Gotye, Kimbra, Face Off At APRAs

Kimbra who features on Gotye’s chart-topper “Somebody That I Used To Know” is up against him at the 30th APRA (Australasian Performing Right Association) awards May 28 at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre.

“Somebody That I Used To Know” is a song of the year finalist against Kimbra’s “Cameo Lover.”

Also in the category are Lanie Lane’s “(Oh Well) That’s What You Get (Falling in Love With A Cowboy),” Matt Corby’s “Brother” and “You Should Consider Having Sex With A Bearded Man” by rock band The Beards, whose entire repertoire is about beards.

Gotye’s song was also nominated for most played Australian work, alongside entries by reggae pioneer Maxi Priest’s Sydney-based son Marvin Priest, dance act The Potbelleez and rock bands Birds of Tokyo and Jebediah.

Kimbra reappeared in the nominations for breakthrough songwriter, with Lani Lane, Corby, folk rock band Boy & Bear and rapper Drapht.

Kimbra, 22, born in New Zealand and based in Melbourne, also won the $50,000 grand prize of this year’s U.S.-based International Songwriting Competition.

Five other Aussie acts won in other categories: Shane Nicholson (Americana), Missy Higgins (folk/singer songwriter), Natasha Duarte (teen), Michael Paynter (unsigned) and Jebediah (rock).

Aussies dominated the rock section, with No. 2 being Eskimo Joe and No. 3 The Living End.