As APRA celebrates its centenary and the National Film & Sound Archive (NFSA) marks their 90th, the pair have come together to create The National Songbook, to formally recognise the songs and scores that have helped shape Australia’s cultural identity.
A selection of significant Australian works will be inducted into an archival “living collection” each year, selected by a panel drawn from across the music and cultural sectors, including songwriters, composers, academics and media representatives. The panel will be co-chaired by APRA’s Jenny Morris and the NFSA’s Annette Shun Wah.
The first 10 songs will be unveiled at the NFSA in Canberra on Wednesday November 4, to kick off Ausmusic Month.
To be eligible, a song must have been written or co-written by an Australian APRA member and released at least 10 years ago. Original compositions should be professionally recorded or published and demonstrate a significant influence within Australia. Screen compositions and soundtracks can be included.
A Radioinfo 10:
- How to Make Gravy / Paul Kelly (Paul Kelly pictured)
- Great Southern Land / Icehouse
- Took the Children Away / Archie Roach
- Moreton Bay / Francis MacNamara
- Khe Sahn / Cold Chisel
- Friday on my Mind / The Easybeats
- The Real Thing / Russell Morris
- Riptide / Vance Joy
- Solid Rock / Goanna
- Jessica’s Theme (breaking the colt) / Bruce Rowland
Meagan Loader, Chief Curator of the NFSA, said:
“Songs are more than entertainment — they are cultural touchstones that describe who we are, capture the moments that have shaped us and live in our muscle memory, in our very heart beats… Our partnership with APRA AMCOS honours the creators of these extraordinary works and helps safeguard their legacy long term.”