BIOGRAPHY
Phil is a composer/engineer/performer and programmer with over 45 years experience in the music business and an APRA member since 1989.
He has primarily been a production music composer, having had usage throughout the world working for many large and boutique libraries including Universal, BMG, Chappell and Bruton, composing in a wide variety of styles. He holds an Associate Diploma in Jazz Studies from the NSW Conservatorium, formed his own original fusion band, studied with Eric Gross, professor of music at Sydney University and wrote for small classical ensembles as well as forming an improvisational electronic trio. He co-wrote the Australian top 10 song by John Farnham and Danni’Elle ‘Communication’ and co-wrote the soundtrack to the Palme d’Or winning film The Cup.
He has been an Australian Music Examinations Board examiner and holds a Masters degree in Music Technology.
ELECTION STATEMENT
APRA AMCOS has been instrumental in providing composers with income for almost 100 years. All members are thankful to APRA AMCOS for their work, nevertheless it is useful to understand that the organisation is wholly dependent on the creativity and hard work of its members. There would be no performing right associations if there were no publicly performed copyrighted musical works. APRA AMCOS exists because of you, the talented members.
Here are some issues that I feel should be addressed.
BIOGRAPHY
Regarded as one of Australia’s leading screen composers, Burkhard Dallwitz has been an APRA member since 1987, an APRA ambassador since 2010 and an APRA Board member since 2021.
A composer for film and television, Burkhard has had extensive experience dealing with major record labels, publishers and independent aggregators through his soundtrack releases.
Throughout his career he has received multiple international and local screen music awards, nominations from APRA/AGSC, AACTA and ARIA Awards, including winning the Golden Globe, Chicago Film Critics’ Award and ASCAP Award for The Truman Show, the APRA Award for Best Television Theme for the 2000 Sydney Olympics, many awards and nominations for the Underbelly franchise, the ABC mini-series The Secret River and Peter Weir’s feature film The Way Back.
Other credits include Wolf Creek and The Gloaming for STAN, the Netflix series Pine Gap, the AACTA award-winning SBS series Sunshine, the ARIA and AACTA nominated Feature Documentary Splice Here: AProjected Odyssey. Burkhard contributed to the score to Magic Beach, a feature film by Robert Connolly.
ELECTION STATEMENT
I have always been passionate about the rights of musicians and composers and I appreciate the critical role that APRA plays in supporting music creators.
Our industry has entered a period of significant change with the development of AI and the increasingly dominant streaming platforms for both music and visual content.
Music creators from all sectors of the industry face a very challenging time in not only retaining the rights to their compositions, but also receiving fair remuneration for their work.
Having had the privilege of being a writer director on the APRA board for the past 3 years, I would welcome the opportunity to continue to contribute to the board’s role in serving and supporting the diverse APRA writer membership and advocating on its behalf.
If re-elected to the APRA board, I would continue to be 100% committed to representing the best interests of my fellow music creators.
I believe my extensive industry experience puts me in a good position to provide valuable insight and meaningful input to any board debate.
BIOGRAPHY
N'fa F-Jones (MM) is an Australian/Sierra-Leonean music artist, university lecturer, workshop facilitator, documentary producer, CLOCK sector expert GRID Series program manager, credited for helping solidify the Australian Hip Hop movement with his 2002 ARIA award-winning Hip Hop band “1200 Techniques”.
Touring locally and internationally with various projects including his multi award nominated Afro-beat infused group “Cool Out Sun”, N’fa has gained a wealth of experience, knowledge and cultural growth used to stimulate the local musical community with intention to inspire the ever-growing diverse landscape of Australian music and industry experts. As a board member for BMAA, and the ARIA Hip Hop/RnB advisory committee, N’fa has an intent focus on sharing industry knowledge for developing artists, offering a fresh perspective and voice on industry needs. N'fa consistently advocates for cultural representation, inclusion and accountability to foster continued momentum toward an innovative and sustainable future in industry.
ELECTION STATEMENT
As a board member for the APRA board, I wish to be present for black music - Hip Hop, RnB, Soul and Roots contingency of our growing industry. This is a mostly unrepresented section of industry culture, and one I feel needs a voice on the APRA board. I’ve been representing this part of culture since my days of 1200 Techniques, circa 2000, and I continue to do so now in my group Cool Out Sun and all facets of industry from workshops to education pathways. I have an intent focus on sharing industry knowledge for developing artists, offering a fresh perspective and voice on industry needs. I advocate for cultural representation, inclusion and accountability with the means to foster continued momentum toward an innovative and sustainable bright future in our diverse and colourful industry.
BIOGRAPHY
Anna Laverty is an award-winning music producer, sound engineer and co-songwriter known for her innovative work across multiple genres. Over her 20+ year career she has worked with some of the industry's biggest names, including Florence & the Machine, Nick Cave & TBS and Lady Gaga, after learning from producers Paul Epworth and Ben Hillier at London’s Miloco Studios.
After relocating back to Australia in 2009, Laverty became one of the country's most sought-after producers, earning accolades including the inaugural Mushroom Group Music Producer Award and the Australia Council for the Arts Music Fellowship in 2020. Anna was selected as the 2022 Prelude ‘Composer in Residence’ at Gallop House.
More credits include Missy Higgins, Courtney Barnett, Paul Dempsey and Amanda Palmer.
In 2019, Anna was featured on the ARIA Award-winning TV show The Recording Studio. She also serves as an APRA AMCOS ambassador and mentors young talent through programs like ‘Girls Rock’ and ‘SongMakers’. Shas spoken at music conferences around the world including Bigsound (QLD), Going Global (NZ), The Great Escape (UK), The Melbourne Sessions (VIC), Guinness Amplify (KL) and InTune (NT).
Anna has spent 2023 and 2024 in writing rooms and studios everywhere from Castlemaine to London to Glasgow.
ELECTION STATEMENT
As a passionate advocate for the rights of songwriters including producer-writers, I am excited to put myself forward for the APRA Board. With years of experience in the music industry and as the current Chairperson of the Music Producer and Engineers’ Guild of Australia, I have firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced by creatives across the industry.
I recently completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) course in governance, further equipping me with the skills needed to ensure APRA’s writer member representatives are skilled and can advocate all its members. I am deeply committed to fostering a fairer industry for songwriters, ensuring that all contributors, including those not in the spotlight, are recognised and compensated fairly for their work. I am versed in issues relevant to writers including AI, remuneration gaps from streaming and the rights and royalties due to creators.
If elected, I will bring a balanced and inclusive perspective to the board, drawing on my experience as a producer, songwriter and mentor in the music community. I will tirelessly advocate for the rights and opportunities that will build a thriving future for creators. I would be honored to serve and represent your interests on the APRA Board.
BIOGRAPHY
Roz Pappalardo is an accomplished vocalist, songwriter, and creative producer, known for her ability to craft authentic and compelling narratives through music and theatre. Her extensive songwriting experience includes solo albums, records with folk act women in docs, and collaboration in alt-country duo Lontano. With national and international touring experience, Roz has written and performed in various musical theatre productions.
Beyond her performance career, Roz has led impactful community development songwriting projects such as The Soldier's Wife and The Songs of Murray Street. She has spent significant time in remote Arnhem Land communities, using songwriting to support storytelling and language development for children and teens.
Roz’s contributions to the cultural sector as a programmer and community arts development specialist are notable. As former leader of Cairns Regional Council's arts and cultural portfolio, she elevated Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns Performing Arts Centre, and Cairns Children’s Festival and transformed Cairns Festival into a premier regional arts event. After a stint as Senior Producer at MONA under Brian Ritchie of Violent Femmes, she is currently Head of Programming at Darwin Entertainment Centre and Amphitheatre. Roz is a dedicated regional arts advocate and served on the QMusic board, soon to join the NAFA board.
ELECTION STATEMENT
I am a passionate advocate for music creators with three decades of experience as a vocalist, songwriter, and creative producer. My career has spanned multiple facets of the industry, from recording solo albums and writing with women in docs and Lontano, to managing independent bands touring from regional locations, to writing and producing original musical theatre works. I am particularly adept at sourcing and winning grants, sitting on all levels of government as an assessor.
Having worked extensively in community development projects across regional Australia, I understand unique challenges faced outside metropolitan areas. My experience in leading arts and cultural programs, such as transforming the Cairns Festival into a flagship regional event and programming venues like MONA and Darwin Entertainment Centre, has equipped me with a deep understanding of artist needs, and how to advocate effectively.
I am committed to ensuring that APRA continues to be a supportive and transparent organisation that listens to its members’ needs, especially in regional and remote communities. I bring a strong vision for regional representation and increased opportunities for all Australian creators.
BIOGRAPHY
Born and bred in Eora, KLP is a highly accomplished songwriter, performing artist, DJ, broadcaster and multifaceted producer who has worked professionally in the music industry since the age of 14. KLP earned 2 ARIA nominations for collaborations with Stace Cadet, ‘Energy’ & ‘People Happy’, with ‘Energy’ also placing #21 in Triple J’s coveted Hottest 100 countdown in 2021.
As one of Australia’s most in-demand songwriters and DJ’s, she is a mainstay in Australia’s studios, clubs, dance parties and music festival stages. She has also received 2 APRA Award nominations for ‘People Happy’ and ‘Honest’ by Peking Duk respectively.
Over the course of her career to date, she has enjoyed massive streaming success with collaborations with international artists like What So Not, Skrillex and Satin Jackets. And she has recently been in the studio writing with the likes of SG Lewis, Sonny Fodera, Marten Hørger and Peking Duk.
Away from the studio and the stage, she takes pride in her work as a music industry advocate across her roles as an APRA Ambassador, a Sound NSW Board member, an APRA Songmakers mentor and being the founder of her music charity organisation Ricochet.
ELECTION STATEMENT
It is time for there to be representation of working and active contemporary songwriters on the APRA Board. As a writer, producer, recording artist and performer deeply embedded in the contemporary music scene, I know firsthand the importance of having someone who actively works in this space representing my generation of artists on the APRA Board. The music industry is constantly evolving, and with that comes new challenges that can only be fully understood by those who are living and breathing it every day.
As someone who has navigated the complexities of this space, from songwriting to touring, production, and collaboration with global artists, I understand the challenges and opportunities facing today’s creators.
I believe my presence on the board can help bridge the gap between decision-makers and the realities of being a working songwriter today, leading to more informed, relevant and progressive policies for APRA members and APRA’s stakeholders.
I believe my experience, coupled with a commitment to amplifying the voices of emerging and established artists alike, makes me uniquely qualified to represent the evolving needs of our music community.
BIOGRAPHY
Nathan Power is a versatile musician, booking agent, engineer and producer.
As the drummer and band-leader for West Preston’s Gusto Gusto, he has booked and performed at Glastonbury Festival, UK and NZ tours and sets at most of Australia’s finest festivals, including Woodford Folk Festival (QLD), Brunswick Music Festival (VIC), Moomba (VIC), Peak Festival (NSW), Cresfest (VIC), Tablelands Folk Festival (QLD), Illawarra Folk Festival (NSW), and Cygnet Folk Festival (TAS).
Nathan also plays banjo in The Backyard Banjo Club, has three albums out as a folk singer-songwriter, and has appeared as a session musician on recordings across blues, jazz, rock, funk and folk worlds.
An APRA member for the last fifteen years, Nathan is passionate about exporting and supporting Australian music. He runs booking agency Coconut Bookings and a boutique recording studio, working with both Australian and international acts.
More about Nathan here.
ELECTION STATEMENT
I’m an independent musician and a passionate advocate for Australia’s independent music creators.
Having spent the last fifteen years writing, recording and performing music across the world, I have a deep understanding of Australia’s musical landscape in 2024, and a particular desire to ensure APRA supports independent Australian artists and promotes Australian music on the world stage.
If elected, I will champion the following causes:
I would be honoured to contribute my expertise and passion to the APRA AMCOS Board. Thank you for your support!
BIOGRAPHY
Josh Pyke is an acclaimed Australian singer-songwriter, composer, children’s book author and advocate for the creative community. Known for his emotive storytelling and distinctive blend of folk, indie rock, and pop, Pyke has earned multiple ARIA awards and an Australian Independent Record Label (AIR) Award for his 12 albums to date.
In addition to his solo work, Pyke has won an APRA Award for his outstanding contributions as a composer, cementing his versatility across different mediums. Most recently, he scored all eight episodes of the ABC crime drama “Troppo", crafting immersive soundscapes that enhanced the narrative. Through his composition arm, Battlecatz music, he has composed music for numerous TV shows, films, and advertisements, further showcasing his talent as a composer.
Pyke is also a passionate advocate for emerging artists. In collaboration with APRA AMCOS, he founded the Josh Pyke Partnership, which provided grants and mentorship to promising Australian musicians. As Chair of the Phonographic Performance Company of Australia (PPCA), Pyke advocates for the rights of artists, and as an APRA AMCOS ambassador, he continues to work tirelessly to support songwriters and composers across the country.
ELECTION STATEMENT
Dear fellow creatives! As a songwriter, composer, and advocate for the creative community, I deeply understand the unique challenges facing Australian songwriters and composers today. Over my 20-year career, I’ve navigated the evolving landscape of our industry, and know the pressures we face in protecting our rights, ensuring fair remuneration, and adapting to new technologies like AI.
I’m an experienced board director, being the current Chair of the PPCA and on their board for the 6 years prior. I’ve also been an APRA AMCOS ambassador for almost 20 years. These positions have given me a deep understanding of the industry’s complexities, such as the critical issue of AI’s impact on intellectual property and the future of music creation.
I am not only an advocate but continue to be an active artist. This year, I was honored with an AIR Award and an ARIA nomination, reflecting my ongoing passion and professionalism. My work as a best-selling children’s author with 10 books published to date, also gives me transferrable insight into other creative industries.
If elected, I will bring my current experience, historical success, and broad creative knowledge to ensure we protect the rights and future of Australian songwriters and composers.
BIOGRAPHY
Catherine Satour’s contributions to the music industry span both artistic and leadership roles. Satour is a celebrated singer-songwriter and advocate for remote artists and marginalised voices in the music industry, with over 15 years’ experience developing local, particularly Indigenous, artists. Satour is familiar with the APRA Boardroom, having been appointed as an APRA Board Observer through the 2023 Observership Program, an initiative that drives fair representation in the music sector and provides insight into music business governance. She is a 2024 inductee into the AMC South Australian Music Hall of Fame (for her contribution to her father’s band Coloured Stone), and the MusicNT Vice Chair.
Satour is seeking election to the APRA Board as she is passionate about music business and better protections of music rights for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music creators and publishers. She is passionate about developing and sustaining real economic opportunities for Indigenous Australian music artists. A recipient of the prestigious Mparntwe Alice Springs NAIDOC Advocacy Award for her work of ensuring Aboriginal women in the Northern Territory have access and opportunity to be in music, she is committed to creating systemic changes in the industry.
ELECTION STATEMENT
I am running for a seat on the APRA Board to advocate for better protections of music rights and real economic opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music creators and publishers. As an artist, advocate, and leader, my 15+ years of experience has allowed me to contribute to the growth of local talent, particularly Indigenous artists, while fostering a more inclusive music industry.
Through my role as Vice Chair of MusicNT and contribution within the APRA Observership Program opportunity, I have championed equity for marginalized voices, ensuring that remote, regional and Indigenous artists have a platform in the music industry. As a proud recipient of the Mparntwe NAIDOC Advocacy Award. I am committed to systemic changes that open doors for underrepresented voices. I bridge the creative, remote and business with a new perspective and I will bring my passion for advocacy and music business to the APRA Boardroom, working to safeguard music rights and develop sustainable futures for music creators.
BIOGRAPHY
Francesca de Valence is an award-winning songwriter, musician, educator, Founder and CEO of I Heart Songwriting Club and Co-Founder of the Whitsundays Songwriter Festival. Francesca has been published by Songwriting Magazine UK, has facilitated songwriting workshops worldwide with APRA AMCOS, Irish Music Rights Organisation, and Folk Alliance International, and hosts the inspiring podcast “The Magic of Songwriting”. Some of her songs have been recorded and performed by Vika & Linda, Bryce Sainty, and Mirusia.
Through her visionary work as Founder of I Heart Songwriting Club, Francesca is revolutionising the songwriting space and changing the lives of thousands of songwriters worldwide. The Club has helped 1500 songwriters from 30 countries write 30,000 songs; some nominated for ARIA Awards, synched to feature films, and headlining world tours. I Heart Songwriting Club is a platform for all songwriters to write songs, build community, learn from each other, connect with industry, and progress their careers. The Club celebrated their 10th anniversary at BIGSOUND 2024, showcasing 12 songwriters from around Australia.
Her work with the Whitsundays Songwriter Festival is elevating songwriting craft, skills, opportunities, and growing a new generation of songwriters regionally. Alumni include Toni Childs, Tia Gostelow, Jude York, Wendy Matthews, and Mark Sholtez.
ELECTION STATEMENT
I am a songwriter, music educator and entrepreneur with a decade of innovation success for thousands of songwriter members as Founder and CEO of I Heart Songwriting Club. My business represents and serves songwriters of all skill and experience levels. I provide community and opportunities to practise the craft of songwriting. I am a unique proposition for the APRA board as I understand innovation, sector development and engagement for a diverse spectrum of its members.
I Heart Songwriting Club continues to successfully empower the careers of thousands of songwriters. Its impact is evidenced by: ARIA Top 5 releases; ARIA and AIR award nominations; syncs and soundtracks to international feature films; hundreds of albums and EPs written, recorded and released.
My values of transparency, inclusivity, clear communication, innovative thinking and integrity are personal attributes widely known and endorsed. I have well-developed global networks and a public reputation for advocating for songwriters’ needs. I am not afraid to ask questions to ensure robust governance and ethical behaviour at board level. My contribution as APRA Writer Director will strengthen advocacy, policy and program development activities that impact the vital needs of all songwriters.
BIOGRAPHY
Caitlin Yeo is a renowned multi-award-winning Australian screen composer. She is an APRA writer member since 1994, and APRA Ambassador since 2014. She is the past president of the Australian Guild of Screen Composers, founding member of the AGSC’s Gender Equity Committee and past member of Screen Australia’s Gender Matters Task Force. Caitlin is a passionate advocate for the rights, fair pay and work conditions of Australian composers. She regularly consults with major screen organisations to lobby for legislative change and advocate for a thriving, resilient, and diverse music industry.
A little-known fact is that Caitlin cut her teeth playing in indie bands in the 90s, touring music festivals and pubs on the indie circuit.
Across her 21-year career as a screen composer she has written music for over 70 film and TV programs that have screened globally. Caitlin has won three AACTA awards, 8 Screen Music awards amongst many others. She was the 2022 Sydney UNESCO City of Film Award recipient, (for innovation, imagination, and high impact), and the 2023Australian Women’s Film FestivalGroundbreaker Award. Both awards are a great honour for Caitlin as she is the only composer to have received them.
ELECTION STATEMENT
I’m a passionate advocate for the livelihood, wellbeing, and longevity of the Australian music industry, and would be humbled to serve the APRA membership on the board.
As a professional screen composer of 21 years, APRA Ambassador and past president of the Australian Guild of Screen Composers, I understand the challenges writer/composers face in maintaining a sustainable, and fruitful career.
Our industry is experiencing rapid change; streaming services, big tech and AI are disrupting the sector, changing the way our music is heard, the nature of our agreements, and the financial pathways in which we earn a living. This has had a significant economic and cultural impact on the music industry.
If elected to the board, I would advocate:
I’m inspired to collaborate with the membership to ensure APRA works effectively in our industry to maximise our earnings, champion our works, and foster a thriving, creative and culturally diverse industry.