Stella Donnelly’s ‘Boys Will Be Boys’ wins WAM song of the year

In the latest achievement of a golden 12-month period, singer-songwriter Stella Donnelly took out the WAM Song of the Year with her track ‘Boys Will Be Boys’ last night.

The song – on how society often shifts the blame of sexual assault from men to women – was a defacto local soundtrack to the #metoo movement and shortlisted as an APRA song of the year.

Now based in Perth, Donnelly’s recent achievements have included taking out Levi’s Music Prize for most outstanding talent at BISOUND in Brisbane, triple j’s Unearthed artist of the year, and five WAM Award wins.

Donnelly sent a video thank you from Europe, where she is currently touring.

“I just want to thank the venues that have always given me shows, the people that book the shows, the amazing staff, and all of the other amazing musicians in Perth and WA,” she said.

“I’m so so lucky to be in such a supportive scene and I can’t wait to see what it looks like next year. Thank you so much.”

The UK visit saw Donnelly return for the first time to her birthplace Wales, where as a kid she appeared in a radio serial, and this week showcase at the Great Escape in Brighton.

She returns to Australia for a two-month break to write her next record before a Splendour in the Grass slot, a return to Europe for a festival summer run, and a seven-week US run with Natalie Prass and her band.

Other winners announced last night were:

Blues and Roots: ‘Lies’, Carus Thompson

Country: ‘Maybe I’m Just In Love’, The Little Lord Street Band

Electronic: ‘Prior Engagement’, Feels

Experimental: ‘The One’ Intenso

Folk:’ I Only Hide’, Helen Shanahan

Heavy Metal: ‘Man Is Wolf to Man Part 2’, Bolt Gun

Jazz: ‘Don’t Stop Here’, Harry Mitchell

Outstanding Indigenous: ‘Country Is Calling’, John Bennett

Outstanding Regional: ‘Country Is Calling’, John Bennett

Pop: ‘Boys Will Be Boys’, Stella Donnelly

Punk/Hardcore:’ Magic Glove’ The Bob Gordons

Rock: ‘A Boy And A Boy’, J.F.K

Schools 14 & Under: ‘The Fire Inside’, Farraday’s Cage

Schools 15-17: ‘Ear To Lend’, Figurehead

Urban/ Hip Hop: ‘Be Real’ (feat. Danny Martin) Coin Banks

World: ‘Same Drum’, Akolkol Dastan Gesa

The awards were held for the first time at the Fly By Night Musicians Club in Fremantle, with over $45,000 in prizes distributed throughout the evening.

Hosted by Odette Mercy, there were live performances from DJ Chicken Wing, award-nominated The Justin Walshe Folk Machine, and award-winning Feels and J.F.K.

WAM CEO Mike Harris said, “WAM’s Song of the Year is an important opportunity for artists to showcase their songwriting skills and have their music considered by experienced industry professionals.

“As ever we are astounded by the quality and breadth of entries, across all genres.

“Grand prize winner Stella Donnelly is a WA artist on the move; one with an international profile already.

“Congratulations to Stella and all the other winners, finalists and all the entrants for talking the time to create the music that makes our local scene so vibrant.”