Here are the winners, as announced at the Awards, held at the Turner Hall, TAFE Sydney Institute, Feb 5th.
AUSTRALIAN SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
CHRIS STAFFORD – “YOU HAD TO BE THERE”

Songwriter Of The Year Chris Stafford with sponsors Francis Chuah (Director, FC Productions), Hayley Warner, Rico Soto (Director, Oxygen Music Group), Greg Morrow (Writer Services Team Leader, A.P.R.A. and Songsalive! Australia President Roxanne Kiely and V.P. Stephen Kiely (click to enlarge)

Songwriter Of The Year, Chris Stafford with presenter and APRA Writer Services Team Leader, Greg Morrow (click to enlarge)
INTERNATIONAL SONG
LAMA KISIRWANI – “SHINE”

KittyGroove Studios director, Sven Tydeman, presents the award for International Song Of The Year to Mona Kisirwani, who accepted it on behalf of her daughter, Lama Kisirwani. (click to enlarge)
YOUTH
“PRETTY FACE” – MADELEINE SEDDON

Winner of the Youth Song Of The Year Madeleine Seddon with presenter and Director of Valley Studios Roger Corbett (click to enlarge)
UNSIGNED
“ONE HOUR WITH YOU” – BRIAN RALSTON

Winner of both Unsigned and the New Pants/Old Pants songwriting contract Brian Ralston with pesenter and Head Teacher at the TAFE Sydney Institute Kerry Furlong (click to enlarge)
BARE BONES
“UNDER YOUR INFLUENCE” – IVANA KAFADJIYSKA

Winner of bare Bones Ivana Kafedjiyska with presenter and Director of Hillbilly Hut Studios Simon Johnson (click to enlarge)
NEW PANTS/OLD PANTS PUBLISHING CONTRACT
“ONE HOUR WITH YOU” – BRIAN RALSTON
BLUES / ROOTS / INDIE
- “RIVER” – DANA HASSALL
- Connect Five – SheryL Binks
- Drunk On You – Don Halbert
- Monday Blue – Frank Klaasen
- Pretty Face – Madeleine Seddon

Winner of Country / Australiana Song Of The Year, as well as Blues / Roots/Indie Song of The Year, Dana Hassall with presenter and TSA President, Duncan Hill
Among her prizes was the Zoom Q2 HD Video Recorder, donated by Bava’s Music City. (click to enlarge)
POP ROCK
- “TURN AROUND” – ABBEY GARDNER
- No More Tears – Chris Stafford
- Listen To The Tears – Peter Tonna
- Unsaid – Justine Dorsey
- Red Letter Day – Dana Hassall

Winner of Pop / Rock Abbey Gardner with presenter and Director of Electric Sun Studios Sam Rilatt
INSTRUMENTAL
- “TIL DAWN” – JACQUES GENTIL / KAREN GUYMER
- Riverboat – Ray Saunders
- Sunrise Over L.A. – Michael Grace
- I’ll Only Love You If You’re Wearing Red – Peter J. Yannakis
- Last Dance – David Kumagaya
Winners of The Instrumental Of The Year Karen Guymer and Jacques Gentil

LYRICS ONLY
- “FRACTURED FAIRY TALE” – KAY FALLICO
- Elastic – Merri Mountstephen
- Ghosts Of The Old Country Hall – Lindsay Owen
- One Life – John Walsh
- The Comfort Of Strngers – John Walsh
JAZZ / SWING / LATIN
- “YOU HAD TO BE THERE” – CHRIS STAFFORD
- Mambo Cha-Cha-Cha! – Chris Stafford
- My Main Squeeze- Chris Stafford
- One Hour With You – Brian Ralston
- Bad Boy Benny- Chris Stafford

Winner of The Jazz /Swing/Latin award Chris Stafford with presenter and Director of Song Central Sue Duchesne (click to enlarge)
COUNTRY / AUSTRALIANA
- “FREE” – DANA HASSALL
- See It Now – Dana Hassall
- Do You Want Love With That? – Wendy Wood
- Dancing With Dot – Dan Schaumann
- Crosses At The Gate – Magdalena MacDonald
DANCE / ELECTRONICA
- “ONCE MORE” – LARISSA AGOSTI
- Spin – Michael Watson
- Light Breaks – Lindsay Hamminga
- Give Up – Jacques Gentil
- I Desire – Peter Tonna

R&B / HIP HOP
- “STAY DRIVEN” – SCOTT WHYTE
- There’s A Stranger In The Mirror – Perter J. Yannakis
- So I Can Miss You – Scotty Mac / Suzanne Serelle
- With My Girl – Peter Tonna
- H.E.R. – Vinay Seethamraju

FOLK / SINGER SONGWRITER
- “PAPAGANDA” – MIKEL JOHNSON
- Two Steps – Dana Hassall
- A Colour For Every Mood – Larissa Agosti
- Under Your Influence – Ivana Kafadjiska
- I Fly To You – Phil Riggio

CHILDREN’S MUSIC
- “I SHOULD HAVE LISTENED” – ALITA FAHEY
- The Pool Song – Glenn Stephens
- Naughty Wall – Brian Ralston
- Goodbye farewell – Roberto Fabian
- Fight Fight Fight – Brian Ralston

CHRISTIAN / SPIRITUAL
- “BLESSED” – FAITH INMAN
- Your Faith Is Beautiful- Peter Tonna
- Saviour Of My Soul – Peter Tonna
- Thank You Jesus- Peter Tonna
- With The King- Peter Tonna

Don’t forget to visit and interact with our excellent sponsors, without whose generosity, we’d have nothing to give our winners except profiling the strength of their song writing ability.
More info on The Song Comp website
Due to the overwhelming generosity of our sponsors, listed below, over $55,000 worth of prizes were awarded on the night!
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FEATURED TRACK ON TASTE THE MUSIC CDSince 1997, Songsalive! has been producing CDs of members’ songs, sending them out to publishers, music marketing festival, such as Midem etc, and generally promoting the hell out of them!
The Taste The Music CD will be Songsalive! Australia’s first production since becoming an independent organisation, and we are happy to announce that The Song Comp’s winning songs from every section will be eligible for inclusion on the Taste The Music CD, if the song writer(s) would like to have their song included. Non Song Comp submissions for Taste CD will be accepted once the competition has concluded. |
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$3000.00 CASH from A.P.R.AThe Australasian Performing Right Association (A.P.R.A.) is the essential support mechanism for Australian song writers, and as such, is Songsalive! Australia’s main sponsor.
We’ve always been able to rely on great help from the Board and staff of A.P.R.A., so we’re very happy to be able to annouce that A.P.R.A. has provided a very generous Three Thousand Dollars ($3000.00) as the prize to be awarded to the song judged to be the overall Best Song of The Song Comp. IF YOU ARE A SONG WRITER, GET TO KNOW A.P.R.A. |
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5-DAY RECORDING PACKAGE from Oxygen Music Groupvalued at $5500.00The Song Comp winning entry will receive, as a part of their prize pack, a 5-day recording package from Oxygen Music Group. This will consist of two days working with the award-winning crew at Oxygen Music Group, developing and streamlining two songs, then three days spent recording, mixing and mastering those songs. Based on results to date from this firm, the results should be phenomenal, and this will be a very sought-after prize.
Oxygen Music Group are one of Australia’s most highly regarded artist development and professional music production squads. Over the past 10 years Oxygen Music Group have been responsible for developing and nurturing the talent of some of Australia’s most successful musical acts. As internationally acclaimed, award winning songwriter / producers, Oxygen Music Group team is re-knowned for their work developing potential talent into major label, world class acts. |
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CUSTOM-BUILT 64-BIT MUSIC COMPUTER built by Dom Gannon
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CORT MR710 GUITAR from Gladesville Guitar FactoryCort is an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) company building top end guitars under licence for many proprietary name brands.
Many of their guitars feature dovetail neck joins, solid timbers and such quality fittings as Fishman pickup systems and Grover machine heads making them exceptional value. Cort acoustic guitars have been best selling models due to their reliability, sound, playability and value for money. CORT offer sensational quality at a reasonable price point. Thanks to Gladesville Guitar factory for donating this great prize to The Song Comp |
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FIVE (5) ZOOM H2N DIGITAL RECORDERS from Turramurra MusicRepresenting a new generation of portable recording, the H2n is Zoom’s most innovative handheld recorder to date. They’ve packed groundbreaking features into an ultra-portable device that allows you to record pristine audio anywhere you go. More info | |||||||||||||||||||||
| From film and broadcast, to journalism, podcasting, musical performance, songwriting and rehearsal, the H2n provides amazing recording quality.
Steinberg’s WaveLab LE 7 can be used for audio editing and professional-quality mastering. By using its precise waveform editing and high-quality processing, you can refine your recordings into finished works. |
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RECORDING PACKAGE at Soundshed StudiosStewart Peters has been writing, producing music for over 25 years. He plays guitar (acoustic, electric, nylon & bass), mandolin, keyboards, drums and is also a highly respected session singer.
Stewart has also been involved as a songwriter/producer with various Australian performers and has performed on various national TV shows and has been signed with Warner-Chappell publishing (now with Alberts Publishing). |
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TWO YEARS MEMBERSHIP with Song CentralSong Central is Australia”s first independent, internet-based composer driven platform for managing, developing and showcasing original songs and music.
Song Central was developed by songwriters who understand the difficulties of having new work “considered” by industry representatives. This site provides you with storage and backup facilities for your music and unlimited opportunities to have your material showcased and heard by people in a position to use it. |
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ONE-SONG PUBLISHING DEAL wih Old Pants / New PantsRobert A. Case, President of New Pants Publishing, Inc. (ASCAP) is a graduate of the Colorado Institute of Art, Denver, Colorado with an Associates Degree in Business with an emphasis in Music and Video Business.
Mr. Case has produced and released several CDs through the years that have been on the Grammy Entry List in 26 separate categories including Album of the Year, Rock Album of the Year, and Pop Album of the Year. Recently, Mr. Case’s songwriter?s songs have appeared on TV shows One Life to live on the Soap Network and South Park on Comedy Central. |
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WEEKEND SEMINAR with Pat PattisonPat Pattison is a Professor at Berklee College of Music, where he teaches Lyric Writing and Poetry.
His seminars are renowned all over the world for the insight, passion and understanding of the craft he brings to his lectures. He regualrly visits Australia and those who have attended his local seminars speak very highly of his ability to clarify the essence of a lyric, then, in real time, illustrate how best to apply this clarification to the lyrics which you provide him. It’s a great experience to watch him work his magic on your words and we recommend his seminars to any lyricist. The winner of this prize will gain entry to the next seminar held in your nearest capital city, at a time of their choosing. |
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RECORDING PACKAGE with Valley StudiosThe Valley Studio is a Blue Mountains recording studio headed by Roger Corbett. Our goal is to provide state-of-the art, cost effective music recording, songwriting, mentoring and music services.
We’ve produced over 80 career albums, plus EP’s and demos for artists working in all music genres. Artists who recorded at The Valley Studio have achieved countless awards, accolades, chart positions, competition wins, great critical reviews and thousands of CD sales. |
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Songwriting Bootcamp with Roger CorbettThis is a prize for 2 people to attend one of Roger’s songwriting bootcamps. Songwriting is not only great for music makers, but it is also great for literacy and comprehension. Roger Corbett is a multi award winning, highly experienced songwriter, and principal songwriter with The Bushwackers for the past 30 years. He has delivered hundreds of seminars, talks, workshops and classes in the art and craft of songwriting to children and adults in all levels of experience.
Primary and secondary students can achieve a great songwriting outcome in a small amount of time with the help of an experienced songwriting tutor. It often allows boys to participate fully in the experience. |
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TUITION PACK of TEN LESSONS from ScoopFX MusicScoopFX Music Tuition School is situated in Sydney’s North West and comprises Roxanne Kiely and her husband, Stephen Kiely.
Both are award-winning songwriters, accomplished singers and performers, who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to their lessons in vocal development, piano, guitar, bass guitar and songwriting in one-on-one lessons. Their teaching abilities have been recognised by the Music Teachers Association Of NSW. Roxanne has gained accredition in vocal teaching as well as songwriting, while Stephen has gained accredition as a teacher of piano, guitar, bass guitar and songwriting. Having these combined teaching skills brings a broader education to the student, whether they be studying one instruments, or combined disciplines. |
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DELUXE PRINTING PACK from FC ProductionsThis prize will benefit anyone looking to have a CD jacket and/or insert, a retractable banner, a book, a run of posters / flyers / promo material of any sort printed.
In other words, every one will want to win this prize, as it can be collected on one medium, or a combination of all the media which FC Productions has to offer, and there are quite a few to choose from. |
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LOCATION PHOTOGRAPHY PACKAGE from James Donnelly PhotographyJames Donnelly Photography are offering you the choice of either
* Concert Got a gig coming up in a great location, we can capture it for you. Typically we produce between 5 to 25 high quality images per act at a concert. It all depends on the act and the venue. * Location Portrait Need a new promo shot then you may want to take this option. We will discuss your goals and motivations to craft a unique portrait of you. Portrait sessions typically produce 10-20 Images all of which will have basic editing performed. Regardless of the option you select you will receive all the digital negatives and an unlimited use licences to use the Images in what ever way you feel fit. Only available for locations within the Sydney Metro Area. |
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RECORDING PACKAGE from KittyGroove Studios * Music Production – If you’re are serious about your music career, KittyGroove has produced & written songs in a variety of styles.* A&R Consulting – With over 20 years combined music industry knowledge, KittyGroove has millions of records sales and vast experience in consulting and advising record labels, managers, bands and artists. * Publishing – KittyGroove offers a dynamic, fun & active independent music publishing service supplying professional hit songs to artists, record companies, film, television and other media platforms. |
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WEBSITE DESIGN AND HOSTING from Carabang.net * Multi-page website, using up-to-date layouts, designed to reflect your style, character and personality.Upgrade your web presence with a new site * One Hour Strategy Consultation |
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RECORDING PACKAGE from Origami StudiosOrigami Studios in Kirrawee, NSW, are very kindly donating a 2-day recording package prize. * Origami Studios offers an extremely cost effective recording facility while still providing high quality service and equipment. Designed and built for the independent artist it will always find a way to cater to any budget and project. * Situated in Kirrawee just south of Sydney city and neighbouring the suburb of Sutherland, Origami Studios boasts a unique location that lets the artist step away from the grind of the big city environment. Complete with two producers/engineers who between them have a lengthy set of skills in the fields of song writing, composing, programing, drums, percussion, guitars and keyboards, Origami is a warm and inviting recording environment run by and for local musicians. * Whether it be live recording, overdubbing, mixing or post film work Origami has the space and technology to help you achieve your goals. There’re plenty of recording studios in Sydney – but none like Origami! |
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RECORDING PACKAGE from Simon Johnson StudiosSimon is a freelance bass player and producer in the Australian Country Music Industry.
He operates a recording studio Simon Johnson Music studio from his home on the NSW Central Coast where he specialises in recording and producing quality projects at competitive rates. Simon Johnson Music studio provides a very friendly and relaxed environment away from the hussle and bussle of the city where you can enjoy your music experience. It is located on the Central Coast of NSW, more commonly referred to as ‘Hillbilly Heaven’ the home of many successful Australian Country Music professionals such as Kasey Chambers, Rod and Jeff McCormack, Beccy Cole, Adam Harvey and Gina Jeffreys. The likes of Beccy Cole, Adam Harvey, Travis Collins and Buddy Goode have all recorded with Simon at Simon Johnson Music studio. |
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RECORDING PACKAGE from Elevation Songs StudiosElevation Songs in Sydney’s north west is offering a 1-day recording and production package as a prize for the winner of the (?) category. Perfect to produce a high-quality demo!
Elevation Songs is a pop and dance songwriting and production company recently established by Mark Brown. Some of Mark’s previous achievements include: Mark’s experience as a songwriter, producer, singer and multi-instrumentalist makes Elevation Songs a one-stop shop for any pop or dance singer/songwriter looking for a songwriting and production partner. |
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Membership of Songsalive! AustraliaLaunched in May, 2011, Songsalive! Australia is the embodiment of a vision for the future of Australian songwriters. We are an autonomous, not-for-profit organisation, run by volunteers, with one aim, which is to help Australian songwriters achieve the success they are seeking, whether it be creative, commercial or a combination of the two.
Songsalive! Australia is the organisation which other organisations have grown from. Its ideals are to support and promote Australian songwriters in any way it can. Given the explosion of communications which has occurred over the past decade, the opportunities for local songwriters to connect with people worldwide has grown, and continues to grow exponentially, which is allowing Songsalive! Australia members to reach out well beyond our shores. |
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SongRimesSONG RIMES STUDIO is the base for EMI Published, award winning songwriter/producer Lindsay Rimes.
Lindsay provides record companys and individuals the professional service of recording and mixing from the start of a project to the final master. Lindsays ability to arrange, play/program all instruments, mix and master many styles of music from rock, pop, country to heavy rock, R&B and dance provides a one-stop shop for radio ready songs. A perfectionist, Lindsay prides himself on quality, so whatever stage you are at in your career you will have a product that best represent you as an artist taking your music to the next level. Lindsay is managed by DTME More info |
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Recording package at Andymak StudioAndy Mak is an Australian music producer and artist manager. Andy has produced, engineered and performed on records for Silverchair, Boy and Bear, Darlene Zschech, New Empire, Lucy Mason and many more.
Andy has always had a passion for seeing artists reach their potential in all areas of music and music business. In 2006 Andy signed Sydney indie-rockers New Empire to a management deal and since then has seen them become one of the most successful independent acts in the country. Highlights include a global publishing deal with Native Tongue, national tours with Good Charlotte, Simple Plan, Owl City and Switchfoot, national airplay, a Channel V Artist of the Year nomination, an ARIA Top40 album and an iTunes number 1. Andy holds a music degree from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and prides himself on being fresh, creative, relevant, and always pushing artists to go well beyond their expectations. Andy works very closely with his artists and believes that whether in management or in the studio, a partnership is the number one key to getting the best results. |
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Two Alesis Video Track recorders from Bava’s Music City We don’t process hundreds of transactions on line every day and we treat a $6 order with the same attention as a $1000 order. Someone will actually pick up the phone if you need to call with any kind of question during store hours 02 98242211 . Try it!Check out our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/bavasmusic for latest specials!
-Your transaction is absolutely safe with us |
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2-DAY RECORDING PACKAGE from Electric SunElectric Sun is a recording studio which has evolved since 2001 to provide music artists with the most desirable conditions in which to create and produce music.
There are three main creative spaces at Electric Sun. Our studios feature the latest technology in acoustically designed suites that produce quality productions you will only find in a perfectly balanced purpose-built room. The atmosphere is laid back and relaxed with lots of light and 2 private lounge rooms which are perfect to kick back and relax or write some new tunes. The commitment of Electric Sun is to provide artists with an accessible, affordable venue which produces a quality product. Many recording artists visit time and time again due to the relaxed atmosphere, friendly vibe and high quality service. Use of the studio includes our selection of musical instruments, guitar amps, bass amps and keyboard collection. The principal producer/engineers at Electric Sun are Dave Petrovic, Shane Edwards and Steven Knight. These guys bring a sympathetic ear and sense of adventure to each project they work on. They live for what they do and as a dedicated team, they have produced many successful songs. |
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An AKG D5 vocal mic from Carlingford Music CentreCarlingford Music Centre over the years, has developed atreasured reputation for meticulous attention to detail, a customer focus & a place to go for true value-for-money instruments with service.
This philosophy continues under the current guidance of directors Ned & Bill. Such passionate practices have not only flourished but have taken firm hold of all our core family business principles. Our customers, suppliers and educational clients work harmoniously within our goal of being the most effective and understanding musical instrument outlet for personal or professional musical requirements. Inspired to expand from a mainly traditional piano store in the Year 2000, Carlingford Music Centre has grown to include a huge range of leading brand General Musical Instruments. Now with two-stores-in-one, Carlingford Music Centre is one of the most comprehensive musical instrument experiences in Sydney. Carlingford Music Centre strives to keep our clients informed. Services include seminars and forums for our registered musicteachers & product demonstration workshops open to the public from beginners to experienced musicians, keeping you up to date with the latest information on all kinds of instruments and print music. |
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Consultation package (valued at A$1000.00) from Media Arts LawyersMedia Arts Lawyers is a boutique entertainment and commercial law practice.
We have been providing practical and commercial legal advice in the fields of entertainment, media, intellectual property, property and commercial matters for more than 20 years. We act for some of Australia’s highest profile musicians, events, recording and publishing companies, television personalities, film projects, media and brand agencies, publications and commercial enterprises. We also represent and support many new or fledgling artists and brands, and aim to be the first point of legal contact for all creative and commercial projects irrespective of their budget. Our principal areas of practice are: |
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An AKG D5 vocal mic from 
