APRA AMCOS reveals mentees of 2021 Women in Music Mentorship program

21 songwriters have been selected by APRA AMCOS to take part in this year’s Women In Music Mentorship program.

The initiative, which is now in its fourth year, looks to support Australian and New Zealand female-identifying, non-binary and gender non-conforming musicians with professional guidance and funding assistance for upcoming projects.

This year’s cohort of mentees includes the likes of Mia Wray, Harper Bloom, Fazerdaze, Talitha and Rachael Lia, who will be assigned to a range of artist mentors, including Milan Ring, Adalita, Georgia Mooney, Liz Stringer and more.

APRA AMCOS’ director of member relations, Milly Pertiella, highlighted the Women In Music Mentorship program’s role in supporting emerging female-identifying and non-binary artists, noting the program’s new extension to provide support for musicians who are based overseas.

“It was important for the Women in Music Mentorship program to grow this year and provide more APRA AMCOS members, including those living and working overseas, with the opportunity to receive guidance from key industry professionals and creatives,” Petriella said.

“Our emphasis with the mentoring program is on pairing the mentee with someone who has the expertise to help them with their current project and who can share practical advice on navigating the music industry, especially during such a challenging time for artists.”

SANNIA, a Melbourne-based artist who will be mentored by artist manager Jess Beston as part of the 2021 program, spoke of the significance of having a female mentor to assist in entering the next phase of her artistic career.

“In a rapidly evolving era for the music industry, with the pandemic, the rise of platforms like TikTok and Twitch, I’m looking for guidance on how to approach this new stage we’re all performing on,” SANNIA said.

“For a long time I’ve felt like I’m standing at a crossroads with a suitcase full of music and no map, and I think specifically having a female mentor to help me navigate the next stage in my career will be life changing.”

A full list of mentees and their mentors for the Women In Music Mentorship 2021 program can be viewed via APRA AMCOS.