APRA AMCOS Announces Mentorship Program Participants
APRA AMCOS has announced the 14 songwriter and composer members selected for its 2025 23% Mentorship Program, which supports women and gender diverse music creators.
This year’s mentees are: Alice Hurwood, Ange Nishimwe (ange-bella), Athanasia Sakoutis (ATHANASIA), Ayda Akbal, Doolie Shadforth (DOOLIE), Georgia Slater (Solly Fern), Kyah Parrott (Hayku Kyah), Layla George (Jean Elliot), Lucie O’Connor (Lucie Tiger), Naomi Geste, Nicole Issa, Roz Yuen, Sasha Gavlek and Siobhan McGinnity (MAGNETS).
Each participant is matched with a mentor based on their goals and career stage, for a three-month mentorship. Mentors include Bumpy, KLP, Mo’Ju, Milan Ring, Nat Dunn and Tammy Ari. Mentees also receive $3,000 to support their projects or travel.
Funk/soul artist Athanasia Sakoutis (ATHANASIA), mentored by songwriter and DJ Kristy Lee Peters (KLP), said:
“I think this mentorship is so important because it platforms incredible women and gender diverse musicians in an industry where their contributions are often overlooked. I’ve watched the 23% mentorship grow over the years, and every time I see it in action, I’m reminded that there are spaces and initiatives genuinely committed to championing and empowering women in music.”
Screen composer Ayda Akbal, who will be working with LA-based Tammy Ari, added:
“Tammy Ari is not only an extraordinary composer, but also a fellow Melburnian who has been living and working in Los Angeles for many years. She’s trodden a path that I would be proud to follow, which makes our one-on-one mentorship particularly meaningful, especially since we are able to meet in person in a city that’s new to me, just as it once was for her.”
Since launching in 2018 (originally called Women in Music Mentorships), the program has supported 84 mentees, including Angeline Armstrong (Telenova), Annie Hamilton, CLEWS, dameeeela, Eliza Hull and Victoria Pham. Past mentors have included Claire Collins, Imogen Clark, Isabella Manfredi, Ngaiire, and VASSY.
Returning mentor KLP said:
“The 23% mentorship program is such a valuable initiative, it creates real space for honest conversation, skill sharing and confidence building. Having been a mentor before, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is when emerging artists feel supported and understood. I’m really looking forward to being involved again this year and continuing to help shape a more inclusive and empowered Australian music industry.”
The program name refers to the 23% of APRA AMCOS members who identify as women or gender diverse. It’s part of the organisation’s broader efforts to improve gender equity, including a 40/40/20 pledge for gender balance across all programs and panels.
Karen Don, Head of Membership at APRA AMCOS, said:
“Congratulations to all of this year’s mentees! We know that getting into and sustaining a career in the music industry can be tough at the best of times, but for women and gender diverse songwriters and composers it can be even more challenging. Programs like 23% are hopefully one small step in the right direction to support and achieve gender parity in our industry.”
More info at apraamcos.com.au/mentorships.