What Is 2013 APRA Silver Scroll Awards

Overview

The 2013 APRA Silver Scroll Awards celebrated the best in New Zealand songwriting, recognizing composers and lyricists who contributed significantly to the nation's music culture. Hosted by the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA), the event has been a cornerstone of the Kiwi music industry since 1965.

Held on September 26, 2013, at Vector Arena in Auckland, the awards highlighted both emerging and established talent. The night culminated in Lorde taking home the top honor for her global hit 'Royals,' a song that not only dominated charts but redefined pop music aesthetics.

• Lorde won the Silver Scroll Award for 'Royals,' a minimalist pop anthem that reached number one in multiple countries, including the US and UK.
• The ceremony marked the 46th annual presentation of the Silver Scroll, underscoring its long-standing role in honoring New Zealand's musical creativity.
• Vector Arena in Auckland served as the venue, hosting over 2,000 guests, including musicians, industry executives, and media personnel.
• APRA, which stands for the Australasian Performing Right Association, administers performance rights and promotes New Zealand’s songwriting community.
• Five finalists were shortlisted for the top prize, including songs by Brooke Fraser, David Dallas, and The Naked and Famous, reflecting diverse genres.

How It Works

The APRA Silver Scroll Awards are determined by a panel of music industry professionals who evaluate songs based on originality, lyrical quality, and cultural impact. Unlike popularity-based awards, the Silver Scroll emphasizes the artistry behind composition rather than commercial success.

• Eligibility Period: Songs must have been released between July of the previous year and June of the award year. For 2013, this covered mid-2012 to mid-2013.
• Submission Process: Members of APRA submit eligible songs, with each entry requiring proof of authorship and release date within the qualifying window.
• Judging Panel: A rotating panel of 15–20 music experts, including producers, journalists, and past winners, reviews all submissions to select five finalists.
• Final Selection: The winner is chosen by the panel from the shortlist, with no public voting involved in the final decision-making process.
• Award Criteria: Songs are judged on lyrical depth, originality, and compositional skill, not chart performance or sales figures.
• Prize Value: The winner receives a cash prize of NZ$1,000 and a commemorative trophy, symbolizing peer recognition in the music community.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2013 Silver Scroll finalists compared in terms of genre, chart performance, and songwriter background:

While Lorde’s 'Royals' achieved the highest international visibility, other finalists like Neil Finn and Brooke Fraser brought decades of songwriting experience. The diversity of genres—from hip-hop to gospel—illustrates the breadth of New Zealand’s musical landscape and APRA’s commitment to honoring artistic merit across styles.

Why It Matters

The 2013 APRA Silver Scroll Awards were a pivotal moment in New Zealand’s cultural history, spotlighting homegrown talent on a global scale. Lorde’s win, in particular, signaled a shift in pop music toward introspective, minimalist songwriting.

• Lorde was only 16 at the time of her win, making her one of the youngest recipients in the award’s history.
• 'Royals' later earned a Grammy Award nomination for Song of the Year, elevating New Zealand’s international music profile.
• The win helped boost APRA membership by 12% the following year, as emerging artists sought recognition.
• It highlighted the importance of independent songwriting in an era dominated by commercial production teams.
• The event was broadcast nationally, reaching over 150,000 viewers on Māori Television and online platforms.
• Winning the Silver Scroll has historically increased a song’s airplay by up to 40% in the months following the ceremony.

The 2013 awards not only celebrated individual achievement but also reinforced the value of songwriting as an art form in Aotearoa. By honoring authenticity and creativity, the Silver Scroll continues to shape the future of New Zealand music.