For the past 50 years the APRA Silver Scroll Award has commended the efforts of Aotearoa's best songwriters.
Past recipients have included the likes of The Fourmyula, Sharon O' Neil, Dave Dobbyn, Bic Runga, Che Fu, Lorde and last year's winners Ruban and Kody Nielson with Unknown Mortal Orchestra's 'Multi Love'.
While we won't know the winner until Thursday 29th of September, let's get to know the 20 finalists for 2016.
Seth Haapu - 10 Years
Where do they live? Auckland
What release is the song from? Volume I EP
Our favourite lyric from the song: I get lost in my youth, Looking for proof, of 10-years of nothing, or 10-years of something true
Last time they talked to RNZ: Seth accompanied He Huinga Whetū when they performed a tribute to Dr. Hirini Melbourne.
Lawrence Arabia - A Lake
Where do they live? Auckland
What release is the song from? Absolute Truth
Our favourite lyric from the song: and when I reached the end, the certificate - it was you.
Last time they talked to RNZ: We had Lawrence Arabia perform his nominated track lakeside.
Gareth Thomas - All Eyes In The Room
Where do they live? Auckland
What release is the song from? Fizzy Milk
Our favourite lyric from the song: Like some loved-up fool I’m singing; “When you’re sweet, You’re just so lovely”
Last time they talked to RNZ: Gareth performed his nominated track on Jesse Mulligan, 1-4pm.
Leisure - All Over You
Where do they live? Auckland
What release is the song from? All Over You single
Our favourite lyric from the song: But this is not about us, this is not about us.
Last time they talked to RNZ: They haven't! Yet. A date is imminent.
The Sami Sisters - August Song
Where do they live? Auckland
What release is the song from? An upcoming sophomore release.
Our favourite lyric from the song: Through these eyes I see you now, all you ever wanted was to feel worthwhile.
Last time they talked to RNZ: The Sami Sisters appeared on an episode of Musical Siblings.
Pacific Heights - Buried By The Burden ft. Louis Baker
Where do they live? Wellington
What release is the song from? The Stillness
Our favourite lyric from the song: A thousand indecisions, Haunting my vision, And under it all, I'm buried by the burden.
Last time they talked to RNZ: Pacific Heights picks the highlights from his new record 'The Stillness'.
David Dallas - Don't Rate That
Where do they live? Auckland
What release is the song from? Don't Rate That single
Our favourite lyric from the song: Always putting more brown people on the ads, Knowing damn well they tryna trick us out of cash, Sports stars front the campaigns, and it's sad, Really selling out, do they understand?
Last time they talked to RNZ: David Dallas performs live at South Auckland's Barry Curtis Park.
Lydia Cole - Dream
Where do they live? Auckland
What release is the song from? Dream single
Our favourite lyric from the song: When I met you it was winter, But I knew you in the spring
Last time they talked to RNZ: Lydia Cole performs on NZ Live.
The Phoenix Foundation - Give Up Your Dreams
Where do they live? Wellington
What release is the song from? Give Up Your Dreams
Our favourite lyric from the song: I’ve been giving up on all my aspirations, Thinking about getting a job, How does one transition to a mortal from a god
Last time they talked to RNZ: The Phoenix Foundation perform live at The Powerstation.
Dave Dobbyn - Harmony House
Dave Dobbyn Photo: Supplied
Where do they live? Auckland
What release is the song from? Harmony House
Our favourite lyric from the song: She soars to Harmony House, through doors to Harmony House.
Last time they talked to RNZ: Dave Dobbyn performs live at Slow Boat Records.
Thomas Oliver - If I Move To Mars
Where do they live? Wellington
What release is the song from? If I Move To Mars single
Our favourite lyric from the song: There won't be a lady we'll be paying daily, just to stay, maybe
Last time they talked to RNZ: Thomas joined us in session.
Holly Arrowsmith - Love Will Be A River
Where do they live? Queenstown
What release is the song from? For The Weary Traveller
Our favourite lyric from the song: I am cracked and flawed, So are you, But these are spaces for the light to come pouring through
Last time they talked to RNZ: Holly performed on NZ Live on Jesse Mulligan 1-4PM.
Electric Wire Hustle - March ft. Deva Mahal
Where do they live? Wellington
What release is the song from? Aeons EP
Our favourite lyric from the song: No fall, no fear, no worries, no tears, No pain my dear, no pressure.
Last time they talked to RNZ: Electric Wire Hustle compile their favourites for The Mixtape.
Yoko-Zuna - One Question ft. Laughton Kora
Where do they live? Auckland
What release is the song from? Luminols
Our favourite lyric from the song: I’ve been asked to face, My burning sins within me.
Last time they talked to RNZ: Yoko-Zuna perform live in their Headquarters.
Street Chant - Pedestrian Support League
Where do they live? Auckland
What release is the song from? Hauora
Our favourite lyric from the song: You’re stealing my soap and don’t think that I don’t know.
Last time they talked to RNZ: Street Chant run Sam Wicks through Hauora.
Miloux - Pocket
Where do they live? Auckland
What release is the song from? EP1
Our favourite lyric from the song: There’s a stone in my pocket but I kept it for you, If you want us together you should watch what we do.
Last time they talked to RNZ: Miloux performs These Rules live in session.
Andrew Keoghan - Stuck In Melodies
Where do they live? Auckland
What release is the song from? Every Orchid Offering
Our favourite lyric from the song: And you're not strange, You're a servant to what's happening
Last time they talked to RNZ: Andrew performs live on NZ Live (and listen out for him on Music 101 this Saturday)
Tami Neilson - The First Man
Where do they live? Auckland
What release is the song from? Don't Be Afraid
Our favourite lyric from the song: The one man I’ll be loving, From the first day to the last day of my life
Last time they talked to RNZ: Tami Neilson joined Emma Smith on Music 101.
Mice On Stilts - The Hours
Where do they live? Auckland
What release is the song from? Hope for a Mourning
Our favourite lyric from the song: I just need a lifetime here alone
Last time they talked to RNZ: Mice On Stilts performed live on Jesse Mulligan 1-4PM.
Shayne P. Carter - We Will Rise Again
Shayne P Carter 2016 Photo: supplied
Where do they live? Dunedin
What release is the song from? Offsider
Our favourite lyric from the song: We will rise again, (this I predict), We will rise again
Last time they talked to RNZ: Shayne P Carter introduces 'We Will Rise Again'.
Apra Silver Scroll Photo: APRA
