Young acts dominate song prize

Kirsten Morrell has been nominated for her song Ghosts. Photo / Supplied

The 20 songs up for the country's top songwriting award have been announced and, once again, it's the young ones to the fore.

While the 2010 Apra Silver Scroll list is not as lopsided as last year, it is dominated by artists like Phoenix Foundation, Midnight Youth, and J. Williams, as well as up-and-comers Artisan Guns and the Naked and Famous.

Only Don McGlashan, Jordan Luck, Dimmer's Shayne Carter and the Clean represent the old guard of Kiwi music.

And four of the entrants - the Phoenix Foundation, the Naked and Famous, McGlashan and Carter - have two songs each on the list.

It's been a good month for the Naked and Famous with Young Blood not only making Apra's top 20 but also staying at the No. 1 spot on the singles chart for two weeks. However, commercial success means nothing at the Silver Scrolls, with judging criteria based purely on artistic merit.

The 20 songs will be voted on by the members of APRA, made up of more than 7000 songwriters, composers, and music publishers, who will come up with a top five to be announced on August 2.

The winning song will be announced at an awards ceremony on September 8 at the Auckland Town Hall.

On awards night, each song is performed by a different artist or band who will interpret the song however they like.

TOP 20 SILVER SCROLL SONGS

A New Dialogue - Julia Deans

All of This and Young Blood - The Naked and Famous

Aotearoa - Minuit

Autumn - Artisan Guns

Barbie Dolls for Baghdad - The Jordan Luck Band

Buffalo and Flock of Hearts - The Phoenix Foundation

Cavalry - Midnight Youth

Comfortable and Dark Night of Yourself - Dimmer

Garden - Anna Coddington

Ghosts - Kirsten Morrell

Girl, Make Your Own Mind Up and Marvellous Year - Don McGlashan and the Seven Sisters

In The Dreamlife U Need a Rubber Soul - The Clean

Running Through The Fire (Storm) - Anika Moa

Say Goodbye - Mint Chicks

Walk Away - Opensouls

You Got Me - J. Williams featuring. Scribe