A catchy song about supermarkets has won Nelson-born musician Sam Springett the title of Songwriter of the Year.

The Auckland University School of Music student picked up the title at the university's annual songwriting competition, in which students of its Popular Music programme perform their original songs backed by a professional band.

His song, Supermarkit Wunderland, explores the strangeness of supermarkets, particularly when you visit them late at night.

"Supermarkets are such weird places, and we go to them every week," he said.

"For them not to be in popular culture was quite odd. I wanted to write about that." He choreographed a few shopping-specific dance moves to accompany it.

The 18-year-old is in his second year of studies towards a Bachelor of Music degree majoring in popular music. "Music is something I have a passion for, something I love. It just sounded like the right thing to do," he said. He won a swag of prizes, including a $1000 voucher for MusicWorks, a recording at Roundhead Studios and 200 CDs with mastering at Kog Studio. The song was selected by a panel of judges made up from music industry representatives, including Brendan Smyth, Stephen O'Hoym, Dianne Swann, and Huia Hamon.

"To win when I was up against so many talented musicians was amazing," he said. "I was nervous, but tried hard just to enjoy the experience. I'm so stoked."

Sam credited his success to Nelson music teacher and former neighbour Margaret Jackson, teachers at Nayland College, his lecturers and friends.

"[Nayland is] big on their music, and I think that did help me feed the passion. It encouraged me to pursue music," he said. "All the teachers there were really supportive."

Mrs Jackson had taught him violin since he was 5, and from there he progressed to guitar and composing.

"I really just want to be able to share as much of my music as I can with as many people who are wanting to listen to it," he said.

"If it pays me enough that I can travel with music that's a bonus, but right now I'm just enjoying everything in studying music, just going with the flow."

He plans to record a single in the near future.

Check out Sam Springett's music and see him perform his song at facebook.com/samspringettmusic.

- © Fairfax NZ News