APRA AMCOS award songwriter Nat Dunn for one billion streams

Aussie songwriter Nat Dunn has been honoured by APRA AMCOS for her contribution to international mega-hit ‘FRIENDS’ after amassing over one billion streams.

The Queenslander is the first to be added to the collection society’s new club, The 1,000,000,000 List.

It recognises local songwriters for their contribution to streaming hits, the first award of its kind.

The new accolade takes into account streaming figures from Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Vevo, Amazon and Google Play.

‘FRIENDS’ went triple-Platinum in Australia and Canada and was certified-Platinum in eight countries, including the US and UK.

Nat’s publishers Young & Vicious and Mushroom Music Publishing were also presented with trophies by APRA AMCOS chief executive Dean Ormston.

In 2017-18, digital-related income generated one-third of APRA AMCOS’s $420 million revenue.

Nat reflected on receiving the award in a digital-driven music landscape.

“Being the first songwriter honoured with a place on The 1,000,000,000 List is a reflection of the influence and creative power that songwriters bring to a new music model focused on streaming,” she said.

“Streaming truly is the future. I’m hopeful that the royalty distribution to songwriters will reflect the drastic changes in the music landscape. I’m looking at it as a positive time for songwriters, I choose to be excited.

She is celebrating the award this week while holding a songwriting camp at Studios 301 in Sydney, joined by artists including Peking Duk, Illy, Mallrat, and Odette.

“Nat Dunn is at the forefront of a global songwriting movement, and we couldn’t be more proud of all her success as an expert collaborator and acclaimed artist,” added Ormston.

“‘FRIENDS’ is just the first of what I anticipate will be many more of Nat’s songs on the list, and in the coming weeks, she will be in excellent company with a number of APRA AMCOS members who will be welcomed to The 1,000,000,000 List.”