2023 Women in Music Mentorships

19 songwriters awarded in its fifth year

Nardean, AKOSIA, Sandy Hsu and Sunny Luwe among the mentees

Mentors include Ngaiire, Xylo Aria, Elefant Trax, Milan Ring and many more

Nineteen songwriters have been selected for APRA AMCOS' Women in Music Mentorship program, an initiative now in its fifth year that aims to support women-identifying and non-binary music creators by providing professional guidance and funding assistance toward their work.

Spanning a range of genres, specialties and career stages, the 2023 class of mentees includes Telenova frontwoman Angeline Armstong, New York-based Mi-Kaisha, Jazz composer and vocalist Harriett Allcroft, singer and songwriter Georgia Delves, who performs as Georgia State Line and more.

“Connecting with other artists and songwriters who are sustaining a career in the arts is really important to me, and is something I want to continue throughout every stage of my career. There is so much value in skill-sharing, conversing and strengthening networks, especially alongside other women in the music industry," said Delves, who is currently writing songs for a second album and will be mentored by indie artist Imogen Clarke.

Arranger/composer and violinist Lucy Rash, who will be mentored by Music Production for Women founder Xylo Aria, said, "Xylo is someone I've long admired for her open-hearted and accessible approach to the production of music, content and resources. She also has a wonderful ability to build incredible communities around her which I've come to realise is the key to longevity in our industry."

"We all have a responsibility to support women and non-binary creators in the music industry and mentoring is an important part in the growth of the careers of our members," said Alison Wright, Head of Membership, APRA AMCOS.

"Congratulations to all the selected and talented mentees who will have the opportunity to receive guidance, advice and support from mentors who truly understand the challenges of building a creative career."

In 2017, APRA AMCOS released research that identified the pathways and barriers for women working in music. This led to a commitment to provide support to women and non-binary music creators through the development of programs to effect immediate and sustainable gender participation and equitable financial success.

The mentorship program is a key component of the commitment, and since 2018 has supported the careers of Demi Louise, Annie Hamilton, Lucy Sugerman, Eliza Hull, BVT, dameeeela and others.

Additional mentoring opportunities for regionally-based screen composers will open later in 2023 with two positions available at the Screenworks Composing Bootcamp.