Brightness on the rise | Auckland Lifestyle News | Health, Fashion, Food and Wine in Auckland

Sharu Delikan meets a young band making ripples in the big pool of New Zealand music talent.

When Artisan Guns' vocalist Matthew Hope wrote the melody for the band's first single, Autumn, in just half an hour little did he think the song would be a finalist in the 2010 APRA Silver Scroll Awards.

"I really didn't expect this, although I must admit it's my favourite song we've produced so far. I basically wrote it one night when I found it hard to sleep," he says.

Also the band's lyricist and acoustic guitarist, Hope describes the APRA experience as almost surreal. "We were already stoked when we got into the top 20, but being one of the top five is nothing short of amazing."

The 21-year-old Aucklander says Autumn loosely describes the way he used to feel at that time of year. "It's when all the sun and brightness is being dragged away and when university was just beginning."

APRA finalists are chosen by their peers. More than 7500 APRA members are the country's songwriters and composers. This year's finalists include Julia Deans, Anika Moa, Mint Chicks, The Naked And Famous.

"Looking at who we're up against we know that hoping to win is a little ridiculous and we're not expecting to do so by a long shot. It's almost unbelievable to be a finalist along with the Mint Chicks who I've been listening to from back in the day, way before they became famous."

2010 APRA Silver Scroll Award winners will be announced on Sept 8. Details, see: www.apra-amcos.co.nz