Recipients of Inaugural Diana Torossian Emerging Songwriter Award Announced

The first-ever winners of the APRA Diana Torossian Emerging Songwriter Award, a dedication to the late artist manager that was announced in May, have been revealed.

First prize was awarded to indie songwriter Ama, who received a $5,000 cash prize and $20,000 worth of mentorship sessions with industry experts. Said experts include songwriters Andrew Lowden (Thrones), David Musumeci and Anthony Egizi (DNA), Evie Irie, Gary Pinto and Michael Fatkin.

Additionally, they will participate in five mentoring sessions with artist managers Lorrae McKenna (Golden Grants), Michael Parisi (management), Paul Harris (Warner Music A&R), Rachel Kelly (Unified Publishing) and Sammie Walsh (Beehive PR).

“I honestly can’t put into words how much it means to receive this award. I feel incredibly honoured and grateful to everyone involved in this project,” Ama said.

“It’s a moment of real validation that I’m on the right career path, and it gives me the chance to fully invest in myself and pursue this artist journey with everything I’ve got.”

Second prize was awarded to Wollongong-based alt-pop/RnB popstar Daisy Pring, who scored a year-long ‘Songwriter Success Masterplan’ career development course at the Australian Songwriters Conference — valued at $6,500.

“I am extremely grateful and honoured to receive recognition and support in my songwriting” Pring said. “To be presented this award with the name of one of the industry’s best, Diana Torossian, is a moment I will cherish forever.”

The awards are dedicated to one of Australia’s most prolific artist managers. Torossian sadly passed away in September 2024, but had a career spanning multiple labels and signing Australian artists like Baby Animals, Hoodoo Gurus, Diesel, David Musumeci and Anthony Egizii (DNA), Lindsay Rimes and Sarah Aarons.

David Musumeci, who set up the award with Andrew Lowden and David Rosenberg, said: “We’ve been overwhelmed with the huge response to this award, which just goes to show how important recognition and support like this are for emerging songwriters. We hope that AMA and Daisy continue their incredible trajectory in the music industry and look forward to seeing and hearing what they do next!”