Australia’s music licensing and management body APRA AMCOS has announced the winners of the 2021 Professional Development Awards. The PDAs, which will now be presented annually, aim to support emerging songwriters and composers through nine $10,000 cash prizes across multiple genres (Popular Contemporary, Country Americana, Jazz & Improvised, Classical & Experimental, Dance/Electronic, Hip Hop/Rap/Soul/R&B, Film & Television/Gaming, and Music Theatre). One separate prize is additionally awarded by The Smugglers of Light Foundation (established by composer Nigel Westlake). Earlier this month, 50 finalists were announced, as well as the introduction of a new Music Theatre award category.

APRA PDA 2021 Recipients (left-right from top): Jesswar, Freya Berkout, Sarah Buckely, Chris Arnott, Alex Lahey, Steve Barry, Connor D’Netto, Jeremy Marou, Woodes, Naomi Livingston, Hugo Chiarella. Photograph courtesy of APRA AMCOS

Acclaimed young composer Connor D’Netto has taken out the prize for Classical & Experimental music. D’Netto was highlighted in Limelight’s Gen Next feature in October of 2019 as one of the 30 young musicians worth taking note of. The Brisbane-based composer’s post-minimalist style is proving highly successful and he...