Making its grand return to the line-up this year is the International Recognition Award
This year’s hosts will be Zan Rowe, Hau Lātūkefu and Ngaiire with returning Music Director, Julian Hamilton
The APRA Music Awards are back for 2025 with the first in a series of exciting announcements for this year’s event including a new award, hosts and the return of Music Director, Julian Hamilton.
Making its grand return to the line-up this year is the International Recognition Award, designed to honour songwriter members who predominantly live overseas and have achieved remarkable success, distinct from their performance in Australia.
Assessed by a board-appointed independent judging panel, the award celebrates excellence across all genres, recognising outstanding achievements in the craft of songwriting, international single and album releases, international charts, awards and tours.
Previously known as the Overseas Recognition Award, it has been presented at prestigious events in LA, London and Nashville, with previous winners including Jed Kurzel, Kylie Sackley, Lindsay Rimes and Phil Barton.
Jenny Morris, Chair of APRA, says: “Australian artists are having huge success internationally and making their mark on the world stage, but here at home they often get overlooked for airplay on commercial radio or streaming services.
“We hope that this new award goes some way to acknowledging the incredible success of these stellar music creators and highlighting the impact their music is having on this important industry stage.”
This year’s host is award-winning music presenter and journalist, Zan Rowe. Rowe is known for her work as host of Friday Mornings on Double J, as well as the Take 5 podcast and show on ABC TV. She will be joined by co-hosts R&B and future soul singer/songwriter, Ngaiire, and hip-hop artist and fellow Double J presenter, Hau Lātūkefu.
Returning for his second year as Music Director will be Julian Hamilton of The Presets. Hamilton is no stranger to the APRA Music Awards, having won the coveted APRA Song of the Year award for the Silverchair hit “Straight Lines” with co-writer Daniel Johns in 2008. He also took home the 2009 APRA Songwriter of the Year award with The Presets co-collaborator Kim Moyes.
Hamilton will again curate the live performances for the awards, pairing a range of music collaborators with the five nominated Peer-Voted APRA Song of the Year compositions.
The APRA Music Awards celebrate excellence in contemporary music, honouring songwriters and publishers who have achieved artistic excellence and outstanding success in their fields.
The nominees for all categories will be revealed on Wednesday 2 April, with winners announced at the awards ceremony at Melbourne Town Hall on Wednesday 30 April.