Taylor Moss, Casey Barnes & James Johnston Among 2023 APRA Music Awards Nominees

APRA AMCOS have today announced the nominees for the 2023 APRA Music Awards, the annual event that recognises the achievements of its songwriter and publisher members. The awards cover Pop, Rock, Country, R&B, Hip Hop, Rap, Soul, Blues & Roots, and Dance genres.

In the ‘Most Performed Country Work’ category, Taylor Moss (Get It Girl), Casey Barnes (God Took His Time On You), Seaforth (Good Beer), Morgan Evans (Love Is Real) and James Johnston (RAISED LIKE THAT) all received nominations.

Barnes wrote on social media, “Absolutely chuffed to find out this morning I’m up for an APRA award for God Took His Time On You. This song has been the most special of my career to date and loved writing it with my great friends Kaci Brown & Sam Gray. It also couldn’t be more fitting as it’s a dedication to my wife Michelle and it just so happens to be her birthday today (love youuuu)! Huge thanks also to my amazing team.”

Moss added, “The cats outta the bag! GET IT GIRL GOT NOMINATED for an @apraamcos award for ‘Most Played country work’ 🤯😱😍🥺 over the bloody moon!!!! 4 Aussie writers, 3 chords & a powerful message. Love my team. 🧡🧡🧡”

Both Seaforth (Breakups) and Barnes (Come Turn Me On) were nominated in the category last year but lost to Love Song Ain’t For Us by Amy Shark featuring Keith Urban, as co-written by Ed Sheeran. Evans is a previous winner, with Diamonds in 2021 marking his fourth consecutive win in the category.

Started in 1982, the APRA Music Awards celebrate excellence in contemporary music, honouring songwriters and publishers that have achieved artistic excellence and outstanding success in their fields. The nominees in the ‘Most Performed Country Work’ category (previously titled ‘Country Work of the Year’) is compiled from the Country Tracks Top 40 and Countrytown Hot 50 Country Airplay Chart, based on radio airplay of tracks released in Australia throughout the relevant period. ARIA Top 20 Australian Country Albums chart is also used to cross reference with Country Tracks chart.

The 2023 APRA Music Awards will be held on Thursday, April 27 at ICC Sydney, Gadigal land, hosted Celia Pacquola and guest presenters Fred Leone and Henry Wagons. Musical Director François Tétaz will curate the live performances. More details and live performers to be announced.

You can check out the fill list of nominees here.