APRA songwriting finalists announced

Auckland independent bands dominate the list of finalists in line for New Zealand's top songwriting award, announced today.

Auckland indie bands The Mint Chicks, The Naked and Famous, and Artisan Guns are among the five finalists in line for the prestigious APRA Silver Scroll Award, along with singer-songwriter Anika Moa and Fur Patrol frontwoman Julia Deans.

The finalists were voted for by the more than 7500 members of the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA).

APRA New Zealand director Anthony Healey said the songs that made the finals were wonderful examples of "lyrics and melodies that stay etched in your mind".

"The world changes rapidly but the one thing that is constant is a great song," he said.

The winner will be announced at Auckland Town Hall on September 8, where other local artists will perform their own takes on the finalists' songs.

Inductees to the New Zealand Music Hall Of Fame will also be announced on the night.

Finalists:

A New Dialogue - Julia Deans
Autumn - Matthew Hope, Jonathan Pearce, Reuben Stephens and Alexander Freer (Artisan Guns)
Running Through The Fire (Storm) - Anika Moa
Say Goodbye - Ruban and Kody Nielson (Mint Chicks)
Young Blood - Aaron Short, Alisa Xayalith and Thom Powers (The Naked And Famous)

* Which song do you think should win? Post your comments below.

- NZPA