music Awards commemorate the songwriters.
Included in the night’s honours is the presentation of the Songwriter of the Year Award to a Hip-Hop artist. Sia, Ed Sheeran, and Midnight Oil are also among the winners.
During the night’s festivities, APRA paid tribute to Brett Cottle who is stepping down after over 28 years as the CEO.
2108 APRA Music Award winners:
Song of the Year: “Firewood and Candles” written by Paul Kelly and Billy Miller
Songwriter of the Year:A.B. Original (Briggs and Trials)
Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year: Sarah Aarons
Blues and Roots Work of the Year: “Best Part of Me” written by Busby Marou, Thomas Busby, and Jon Hume
Country Work of the Year: “Kiss Somebody” written by Morgan Evans, Chris De Stefano, and Josh Osborne
Dance Work of the Year: “Stranger” written by Adam Hyde, Reuben Styles, Kaelyn Behr (Styalz), Elliphant, Daniel Goudie, and Ashley Milton
Pop Work of the Year: “Adore” written by Amy Shark and M-Phazes
Rock Work of the Year:
“Brace” written by Ian Berney, Ian Kenny, Glenn Sarangapany, Adam Spark, and Adam Weston
Urban Work of the Year: “Catch 22” written by Illy, M-Phazes, Grant Michaels, and Suzanne Shinn
Most Played Australian Work: “Stranger” written by Adam Hyde, Reuben Styles, Kaelyn Behr (Styalz), Elliphant, Daniel Goudie, and Ashley Milton
International Word of the Year: “Shape of You” written by Ed Sheeran, Kevin Briggs, Kandi Burruss, Tameka Cottle, Steven McCutcheon, and John McDaid
Most Played Australian Work Played Overseas: “Cheap Thrills” written by Sia Furler and Gregory Kurstin
Overseas Recognition Award: Ben Abraham
Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Services to Australian Music: Midnight Oil – Peter Garrett, Rob Hirst, Martin Rotsey, Jim Moginie, and Bones Hillman
Licensee of the Year: Settlers Tavern – Margaret River, WA