AMPAL 2021 AGM and Board election results

The Australasian Music Publishers’ Association Limited (AMPAL) has held its Annual General Meeting as a virtual meeting hosted from the registered office of the company on 23 November 2021. 

At the AMPAL AGM, Ian James OAM (Mushroom Music Publishing), Rachel Kelly (Downtown Music Publishing) and Philip Walker (Origin Music Group) stepped down from the AMPAL Board, and Steve McPherson (Hillsong International) had previously stepped down from the AMPAL Board in August.

The results of the election of Directors were declared at the AGM as follows:

Matthew Capper (Warner Chappell Music Australia), re-elected

Jane English (Wise Music), re-elected

Linda Bosidis (Mushroom Music Publishing), newly elected

Damian Rinaldi (Alberts), newly elected

Simon Moor (Kobalt Music Group), re-elected

Matthew Donlevy (Frankdon Music), re-elected

Karen Hamilton (120 Publishing), newly elected

Tim Prescott (Double Drummer Music), newly elected.

AMPAL is the industry association for Australasian music publishers with over 55 members, and is governed by a Board of 15 elected member representatives.  The AMPAL Board is elected by the AMPAL membership, and the current Board is shown at: www.ampal.com.au/ampal-board/.

Australian and New Zealand music publishing industry valued at more than AUD$300 million

The 2020 survey of AMPAL members has valued the Australian and New Zealand music publishing industry at just over AUD$300 million for the year. The survey included data from the industry collecting society APRA AMCOS, but it only related to royalties flowing through to music publishing companies and did not include royalties paid directly to songwriters and composers. AMPAL members provided confidential information to auditors Rosenfeld Kant who aggregated the data.

The Australasian Music Publishers' Association Limited (AMPAL) is the industry association for Australian and New Zealand music publishers, and works on behalf of its members and their songwriter and composer partners to promote the importance and value of music and music publishing in Australia and New Zealand - both culturally and economically.

AMPAL’s music publisher members invest in songwriters across all genres of music. They nurture talent, promote the works of their songwriters and find avenues for their work to be heard. Music publishers are a vital part of an industry that contributes to the cultural and economic future of Australia and New Zealand.

Nominations for 2021 AMPAL Board Elections now open

In accordance with the Australasian Music Publishers' Association Limited (AMPAL) constitution, nominations for the position of board director can be received up until 60 days prior to the date of the annual general meeting (AGM).

The date for the 2021 AMPAL AGM is Tuesday 23 November 2021. Accordingly, nominations for the position of AMPAL board director must be received by the Company Secretary by no later than 5pm AEST Friday 24 September 2021.

Details of nominees will be provided to all eligible full members prior to the AGM and in accordance with the AMPAL constitution. The constitution is available at http://www.ampal.com.au/ampal-constitution.

For a copy of the AMPAL board Nomination Form and to discuss your eligibility for nomination, please contact the AMPAL Company Secretary and General Manager, Matthew O’Sullivan, email matthew.osullivan@ampal.com.au.

2021 Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition now open - AMPAL Emerging Songwriter Prize on offer!

The Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition returns for 2021, calling songwriters of all genres and career stages, from anywhere in the world, to enter their song for the chance to win a career-boosting cash prize.

The winning songwriter takes home a first-place cash prize of A$50,000, courtesy of Australasian music rights management organisation APRA AMCOS, Alberts and Sony Music Publishing.

The 2020 first-place winner was Thelma Plum for ‘Better in Blak.’ Plum’s win for her empowering anthem was an inspiring one, coming eight years after she was the competition’s 2nd runner-up.

“Vanda & Young was kind to me early in my career when I received a runner-up prize for ‘Breathe In Breathe Out,’ I could never have imagined then that one day I would win!," said Plum upon winning Vanda & Young. Plum wrote the song with Alexander Burnett and Oliver Horton, and she is signed to Sony Music Publishing.

Runners-up also win impactful cash prizes, with a 2nd place amount of $10,000 thanks to legal experts Banki Haddock Fiora, and 3rd place receives $5,000 courtesy of Aon.

AMPAL is proud to again sponsor the AMPAL Emerging Songwriter Prize, awarded to an up-and-coming unpublished songwriter, comes with $5,000 cash for the recipient.

When last year’s competition deadline was extended to give songwriters more time to enter during the challenges of COVID, an anonymous donor stepped in to furnish an additional 10 runner-up prizes of $1,000 each. The competition is excited to announce that those 10 cash prizes have again been provided by the generous donor.

Songwriters were eager to get their music heard in new ways during 2020, resulting in more than 4,000 entries – the most ever. Entries from 46 countries raised $203,000.

As always, the full entry fee goes to support the transformative programs of Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia (Noro). Since 2009, songwriters have contributed more than A$1.4m to help make NORO’s transformative programs accessible to its participants and their families.

The local arm of BMG was a valued first-place prize co-sponsor from 2017 through the 2020 competition.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Heath Johns and the team at BMG for their support of Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition over the past four years, particularly last year as we faced significant challenges in the context of COVID-19. Their support enabled us to think strategically and invest in developing programs while we couldn’t physically see many our participants, and this saw us emerge from the 2020 lockdown in a strong position, as we will again in 2021,” said Belinda Leonard, CEO, Noro.

“On behalf of Sony Music Publishing Australia, we are thrilled to be partnering with Alberts in support of the Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition. As a music publisher, we regard it as a particular privilege to be honouring the legacy of two of this country’s greatest ever songwriters, while at the same time, raising much needed funds for Nordoff-Robbins’ life-changing music therapy programs,” said Damian Trotter, Managing Director, Sony Music Publishing Australia.

Named after the iconic songwriters and founding members of The Easybeats, Harry Vanda and the late George Young, the long-running competition has honoured a range of songwriting talent: Plum in 2020, Matt Corby and Dann Hume (2019), Amy Shark (2018), Gretta Ray (2016), Husky Gawenda (2014), Isabella Manfredi (2013), Kimbra (2011) and Megan Washington (2009), as well as top finishers including Baker Boy, Ruel, Kaiit, Sarah Aarons, Gotye, Meg Mac and Gang of Youths frontman David Le’aupepe.

A judging panel comprised of influential artists, producers, media and music industry professionals will be announced soon.

Entries close Friday 8 October 2021. For more information and to enter, see the website here.

Jackie Alway appointed Chair of ICMP

Jackie Alway OBE has been appointed as the new Chair of the International Confederation Of Music Publishers (ICMP), the global industry body for music publishers.

Alway is currently EVP International Legal & Industry Affairs for Universal Music Publishing Group, and is also Chair of MCPS. Alway also serves on the Boards of the UK Music Publishers Association, PMLL, PRS For Music, MPA Ireland and MCPS Ireland.

Alway is the first woman to hold the Chair position at ICMP. Chris Butler of Wise Music Group retires as Chair, and has been in the role since 2017.

For more information, see the ICMP website.

Winners announced for 2021 APRA Music Awards

After a year of virtual recognition, the APRA Music Awards have made a welcome return as a live event in Sydney. The first major Australian music awards ceremony to do so since COVID struck, the 2021 APRA Music Awards last night celebrated the achievements of songwriters who have excelled in the past year.

APRA members have chosen Gadigal Land as the Peer-Voted APRA Song of the Year. Written by Rob Hirst (Sony Music Publishing), Gadigal poet Joel Davison and Bunna Lawrie (Universal Music Publishing), the song is an uncompromising recount of what happened on Gadigal land, and elsewhere in Australia, since 1788. The song was Midnight Oil’s first single in 17 years, and is part of The Makarrata Project, a themed mini album of collaborations with Indigenous artists.

Kevin Parker (Sony Music Publishing) has been named Songwriter of the Year for his ingenious sonic masterpieces on The Slow Rush, the fourth studio album by Tame Impala with all songs written, produced, recorded and mixed solely by Parker. Steeped in psychedelic disco sounds, the album was embraced by critics and reached the top 10 on numerous record charts around the world, debuting at Number 3 on the US Billboard chart and landing the top spot in Australia. Kevin was presented his award virtually by superstar producer and collaborator Mark Ronson.

Charlton Howard pka The Kid LAROI (Sony Music Publishing) is the Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year. His success has been nothing short of meteoric, with debut mixtape F*ck Love peaking at Number 3 on the US Billboard chart. Along with a string of accomplishments, the First Nations rapper became the youngest Australian solo artist ever to hit Number 1 on the ARIA album charts earlier this year at just 17 years of age.

Continuing her APRA winning streak is Tones And I (Toni Watson - Kobalt Music Publishing), who has pulled off a double taking out Most Performed Pop Work and Most Performed Australian Work for Never Seen the Rain, the third single from her hugely successful debut EP The Kids Are Coming.

The Rubens (Scott Baldwin / Elliott Margin / Sam Margin / Zaac Margin / William Zeglis - Mushroom Music obo Ivy League Music) have won Most Performed Alternative Work with Live in Life, the lead single from the band’s fourth studio album 0202. Taking out Most Performed Country Work for the fourth consecutive year is Morgan Evans (Warner Chappell Music), this time for love song Diamonds which he co-wrote with international collaborators Evan Bogart (Kobalt Music Publishing) and Chris de Stefano (Sony Music Publishing).

Glitchy dance song Rushing Back, written by Harley Streten (Flume) (Kobalt Music Publishing obo Future Classic), Celia Pavey (Vera Blue) (Universal Music Publishing), Eric Dubowsky (Kobalt Music Publishing) and Sophie Cates (Sony Music Publishing) has won Most Performed Dance Work, while the Most Performed Blues & Roots Work is Over Drinking Over You, a song about when fun habits stop being fun, written and performed by Busby Marou (Thomas Busby and Jeremy Marou - Sony Music Publishing) with co-writers Ivy Adara (Kobalt Music Publishing), Jon Hume (Native Tongue Music Publishing) and Lindsey Jackson (Native Tongue Music Publishing).

The 2021 APRA Music Awards saw the introduction of two new categories. The Most Performed Hip Hop / Rap Work is Misunderstood , written by first time nominee Filipo Faaoloii, who performs as Youngn Lipz, and the Most Performed R&B / Soul Work is Rain, written by Josh Teskey, Sam Teskey, Liam Gough and Brendan Love (The Teskey Brothers - Mushroom Music obo Ivy League Music).

Renowned songwriter Don Walker (Sony Music Publishing) has won the APRA Music Award for Most Performed Rock Work for Getting The Band Back Together, the first single from the Cold Chisel album Blood Moon, which features Jimmy Barnes and guitarist Ian Moss sharing vocal duties.

Dean Lewis (Kobalt Music Publishing obo Specific Music) and Jon Hume’s (Sony Music Publishing) heartbreak anthem Be Alright is the Most Performed Australian Work Overseas, and as previously announced Dua Lipa (Universal Music Publishing) and co-writers Caroline Ailin (BMG Rights Management), Ian Kirkpatrick (Warner Chappell Music) and Emily Schwartz (Kobalt Music Publishing) took out Most Performed International Work for the impossibly catchy Don’t Start Now.

Two powerhouse women were recognised before their peers with the Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Services to Australian Music. The 2021 recipient is country music trailblazer Joy McKean, who was in attendance to accept the honour presented by her children Anne and David Kirkpatrick. In a taped acceptance Traci Donat, daughter of 2020 recipient the late Helen Reddy, said “My mother was very proud of being Australian and she was proud of using her voice, her success and her visibility to elevate others. In the final years of her life, she was incredibly optimistic and moved to see so many young women passionately carrying the torch. Thank you for honouring her legacy.”

For the full details of all winners, see the APRA AMCOS website.

AMPAL congratulates all winning songwriters, composers and music publishers!

2021 APRA Music Awards nominees

In a roll call that celebrates songwriters spanning pop, rock, country, R&B, hip hop, rap, soul, blues & roots, and dance genres, today APRA has announced the nominees for the 2021 APRA Music Awards.

The peer-voted APRA Song of the Year contenders are songwriters Rob Hirst (Sony Music Publishing), Bunna Lawrie  (Universal Music Publishing) and Gadigal poet Joel Davison for Gadigal Land, Midnight Oil’s first single in 17 years. Tim Minchin (Kobalt Music Publishing) s nominated for Carry You, the song performed by Missy Higgins on Tim’s television series Upright. Guy Sebastian (Universal Music Publishing) returns with a back-to-back nod for Standing With YouMaking the cut as a nominee for APRA Song of the Year is Kevin Parker (Sony Music Publishing), who won the top song gong in 2013 and 2016. This year his peers have placed him in the final five for Lost in Yesterday. Amy Shark (Mushroom Music) and co-writer Joel Little (Sony Music Publishing) round out the peer-voted category with Everybody RiseAmy is nominated for the 5th consecutive year, a streak that began in 2017 with breakout hit Adore and saw her win APRA Song of the Year in 2019 with I Said Hi.

Amy SharkKevin Parker and Guy Sebastian have made the dual nominee list for 2021, which also features Tones And IThe RubensAndrew Farriss, Flume featuring Vera Blue and Dean Lewis.

Singer-songwriter Miiesha is both a dual AND first-time nominee, as are brothers Louis and Oli Leimbach aka Lime Cordiale. Miiesha appears in the brand new Most Performed R&B / Soul Work category for Twisting Words (with co-writers Stephen Collins and Mohamed Komba), while Lime Cordiale have landed a spot in Most Performed Alternative Work for Robbery.

Both Miiesha and Lime Cordiale are also recognised in the Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year category, which is determined by the APRA Board of Writer and Publisher Directors. Joining them in this heavyweight group are first-time nominees Grace Shaw pka Mallrat and songwriter, rapper, singer and producer, The Kid LAROI, who at 17 is the youngest nominee in 2021. Thelma Plum, recent winner of the Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competitionrounds out the Breakthrough honours.

A total of 49 Australian songwriters have received their first ever APRA Music Awards nomination. They include; Joel Davison, Bunna Lawrie, DMA’s and co-writers Thomas Crandles, Joel Flyger and Liam Hoskins (their touring band members), Casey Barnes, MSquared (Michael Paynter, Michael Delorenzis), Brad Cox and co-writer Joseph Mungovan, Andy Mak, Melanie Dyer, John Courtidis, Winston Surfshirt, Isabella Kearney-Nurse, Spacey Jane, Hockey Dad and The Amity Affliction.

From those debuts comes the rise of fresh songwriters across two brand new Award categories Most Performed Hip Hop / Rap Work and Most Performed R&B / Soul Work, a whopping eight of the 10 nominated songs feature first time APRA nominees. They include Day1, No Money Enterprise, ONEFOUR, Youngn Lipz, Milan Ring and co-writer BLESSED, Becca Hatch and her four co-writers Maribelle Anes, Jamie Muscat, Willie Tafa and Solo Tohi.

For the first time, music fans will be able to watch rolling highlights on the night via the official APRA AMCOS YouTube channel. Stayed tuned for more details and an announcement of live performances.

The 2021 APRA Music Awards will be presented at a ceremony at the Sydney International Convention Centre Grand Ballroom on Wednesday 28 April, hosted by Julia Zemiro, Ziggy Ramo and Georgia Mooney.

Playlists of the nominated songs can be streamed on YouTube MusicSpotifyand Apple Music.

For the full list of nominated songwriters, composers and music publishers - see the APRA AMCOS website here.

Winners of the 2020 Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition Announced!

(L-R) - Thelma Plum, Baker Boy, Ruel and Carla Geneve have all taken out prizes in the Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition

(L-R) - Thelma Plum, Baker Boy, Ruel and Carla Geneve have all taken out prizes in the Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition

The winner is in! The top prize for the 2020 Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition goes to Thelma Plum for ‘Better in Blak’, (writers: Thelma Plum* / Alex Burnett / Oliver Horton; publisher: Sony Music Publishing*) a song that brings together frank and honest lyrics with soaring melodies.

Courtesy of APRA AMCOS, Alberts and BMG, Plum wins a $50,000 cash prize, the largest first place prize for any songwriting competition in the world. The Gamilaraay singer-songwriter was a runner-up in the 2013 competition for her song ‘Breathe In Breathe Out.’

“I am so honoured that ‘Better in Blak’ has won the Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition, I can’t even really describe it. My heartfelt thanks to Alex Burnett and Oli Horton for their creativity and to everyone who connected to a song that is deeply personal, written when I was feeling very alone.

“I don’t feel alone today.

“Vanda & Young was kind to me early in my career when I received a runner-up prize for ‘Breathe In Breathe Out,’ I could never have imagined then that one day I would win!"

Plum collaborated with Australian songwriter-producer Alexander Burnett and London-based Oli Horton on the song, which is the title track to Plum’s acclaimed debut album. Released in 2019, ‘Better In Blak’ was a top five finalist in the 2020 Peer-Voted APRA Song of the Year and came in at #9 in the triple j Hottest 100.

The competition’s $10,000 2nd place prize, courtesy of Banki Haddock Fiora, goes to hip-hop artist Baker Boy aka Danzal Baker for his powerful track ‘Meditjin,’ (writers: Danzal Baker / Jess Bourke* / Dion Brownfield^ / Jerome Farah+ / Dallas Woods^; publishers: Native Tongue Music Publishing* / Kobalt Music Publishing^ / Mushroom Music+) with lyrics both in English and the Yolngu Matha language.

“I was blown away that I even made the shortlist so to come 2nd for the Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition is just crazy. It feels really special that my Yolngu Matha lyrics are getting this kind of recognition!

“Couldn't have done it without my co-writers: JessB, Jerome Farah, Dallas Woods and Dion Brownfield,' said Baker Boy.

In 3rd place and the winner of $5,000 courtesy of Aon is Sydney performer and songwriter Ruel for ‘Painkiller’ (writers: Ruel Van Dijk / Sarah Aarons* / Mark Landon; publishers: Universal Music Publishing / Sony Music Publishing*). Since emerging on the scene in 2017, the teenager has built a global fanbase through his soulful pop songs.

"I feel so honoured to make it to the top 3 in this year's Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition! I’ve been working hard to improve my songwriting every day, so it feels amazing to be recognised at this level and be mentioned alongside incredible artists like Thelma Plum and Baker Boy," said Ruel. He wrote the song with producer M-Phazes and acclaimed songwriter Sarah Aarons, and it comes from the Free Time EP.

AMPAL is proud to sponsor the inaugural $5,000 AMPAL Emerging Songwriter Prize, which goes to Fremantle, WA’s Carla Geneve, who takes out the honour for the sublime ‘The Right Reasons.’ She follows in the esteemed footsteps of previous winners Mallrat and Kaiit, winning the award for an outstanding unpublished songwriter.

“I can't say how excited I am to be even considered for the competition, let alone taking home a prize. I see myself as primarily a songwriter over anything else, so this means a lot to me. I'm excited to keep writing!” said Geneve. Her song is from the recently released Dog Eared EP.

For the first time in the competition’s history, 10 runners-up from the top 40 shortlist each take home $1,000 cash. The prize money comes from a generous donor who wishes to remain anonymous. The list includes Gordi for ‘Volcanic’ and ‘Extraordinary’, The Teskey Brothers, Lime Cordiale, up-and-coming artists Shannen James and Annie Hamilton and more.

Music and live entertainment industry implores Australian Government to extend JobKeeper in Open Letter

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3500 music industry artists, workers, venues and businesses have signed an Open Letter to the Australian Government about the end of JobKeeper

  • The constant wave of lockdowns, state border closures and audience limitations has made it impossible for the music and live entertainment industry to properly restart

  • New analysis shows live music alone is operating under 4 per cent of pre-COVID levels

Jenny Morris, The Cat Empire, Mo’Ju, Kate Miller-Heidke, Paul Kelly, Bernard Fanning, Courtney Barnett, The McClymonts, Laneway Festival, Missy Higgins, Archie Roach, Josh Pyke, L-FRESH The LION, Gordi, Stella Donnelly, Abby Dobson, Sarah Blasko, Canberra Symphony Orchestra, Don Walker, Katie Noonan, Graham ‘Buzz’ Bidstrup, Bluesfest, Bushwackers Band, Ocean Alley, Ian Moss, Alex the Astronaut, Lee Kernaghan, Troy Cassar-Daley, Birds of Tokyo, Lime Cordiale, Killing Heidi, The Presets, Birdz, Dan Sultan, Methyl Ethel, John Watson Management, Bill Cullen One Louder, Jebediah, Boy and Bear, The Living End, Xavier Rudd, Port Fairy Folk Festival, Didirri, KLP, The Living End, Polish Club, Midnight Oil, Sneaky Sound System, Spiderbait, The Preatures, Diesel, Anna Laverty, Something For Kate, Hunters and Collectors, Secret Sounds, The Avalanches, Jen Cloher…. sign urgent Open Letter with more than 3500 music and live entertainment industry artists, workers, venues & businesses.

An Open Letter published today seeks to bring attention to the continuing devastation the COVID-19 pandemic is having on Australia’s music and live entertainment industry with an appeal to the Australian Government to establish an industry rescue program to replace the end of JobKeeper.

“Each time there is another COVID-19 cluster or a quarantine breach, any plans to trade again are halted. Musicians, sole traders, venues, clubs, festivals, music businesses and the industry remain out of work. Billions of dollars for hospitality and tourism generated from Australian music remains stifled. We are an industry in crisis,” the Open Letter says.

“We applaud the work of local, state and federal authorities, as well as the community and acknowledge the situation in Australia is much different to most nations around the world. But Australia remains in a cycle of lockdowns and border closures to keep on top of the insidious COVID-19 pandemic.”

Despite Australia being ahead of most countries around the world, new figures released today by music rights organisation APRA AMCOS reveal that live music alone is operating at under 4 per cent of the level compared to this time last year, showing the devastation that has hit Australia’s live music industry and on the thousands of people who work to make live music happen.

Pre-COVID, APRA AMCOS members submitted live performance reports, representing payment for over 3 million performances of their works. The same period during COVID-19 saw the number of performances of works plummet to approximately 100,000 - representing under 4 per cent of activity pre-COVID*.

Since March last year there has not been a single national tour undertaken by an Australian artist and there has not been a single festival run at full capacity. Night clubs remain closed and what venues are open are trading at an average of 30 per cent due to social distancing capacity regulations.

“Extending JobKeeper, or providing an industry specific wage subsidy package, will keep the show on the road. This doesn’t just make cultural sense, it makes economic sense. The arts and entertainment sector contributes around $15 billion per year in GDP, employing close to 200,000 highly-skilled Australians. Australia Institute research has found that for every million dollars in turnover, arts and entertainment produce 9 jobs while the construction industry only produces around 1 job,”
the Open Letter continues.

Research shows three dollars are generated from every $1 spent on live music. The inability for the music industry to trade has a direct knock-on effect on the hospitality and tourism industries across major metropolitan and regional centres across the country and an unprecedented loss to the economy.

“Every live music venue and festival in a city, town centre or regional area is part of an intricate network that supports our industry. Sitting behind these venues and events is an army of musicians, managers, agents, promoters, crew, technicians, music teachers and many other industry professionals,” the Open Letter says.

“We can’t afford to lose the skills and businesses of our industry. The result for Australian music and live entertainment would be catastrophic.”

The music and live entertainment industry urges the Australian Government to extend JobKeeper for music and live entertainment workers or provide an industry specific wage subsidy.

For the full letter and other details, see the APRA AMCOS website.

AMPAL 2020 AGM and Board election results

The Australasian Music Publishers’ Association Limited (AMPAL) has held its Annual General Meeting as a virtual meeting hosted from the registered office of the company today. 

The results of the election of Directors were declared at the AGM, with Damian Trotter (Sony/ATV Music Publishing), Jaime Gough (Native Tongue Music Publishing), Clive Hodson (Perfect Pitch Publishing), Ian James OAM (Mushroom Music Publishing), and Rachel Kelly (Downtown Music Publishing) re-elected to the AMPAL Board.

Nominations had also been received from Bernard Depasquale (Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB)) and Jan Hellriegel (Songbroker).

At the meeting, AMPAL Chair Matthew Capper (Warner Chappell Music Australia) congratulated the re-elected directors, and thanked all of the nominees for standing for election, noting the strong interest in the operations of the association. AMPAL General Manager Matthew O’Sullivan spoke about the organisation’s work throughout the year on behalf of the association's Australian and New Zealand music publisher members and their songwriter and composer partners.   

AMPAL is the industry association for Australasian music publishers with over 55 members, and is governed by a Board of 15 elected member representatives.  The AMPAL Board is elected by the AMPAL membership, and the current Board is shown at: www.ampal.com.au/ampal-board/.

Winners Announced for the 2020 APRA Silver Scroll Awards

The wnners of the 2020 APRA Silve Scroll Awards have been announced in a ceremony that was moved online this year due to COVID-19.

Stella Bennett (Benee), Joshua Fountain, and Djeisan Suskov have won the 2020 APRA Silver Scroll Award for their hit song Glitter (published by Sony/ATV Publishing and Universal Music Publishing).

Following on from Soaked in 2019, this is the second consecutive nomination for the trio of songwriters and Stella Bennett was thrilled to win the Silver Scroll for the first time.

The ceremony included the much-treasured performances of each Scroll nominee in a studio environment.

The winners of all awards were:

APRA Silver Scroll Award: Stella Bennett, Joshua Fountain and Djeisan Suskov – Glitter – performed by Benee (published by Sony/ATV Publishing and Universal Music Publishing)

APRA Maioha Award: Rob Ruha – Ka Mānu

SOUNZ Contemporary Award – Te Tohu Auaha: Michael Norris – Mātauranga (Rerenga)

APRA Best Original Music in a Feature Film Award: Karl Steven – Come To Daddy

APRA Best Original Music in a Series Award: David Long – The Luminaries (published by Native Tongue Music Publishing)

For the full details of the awards see the APRA AMCOS website here.

Congratulations to all nominees and winners!

Australian and New Zealand music publishing industry valued at more than AUD$280 million

The 2019 survey of AMPAL members has valued the Australian and New Zealand music publishing industry at just over AUD$280 million for the year. The survey included data from the industry collecting society APRA AMCOS, but it only related to royalties flowing through to music publishing companies and did not include royalties paid directly to songwriters and composers. AMPAL members provided confidential information to auditors Rosenfeld Kant who aggregated the data.

The Australasian Music Publishers' Association Limited (AMPAL) is the industry association for Australian and New Zealand music publishers, and works on behalf of its members and their songwriter and composer partners to promote the importance and value of music and music publishing in Australia and New Zealand - both culturally and economically.

AMPAL’s music publisher members invest in songwriters across all genres of music. They nurture talent, promote the works of their songwriters and find avenues for their work to be heard. Music publishers are a vital part of an industry that contributes to the cultural and economic future of Australia and New Zealand.

Nominations for 2020 AMPAL Board Elections now open

In accordance with the Australasian Music Publishers' Association Limited (AMPAL) constitution, nominations for the position of board director can be received up until 60 days prior to the date of the annual general meeting (AGM).

The date for the 2020 AMPAL AGM is Wednesday 18 November 2020. Accordingly, nominations for the position of AMPAL board director must be received by the Company Secretary by no later than 5pm AEST Friday 18 September 2020.

Details of nominees will be provided to all eligible full members prior to the AGM and in accordance with the AMPAL constitution. The constitution is available at http://www.ampal.com.au/ampal-constitution.

For a copy of the AMPAL board Nomination Form and to discuss your eligibility for nomination, please contact the AMPAL Company Secretary and General Manager, Matthew O’Sullivan, email matthew.osullivan@ampal.com.au.

Irwin Z. Robinson announced as recipient of the 2015 ICMP Ralph Peer II Award for Outstanding Contributions to Global Music Publishing

The International Confederation of Music Publishers (ICMP), of which AMPAL is a member, has today revealed the honouree for the 2015 ICMP Ralph Peer II Award for Outstanding Contribution to Global Music Publishing.  Irwin Robinson, who the ICMP notes 'is one of music publishing’s most respected and innovative leaders', was selected from nominees submitted by ICMP member organisations in over 70 countries.  The Award, initiated by ICMP in 2013, and named after its first honouree Ralph Peer II, recognises visionaries in the field of music publishing, whose roles have helped develop, protect and value the music of composers and authors around the world.  Robinson has served as both a National Music Publishers' Association board member for over 40 years and as its Chairman for the last 30.  Robinson also serves as Publisher Vice Chairman of the ASCAP Board, of which he has been a member for over 40 years, as a board member of The National Academy of Popular Music and as a custodian for The Songwriters' Hall of Fame.  Congratulations Irwin Robinson.     

AMPAL Director Ian James nominated for International Music Industry Award

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AMPAL board director Ian James has been nominated for the Music Publisher award at the International Music Industry Awards to be announced at MUSEXPO on 29 April in Los Angeles.  Ian is the Managing Director of Mushroom Music Publishing (Australia).  For more information see: http://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/137762/musexpo-announces-nominees-for-international-music  Congratulations Ian!

Music Talks - limited places still available!

 Music Talks Is a new series of talks, seminars, and panels and discussing topical issues in music. They are future focused with many geared to the independent sector. All feature expert presenters and speakers, and each targets a particular professional audience.  Panel sessions include a skilled Chair with expert speakers, moderated discussion, and questions from the floor.

 Music Copyright – the Artist and the Internet

 Our second Music Talks seminar takes a look at Copyright. We are delighted to present Music Copyright – The Artist and the Internet sessions in Brisbane, Melbourne and  in Sydney, each presented with local partners.
 About the Seminar:
This Q&A/Panel Discussion looks at the latest developments to enhance protection for composers and creators from their content being used on the internet without authority. Our expert panel explains what is happening here and overseas, unpacks the terms involved, and answers your questions. Attend this seminar to understand what a ‘safe harbour’, a ‘takedown notice’ and ‘web blocking’ is, and the copyright issues involved for musicians and music makers.

Brisbane Session

Date: Tuesday 18 November 2014
Time: 6.00 – 8.00pm
Location: River City Labs
Presented By: Music Australia in association with QMusic
 
Brisbane Panel:

  • Chris O’Neill – Panel Chair, National Team Leader – Writer Services APRA AMCOS
  • Vanessa Hutley – General Manager, Music Rights Australia, Music Rights Advocate
  • Rick Chazan – Manager, GROUNDCONTROL Music Management (AUS)
  • Matt McCormick – McCormick Lawyers

This session is free to attend, More information here. Bookings are essential.  Register to Attend.

 Sydney Session

 Date: Wednesday 19th November 2014
Time: 4.00 – 6.00pm
Location: Erskineville Town Hall
Presented By: Music Australia in association with Music NSW

Sydney Panel:

  • Michael Smellie – Chair, Music Australia, Panel Chair
  • Vanessa Hutley – General Manager, Music Rights Australia
  • Lindy Morrison – Artist
  • Fiona Phillips – Executive Director, Australian Copyright Council

Tickets to the event talk are $20 with refreshments provided, free to Music Australia members. More information here  Bookings are essential.  You can book here.

 The Music, The Artist and The Internet - The Latest in Digital Rights

 Melbourne Session
Date: Friday 14th November 2014
Time: 2.40 – 3.40pm
Location: The Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Rd
Presented By: Music Australia and Face the Music

This lively discussion brings together users, artists and experts to look at the future of digital music rights in Australia. The Government’s recent Online Infringement discussion paper is a hotbed for discussion for rights advocates and artists who want the right to choose how their music is used, and those who make their living from composition or recorded music.  From the latest developments for composers and right holders, to artists wanting to know more about sampling to media and users who want to understand fair dealing, we've got you covered. We'll explore and demystify copyright as our expert panel explain developments here and overseas, unpack the terms involved, and answers your questions.

Melbourne Panel:

  • Nicholas Jones – Tone Deaf: Moderator
  • Vanessa Hutley – General Manager, Music Rights Australia, Music Rights Advocate
  • Frank Rodi – Deputy Director Writer Services, APRA AMCOS
  • Ben O'Hara – Head Of Music Business, Box Hill Institute / Business Writer thebiz.com.au
  • Artist - To be announced

This session is open to delegates to the Face the Music Conference.  Registration is essential. You can register for the conference here.

 

AMPAL to co-sponsor the 2014 Vanda & Young Songwriting Competition

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Once again AMPAL is sponsoring the $10,000.00 second prize for the Vanda & Young Songwriting Competition.

The winning songwriter/s will take home a cash prize of $50,000 and join the illustrious company of past Vanda & Young Songwriting Competition winners – Megan Washington (2009), Kimbra (2011) and The Preatures (2013).

This unique charity fundraising songwriting competition is the largest of its kind in the world. It supports emerging songwriters and uses the power of music to help people with developmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Rett Syndrome and Angelman Syndrome and disabilities such as Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Dyspraxia and Spina Bifida.

All proceeds go to Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia.

Please visit www.apraamcos.com.au/vandayoungsongcomp  to enter for more information and terms and conditions.

Entries for the Australian Children’s Music Foundation’s Songwriting Competition 2014 Opens

The Australian Children’s Music Foundation’s (ACMF) National Songwriting Competition is an initiative to encourage creativity and self-expression through songwriting. AMPAL is one of the sponsors of the competition. It is a free entry annual competition for every Primary, Secondary and Specific Purpose School, across Australia. More info on the competition can be found here:

http://acmf.com.au/songwriting-comp/national-songwriting-competition/

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Nominations Open for the AMPAL Board

In accordance with the Australasian Music Publishers' Association Limited (AMPAL) constitution, nominations for the position of board director can be received up to 60 days prior to the date of the annual general meeting (AGM).
 The date for the 2014 AMPAL AGM is Thursday 13 November 2014. Accordingly, nominations for the position of AMPAL board director must be received by the company secretary by no later than 5pm Sunday 14 September 2014.

 Details of nominees will be provided to all eligible full members prior to the AGM and in accordance with the AMPAL constitution. You can read the constitution at http://www.ampal.com.au/ampal-constitution/.

 For a copy of the AMPAL board Nomination Form and to discuss your eligibility for nomination, please contact the AMPAL Company Secretary, Matthew O’Sullivan, email matthewosullivan@hotmail.com.