Noosa’s own Sari Abbott took centre stage at The Australian Songwriters Association (ASA) 42nd National Songwriting Awards in Sydney last week.
The ceremony on Thursday 21 September at Hurlstone Park RSL, was a testament to the extraordinary talent within the Australian music industry, and it was here that Sari Abbott demonstrated her songwriting skills.
From a massive pool of over 2000 entries, Sari was nominated in the top 30 for three different categories.
Her exceptional work was acknowledged in the following sections:
Country – for her co-written song Feels Like Home with James Johnston, Jared Adlam, and Nolan Wynne.
Folk – for the hauntingly beautiful Too Much Space, co-written with Cass Hopetoun and Blake Dantier.
Open – for the evocative Burning, a composition solely written by Sari Abbott.
The evening was filled with anticipation as the ASA announced the Top 10 finalists in each category. Sari’s name was announced in the Top 10 for all three categories, showcasing her remarkable songwriting prowess.
The results that followed demonstrated her talents:
– Country Runner-Up presented by Justin Thompson of KIX Country and musician Mick Ridgway.
– Sari made the top 10 in the Folk category, with the award being presented by Kat Ferguson and Cha Samaraweera of Katcha Music.
– Sari emerged as the Open category winner, presented by Peter Hebbes of Hebbes Music Group (AMCOS/AMPAL) and David Rogerson of Strategic Media Solutions/Strategic New Media.
Sari’s victory in the Open Category led to her performing her award-winning single Burning in front of an enthusiastic, sold-out crowd.
But the night didn’t end there for Sari. She was also nominated for the prestigious APRA/ASA Songwriter of the Year Award, further highlighting her immense contributions to the music industry.
Adding to her accolades, Sari secured the PPCA Best Live Performance award for the evening, presented by Linda Courtney and Dane Hodges of ARIA/PPCA, along with $500 in prize money.
“I was absolutely honoured to receive these awards at the 42nd Australian Songwriting Awards, knowing how much talent there is in Australian music,” Sari said.
“It’s so cool that one of my songs, that has always been very personal, was received so well by so many people and recognised in the Open Section at the ASA Awards.“
Her wins extended beyond the stage, as Sari also received:
– Black Pearl Studios Recording Time valued at $1000.
– A 10-week term at the esteemed I Heart Songwriting Club, valued at $55.
– A 50 per cent off membership to the I Heart Songwriting Club.
– A free tax return from Christian Fox Accountants.
– 500 custom printed guitar picks, a leather strap, and a keyring from Grover Allman, valued at $305.
The evening was further graced by the presence of music legends, including Colin Burgess of Masters Apprentices and ACDC, and Keith Potger of The Seekers. To honour outstanding careers, Barry Gibb and Dave Faulkner received the prestigious Hall of Fame Awards, presented by the illustrious Glenn A Baker.
Sari Abbott is currently charting on the AMRAP Regional Charts, Country Radio Charts and her latest single, Two Way Street, has been added to iHeart Country Australia.
Two Way Street was supported by a Regional Arts Development Fund grant via Noosa Council.
