2025 WAM Song of The Year Nominees Revealed!

The search for WA’s best songwriting talent heats up as West Australian Music (WAM) unveils its nominees across 17 categories in the 2025 Song of the Year competition presented by Act Belong Commit. With more than 800 original songs submitted by artists from all corners of the state, this year is set to showcase the incredible depth and diversity of WA’s local songwriting scene.  

The 2025 nominees showcase the depth of talent in WA’s contemporary music scene, with songs spanning an array of genres and strong representation of emerging and established songwriters from right across the state. Dominating the nominee pool is exciting young first nations talent ICONYX, who has accrued a whopping three nominations, alongside much-loved acts Adrian Dzvuke and Joan & The Giants who have both received two nominations.   

The Song of the Year competition is assessed by a distinguished panel of experienced local and national industry professionals, offering songwriters a rare and valuable chance to have their music heard and celebrated. WAM extends a heartfelt thank you to all this year’s outstanding judges for their time, expertise, and dedication.  

Winners for each category will receive a cash prize and studio time donated by generous local sponsors. Grand prize winners will also win additional prizes including cash, industry perks, promotion packages, discounts, and much more.  

2025 saw WAM debut unique new category ‘A Song for Sophie’, where entrants under 25 were judged on lyrics demonstrating a deep connection with human emotions. This award was created in recognition of local music enthusiast and artist Sophie Smith, and is made possible thanks to the Sophie Smith Fund held with the Fremantle Foundation. The winner of this category is set to receive a cash prize and exclusive mentoring with Jodi Davieson of renowned local band San Cisco.   

The winners of the 2025 Song of the Year Competition will be unveiled at the highly anticipated awards night, returning to Freo.Social on Wednesday, 18 June 2025 in front of a live audience. On the night, selected artists will join the list of esteemed winners of this 30 year old competition, including Stella Donnelly, Kučka, Little Birdy, Abbe May, The Waifs, and South Summit.  

WAM CEO, Owen Whittle Said: “This year’s competition shows that there is something in the water in WA and that we continue to develop the most diverse and exciting music in the country. In many cases only a handful of votes separating the top songs and shows the breadth and depth of our talent.” 

WAM are proud to be working alongside Healthway to share the Act Belong Commit message for mental and physical health throughout the competition, an important message for people of all ages. 

As we draw closer to the big reveal, it’s time to immerse yourselves in the incredible songs of this year’s WAM Song of the Year nominee’s playlist below and discover some of the best new music created in our amazing state.