Who says lightning never strikes twice?! London-based Australian singer-songwriter Charley has taken out the 2024 Unpublished Australasian Songwriter Award, having also won it in 2023. This time, Charley emerged victorious with her song Timebomb, co-written with Anton Engdahl (SE) and Kristin Carpenter (SE), and produced by Anton Engdahl.
On winning this Award (also known colloquially as “the AMPAL Prize”) for the second year running, Charley said, "Winning this award again feels surreal. Timebomb captured the heartache of long-distance love, and knowing it resonates with so many means the world to me. This recognition makes pursuing music a little easier - it’s not easy, especially early on. Right now, I’m in London writing my debut album, and I can’t wait to share it with you."
“Australian and New Zealand songwriters are the lifeblood of AMPAL publisher members, who work tirelessly to sign, nurture and advance the careers of songwriters from this incredibly vibrant part of the world”, said Damian Rinaldi, Chief Executive Officer of AMPAL, on sponsoring the award. “AMPAL is pleased to sponsor the Unpublished Australasian Songwriter Award, which creates a fantastic platform for talented unsigned songwriters who are primed to rise to the next level of their professional songwriting careers.”
As winner of the AMPAL Prize, Charley receives $5,000 proudly presented by AMPAL, as well as a Gibson Guitars Ebony Les Paul Special Tribute (valued at $2,999) with thanks to Australis.
The AMPAL Prize forms part of the prestigious Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition, which has once again celebrated some of the world’s most exceptional songwriting talent, with over 3,500 entries from 52 countries. A total of AU$85,000 has been awarded across 15 prizes, with entry fees supporting Noro Music Therapy, an organisation dedicated to transforming lives through music.
Belinda Leonard, CEO of Noro Music Therapy said: “The incredible talent showcased in this year's Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition has done more than impress – it has directly funded vital music therapy services for thousands in need. Noro's programs serve 2,500 weekly clients of all ages – from young children to centenarians – improving clinical outcomes and community engagement. A huge thanks to all the songwriters, sponsors and supporters for making these vital services accessible."
Since its inception, the Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition has raised over AU$2million in support of Noro Music Therapy.