What Is 2017 APRA Silver Scroll Awards

Overview

The 2017 APRA Silver Scroll Awards celebrated the best in New Zealand songwriting, recognizing composers and lyricists across multiple genres. Held on September 28, 2017, at Auckland’s Vector Arena, the ceremony brought together artists, industry professionals, and fans to honor creative excellence.

Organized by APRA (Australasian Performing Right Association), the event highlighted the importance of songwriting in New Zealand’s cultural identity. The night featured live performances of nominated songs, special tributes, and the induction of new members into the NZ Music Hall of Fame.

• Lawrence Arabia won the top prize for 'The Dream', a track from his 2016 album Musical Theatre, praised for its lyrical sophistication and melodic structure.
• The Silver Scroll Award has been awarded annually since 1965, making 2017 the 53rd edition of the prestigious honor.
• Five songs were shortlisted for the main award, including entries by Marlon Williams, Lorde, and Thomas Oliver.
• APRA received over 200 song submissions that year, with a judging panel narrowing the list to the final five nominees.
• The event was hosted by radio personality Stacey Morrison and featured performances by all finalists, including a notable rendition of Lorde’s 'Perfect Places'.

How It Works

The APRA Silver Scroll Awards follow a structured process to identify and celebrate the year’s most outstanding original songs written by New Zealand artists.

• Submission Period: Songwriters and publishers submit eligible tracks between January and May each year; entries must be originally written by New Zealand citizens or residents.
• Judging Panel: A panel of 15–20 music industry experts, including past winners and producers, reviews submissions and selects the final five nominees.
• Public Voting: While the final decision rests with the judges, public engagement is encouraged through live performances and media coverage of the shortlist.
• Silver Scroll Award: The winner receives a $1,000 cash prize and a commemorative scroll, symbolizing recognition of lyrical and musical craftsmanship.
• Performance Requirement: All finalists must perform their nominated song live at the ceremony, often with orchestral arrangements enhancing the original version.
• Eligibility Criteria: Songs must be previously unreleased, in English or te reo Māori, and not commercially promoted as singles before the eligibility window.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2017 Silver Scroll finalists compared across key criteria:

The diversity of genres represented in the 2017 shortlist reflected the broad creative landscape of New Zealand music. From Lorde’s global electropop to Thomas Oliver’s soulful funk, the finalists showcased both lyrical depth and musical innovation, underscoring the award’s commitment to artistic merit over commercial success.

Why It Matters

The APRA Silver Scroll Awards play a vital role in elevating songwriting as an art form within New Zealand’s music industry. By spotlighting lyrical craftsmanship and original composition, the awards foster national pride and encourage emerging talent.

• Cultural Recognition: The award honors songs that reflect New Zealand’s identity, often incorporating local themes, language, and storytelling traditions.
• Career Impact: Winning or being nominated can significantly boost an artist’s profile, leading to increased media attention and performance opportunities.
• Industry Validation: Recognition from APRA signals peer approval, often influencing radio play, festival bookings, and funding eligibility.
• Educational Influence: Schools and music programs use past winners as case studies in songwriting and composition courses.
• Historical Archive: The annual list of finalists serves as a curated timeline of New Zealand’s evolving musical landscape since the 1960s.
• Encourages Diversity: In 2017, the inclusion of artists like Thomas Oliver and Anna Coddington highlighted genre and gender diversity in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Ultimately, the 2017 APRA Silver Scroll Awards reinforced the enduring value of songwriting in an era dominated by digital production and streaming trends. By celebrating artists like Lawrence Arabia, the event reminded audiences that powerful lyrics and original melodies remain at the heart of great music.