The five finalists for the 2023 APRA Silver Scroll Award have been announced. Photo: Supplied
Alt-country singer Marlon Williams and Auckland hip hop artist Tom Scott are among the five finalists for New Zealand's premier songwriting award.
Williams is one of two previous winners among the five musicians announced today as the top contenders for the 2023 APRA Silver Scroll Award. The Lyttelton singer-songwriter won it in 2018, while fellow finalists Unknown Mortal Orchestra (brothers Ruban and Kody Nielson), won it in 2015.
It's the fourth time that Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Marlon Williams and fellow finalists The Beths have made it this far in the Silver Scrolls, which have recognised excellence in New Zealand music since the 1960s. The Nielson brothers have been nominated three other times under other artist names, including The Mint Chicks and Oppossom.
Fellow finalist Tiny Ruins are back in the top five for the third time, while it's the second time for Auckland hiphop artist Tom Scott.
The finalists for the 2023 APRA Silver Scroll Award are:
- Marlon Williams - Don't Go Back
- Unknown Mortal Orchestra - Layla
- The Beths - Expert In A Dying Field
- Avantdale Bowling Club - Friday Night @ The Liquor Store
- Tiny Ruins - The Crab / The Waterbaby
The Silver Scroll winner will be named at an event in Auckland on Wednesday 4 October. Other awards presented on the night include the Maioha Award, SOUNZ Contemporary Award, Best Original Music in a Feature Film Award, and Best Original Music in a Series Award.
The evening will also honour 2023 NZ Music Hall of Fame inductee Don McGlashan.