WAM Unveils Diverse Nominees for 2025 Song of the Year

The search for Western Australia’s top songwriting talent has reached a fever pitch as West Australian Music (WAM) reveals the nominees for the 2025 Song of the Year competition presented by Act Belong Commit. Over 800 original songs poured in from artists across the state, promising to showcase the rich diversity and talent within WA’s local songwriting community. The 2025 nominees represent a wide spectrum of genres, highlighting both emerging and established songwriters like ICONYX, Adrian Dzvuke, and Joan & The Giants, who have garnered multiple nominations.

The Song of the Year competition is rigorously judged by a panel of seasoned local and national industry experts, providing a unique platform for songwriters to have their music recognized and appreciated. Gratitude is extended to the dedicated judges for their time and expertise. Winners in each category stand to receive cash prizes and studio time from generous local sponsors, with grand prize winners also earning additional rewards such as industry perks and promotion packages.

This year, the competition introduced the ‘A Song for Sophie’ category, focusing on entrants under 25 who demonstrated a profound connection to human emotions through their lyrics. This category, established in honor of music enthusiast Sophie Smith, offers the winner a cash prize and exclusive mentoring by Jodi Davieson from the acclaimed band San Cisco. The culminating event of the competition, the awards night, will take place at Freo.Social on June 18, 2025, where winners will be announced before a live audience. Notable past winners include Stella Donnelly, Kučka, and Little Birdy.

WAM’s CEO, Owen Whittle, expressed excitement over this year’s competition, emphasizing the diversity and vibrancy of music in Western Australia. The thin margins between top songs underscore the depth of talent in the region. WAM’s partnership with Healthway to promote the Act Belong Commit message for mental and physical well-being during the competition adds a crucial dimension to the event. As anticipation builds towards the awards night, audiences are encouraged to explore the playlist featuring this year’s nominees and delve into the wealth of new music originating from the state.

The nominees span across 17 categories, encompassing a wide range of musical styles from blues and folk to electronic and hip-hop. Notable entries include ICONYX, Missy, and Adrian Dzvuke, each bringing a unique flair to their respective genres. The Outstanding Indigenous and Regional categories feature artists like Kayps & Calvin Bennett and Adele Oliver, showcasing the depth of talent across various communities in Western Australia. From punk to jazz, rock to pop, the nominees reflect the dynamic and evolving music scene in the region.

WAM extends its gratitude to the presenting partners for their support in recognizing and celebrating the outstanding musical talent in Western Australia. The nominees for the 2025 Song of the Year competition represent a snapshot of the diverse and thriving music landscape in the state, underscoring the creativity and innovation that define the local music industry.