About Sophie Smith
Sophie grew up and lived in Fremantle until she was 20 years old before travelling to England to take up an exchange program at the University of Hertfordshire. From a relative home-body until her mid-teens – loving books and music- her ‘butterfly emergence’ came within a global mix of students extending their horizons, with London’s live music scene on the doorstep. Sophie’s further 2 years living and working in London saw her research and listen to new musicians as well as travel to many music festivals in UK and Europe. Upon her return to Australia Sophie relocated to Sydney to live, loving its vibe, diversity and live music opportunities.
In September 2012 Sophie was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. Unfortunately, multiple regimens of treatment were not able to halt the disease and in April 2014 Sophie passed away here in Perth, aged just 27.
What the ‘A Song for Sophie’ Award
The ‘A Song for Sophie’ Award, is open to all Song of the Year entrants under the age of 25. Eligible applicants can optionally enter to be judged for this award, when entering into other Song of the Year categories, on the Song of the Year Platform.
The recipient of the award will be mentored by an established local artist, on a quarterly basis across 12 months. Additionally, the recipient will also receive a cash prize of $2500 to fund their own artist development.
What are we looking for
To honour Sophie’s personal passions, which enriched her life from a young age, the Award will strongly focus on lyricism. Sophie’s interest in the words within music, stemmed from her sensitive nature and deep understanding and observation of human emotions. It is anticipated that the successful applicant will consider these astute feelings and demonstrate the telling of a deeply meaningful story within music.
Sophie’s personal credo for seeking out and supporting emerging musicians was developed and honed through her lifestyle in both London and Sydney during her early and mid-20’s. It is hoped that this Award will enable Sophie’s legacy to have an effective impact upon the development of a young emerging Western Australian musician’s natural talent and to help elevate Sophie’s home town’s music scene.
How is the winner selected?
All entrants are required to submit:
· An original song, with themes best aligning to Sophie’s passions.
· Lyrics accompanying the track.
· A reason they wish to be considered for the award.
Entrants will be shortlisted, before being put to the judging panel consisting of the Smith Family, a Fremantle Foundation representative and the mentoring artist. Entrants will be judged based on a selection criterion, created in collaboration with WAM and the Smith family, to best honour Sophie and her passions for lyricism and music.
The recipient of the award will be announced at the Song of the Year Awards night.
