It was a case of fourth time lucky for the Beths - as the soaring title track from their album Expert in a Dying Field edged a quartet of formidable rivals for the coveted APRA Silver Scroll Award.

After three other ventures into the top five decided by fellow Kiwi musicians and songwriters, 2023 provided the breakthrough for the indy darling quartet of Elizabeth Stokes, Jonathan Pearce, Benjamin Sinclair and Tristan Deck.

The enduring 40-year career of legendary Don McGlashan cast a warm glow over the evening, as he was honoured on stage and the podium with his elevation into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame.

There was also biting criticism over the lack of an arts and music policy from all the political parties except the Greens and Auckland Central MP Chloe Swarbrick, who was there.

The Beths are currently on an extensive American tour but they were surprised on video by APRA before the event. Singer and songwriter Liz Stokes knew it was a good song and “the best shot we’ve ever had” - describing their elevation as extremely exciting.

“It means a lot to be alongside all these musicians on the trophy; they’re all so good and now we get to be on it as well.”

Their melodic and moving breakthrough denied Marlon Williams a trophy for his catchy dance track Don’t Go Back.

Tom Scott and Avantdale Bowling Club’s Friday Night @ The Liquor Store was also in the top five mix along with Layla by Unknown Mortal Orchestra and Tiny Ruins’ poignant track The Crab / Waterbaby - written by Hollie Fullbrook.

The collaborative tradition of live reinterpretations of all five finalists’ songs produced some stunning results - notably a sassy version of Tom Scott’s socially aware hip-hop tune by Jujulipps, and Samara Alofa’s soulful take on the winning track by the Beths.

Arts and culture’s place in the looming election, or the lack of it, drew condemnation on stage and murmurs of disapproval from the crowd.

Acclaimed composer Victoria Kelly won the SOUNZ Contemporary Award for her Requiem, based on different poems by Bill Manhire, Hunt, Ian Wedde, Chloe Honum, and James K Baxter. It was performed brilliantly by the Francesca Parussini Ensemble.

Kelly (above) was scathing about “the politicians who haven’t shown up” during the election. She said artists are struggling and need the government to create pathways for a global audience.

“Put music in our schools and see what happens to numeracy and literacy”.

But in so many ways the night belonged to Don McGlashan.

His hall of fame status underlined his status as a songwriter, advocate, and leader in the New Zealand music community ... including his iconic and groundbreaking bands From Scratch, Blam Blam Blam, the Front Lawn and the Mutton Birds and so many great songs. He was even referred to as Sir Don at one stage.

Shayne Carter waxed lyrical with splashes of dark Kiwi humour as he paid tribute to his old mate and mentor.

Carter described the touching Front Lawn opus Andy as one of the most beautiful songs to come out of New Zealand, and it was given a wonderful, evocative tribute by The Exploding Rainbow Orchestra with Vera Ellen on vocals.

McGlashan was in top form accepting his honour and reading from a long list of dearest and influential that have helped during his illustrious career, and he ended with the battle cry - “we need more music”.

Silver Scroll music directors Steph Brown and Fen Ikner (aka LIPS) curated two other rousing performances - opening with the Mutton Birds firestarter The Heater performed by Anna Coddington and The Appreciations - complete with a dance routine featuring a giant heater and a huge plug.

Fittingly the night ended with a joyous performance of Tomorrow Night, led by Jed Parsons.

The APRA Maioha Award | Tohu Maioha was presented to the songwriting tīma of Mohi, Hēmi Kelly, Amy Boroevich, Noema Te Hau III for Me Pēhea Rā, performed beautifully on the night by Majic Paora with Steph Brown, Fen Ikner, Vai Puni Tupaea and Ani Asiata.

The winner of the APRA Best Original Music In A Series Award was Tom McLeod for Blood, Sex, and Royalty.

And Karl Sölve Steven was again honoured for his striking scores - claiming the APRA Best Original Music In A Film Award for The Subtle Art of Not Giving a #@%!

Silver Scrolls results 2023

APRA Silver Scroll Award | Kaitito Kaiaka
· WINNER: Expert in a Dying Field written by Elizabeth Stokes, Jonathan Pearce, Benjamin Sinclair, Tristan Deck performed by The Beths 

· Don’t Go Back written by Marlon Williams*, Mark Perkins* performed by Marlon Williams
· Friday Night @ The Liquor Store written by Tom Scott, Christopher James performed by Avantdale Bowling Club
· Layla written by Ruban Nielson, Kody Nielson performed by Unknown Mortal Orchestra 
· The Crab / Waterbaby written by Hollie Fullbrook performed by Tiny Ruins

APRA Maioha Award | Tohu Maioha
· WINNER: Me Pēhea Rā written by Mohi Allen, Hēmi Kelly, Amy Boroevich, Noema Te Hau III, performed by MOHI
 

· E Tama written by Hamiora Tuari, Ani Piki Tuari, Tame Tuari, Tatana Tuari, Matt Sadgrove, performed by Tuari Brothers
· Raumati written by Jordyn Rapana translated by Te Kuru Dewes, performed by Jordyn with a Why

SOUNZ Contemporary Award | Te Tohu Auaha
· WINNER: Requiem by Victoria Kelly based on poetry by Bill Manhire, Sam Hunt, Ian Wedde, Chloe Honum & James K Baxter - for Soprano, Tenor, Choir and Orchestra

· Mycelium by Nathaniel Otley, for Bass Flute, Trumpet, Percussion, Electric Guitar, Keyboard, Violin, Cello, and Contrabass
· No ro hunu ake by Joshua Pearson, for choral ensemble

APRA Best Original Music In A Series Award | Tohu Paerangi 

· WINNER: Tom McLeod for Blood, Sex, & Royalty

· Mahuia Bridgman-Cooper for The Gone 

· Claire Cowan for Under The Vines

APRA Best Original Music In A Film Award | Tohu Pūmanawa
· WINNER: Karl Sölve Steven for The Subtle Art of Not Giving a #@%!

·Mark Vanilau for A Boy Called Piano - The Story of Fa’amoana John Luafutu
· Cam Ballantyne for Nude Tuesday

NZ Music Hall of Fame | Te Whare Taonga Puoro o Aotearoa inductee
· Don McGlashan