APRA Awards to be held early in 2015

The APRA Music Awards will return to Carriageworks in Sydney next year, following its first staging in Brisbane this year.

Organisers have also changed the date to suit local artists’ international schedules which increasingly see them touring the US and Europe’s summer season; the APRAs will be held three months early on Tuesday 24 March 2015.

"It’s great to be back in Sydney for 2015 after a highly successful, and long overdue debut in Brisbane this year,"Dean Ormston,Head of Member Services Group at APRA AMCOS, told TMN. "We’re really looking forward to bringing the event back to Carriageworks – it’s a fantastic space."

Next year’s awards marks the first time Musical Director Robert Conley will curate the ceremony’s live performances. In the past, Conley has worked with Destiny’s Child, Christina Aguilera, Carlos Santana, Justin Timberlake, Celine Dion and our own Darren Hayes.Conley is the owner of publishing company and record label, Specific Music and founded the now three-year-old songwriting camp in Sydney ’50 Songs In 5 Days’.

"He’s an ideal choice given his commitment to creating new opportunities for Australian songwriters as the curator of the 50 Songs in 5 Days initiative, and as mentor in our high school based SongMakers program,"Ormston told TMN."We’re thrilled to have him on board."

:: Q&A: Camp curator Robert Conley on 50 Songs in 5 Days

APRA has opened the voting for the peer-voted Song of the Year category. Previous winners include Powderfinger for My Happiness, Neil Murray for My Island Home, Daniel Johns and Julian Hamilton for Straight Lines and Wally De Backer (Gotye) for Somebody that I Used to Know. APRA AMCOS will again team up with Gibson in 2015 to support the award. This year's winner was James Keogh (Vance Joy) for his ubiquitous single Riptide. "It’s very flattering to have been voted by your peers, it’s a proud moment," he said in a statement.

Voting for the APRA Song of the Year category closes Monday 12 January 2015 for eligible APRA AMCOS members. A list of songs and voting terms and conditions are available at www.apraamcos.com.au. The short list for the will be announced in January.

Gig interaction app NXTGIG and Kings Cross entertainment facility The X Studio have been confirmed as sponsors. They'll provide the after-party location in Kings Cross.

CATEGORIES – 2015 APRA MUSIC AWARDS

Song of the Year

Songwriter of the Year

Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Services to Australian Music

Breakthrough Songwriter Award

Blues and Roots Work of the Year

Country Work of the Year

Dance Work of the Year

Pop Work of the Year

Rock Work of the Year

Urban Work of the Year

Most Played Australian Work

Most Played Australian Work Overseas

International Work of the Year