Kimberley voice John Bennett leads nominations for WAM song of the year

The “voice of the Kimberley”, singer-songwriter and guitarist John Bennett leads the nominations for the WAM song of the year awards.

The Bidyadanga man from the remote area of Western Australia “where the desert meets the sea”, in the running for three wins.

His Country Is Calling album is nominated in the country, indigenous and rural categories.

Following with two nominations apiece are psychedelic metal band Bolt Gun who wrote an entire album about the end of the Soviet Union, 19-year-old pop singer-songwriter Carla Geneve, hip hop act Coin Banks, teen duo Farraday’s Cage, who first won a category when still at school, garage rock proponent J.F.K, alt-folk artist Riley Pearce, instrumental band Tangled Thoughts of Leaving and political hip hop activist Ziggy Ramo.

They all vie for a slice of the record-breaking $45,000 in prizes on offer over 16 categories.

WAM song of the year coordinator Claire Hodgson remarks, “It’s great to see such authentic self-expression across this year’s nominated songs, using music to not only share personal stories but also to draw attention to issues close to their heart.

“This is songwriting at its finest!”

This year’s event drew over 860 entries, according to WAM.

The association revealed, “With often only a few votes separating top songs from the rest of the pack, it was again a very tight competition.”

Full nominations at the official WAM website.

Winners will be announced at the awards night on Wednesday May 16 at Victoria Hall in Fremantle.

Hosted by MC Odette Mercy, it features live sets from nominated acts The Justin Walshe Folk Machine, Feels and J.F.K, as well as tunes from DJ Chicken Wing (Kester Sappho / Jarrah Records).

Former winners as Methyl Ethel, Beni Bjah, Tired Lion, Mathas and Kucka are just some who’ve gone on to greater heights.