For the past 50 years the APRA Silver Scroll Award has commended the efforts of Aotearoa's best songwriters.

Past recipients have included the likes of The Fourmyula, Sharon O' Neil, Dave Dobbyn, Bic Runga, Che Fu, Lorde and last year's winners Ruban and Kody Nielson with Unknown Mortal Orchestra's 'Multi Love'.

The Sami Sisters at RNZ Auckland (PHOTO: RNZ)

While we won't know the winner until Thursday 29th of September, let's get to know the 20 finalists for 2016.

Where do they live? Auckland

What release is the song from? Volume I EP

Our favourite lyric from the song: I get lost in my youth, Looking for proof, of 10-years of nothing, or 10-years of something true

Last time they talked to RNZ: Seth accompanied He Huinga Whetū when they performed a tribute to Dr. Hirini Melbourne.

Facebook/Soundcloud

Where do they live? Auckland

What release is the song from? Absolute Truth

Our favourite lyric from the song: and when I reached the end, the certificate - it was you.

Last time they talked to RNZ: We had Lawrence Arabia perform his nominated track lakeside.

Facebook/Soundcloud

Gareth Thomas - All Eyes In The Room

Where do they live? Auckland

What release is the song from? Fizzy Milk

Our favourite lyric from the song: Like some loved-up fool I’m singing; “When you’re sweet, You’re just so lovely”

Last time they talked to RNZ: Gareth performed his nominated track on Jesse Mulligan, 1-4pm.

Facebook/Bandcamp

Leisure - All Over You

Where do they live? Auckland

What release is the song from? All Over You single

Our favourite lyric from the song: But this is not about us, this is not about us.

Last time they talked to RNZ: They haven't! Yet. A date is imminent.

Facebook/Soundcloud

The Sami Sisters - August Song

Where do they live? Auckland

What release is the song from? An upcoming sophomore release.

Our favourite lyric from the song: Through these eyes I see you now, all you ever wanted was to feel worthwhile.

Last time they talked to RNZ: The Sami Sisters appeared on an episode of Musical Siblings.

Facebook/Soundcloud

Pacific Heights - Buried By The Burden ft. Louis Baker

Where do they live? Wellington

What release is the song from? The Stillness

Our favourite lyric from the song: A thousand indecisions, Haunting my vision, And under it all, I'm buried by the burden.

Last time they talked to RNZ: Pacific Heights picks the highlights from his new record 'The Stillness'.

Facebook/Soundcloud

David Dallas - Don't Rate That

Where do they live? Auckland

What release is the song from? Don't Rate That single

Our favourite lyric from the song: Always putting more brown people on the ads, Knowing damn well they tryna trick us out of cash, Sports stars front the campaigns, and it's sad, Really selling out, do they understand?

Last time they talked to RNZ: David Dallas performs live at South Auckland's Barry Curtis Park.

Facebook/Soundcloud

Lydia Cole - Dream

Where do they live? Auckland

What release is the song from? Dream single

Our favourite lyric from the song: When I met you it was winter, But I knew you in the spring

Last time they talked to RNZ: Lydia Cole performs on NZ Live.

Facebook/Soundcloud

The Phoenix Foundation - Give Up Your Dreams

Where do they live? Wellington

What release is the song from? Give Up Your Dreams

Our favourite lyric from the song: I’ve been giving up on all my aspirations, Thinking about getting a job, How does one transition to a mortal from a god

Last time they talked to RNZ: The Phoenix Foundation perform live at The Powerstation.

Facebook/Soundcloud

Dave Dobbyn - Harmony House

Photo: Supplied

Where do they live? Auckland

What release is the song from? Harmony House

Our favourite lyric from the song: She soars to Harmony House, through doors to Harmony House.

Last time they talked to RNZ: Dave Dobbyn performs live at Slow Boat Records.

Facebook/Soundcloud

Thomas Oliver - If I Move To Mars

Where do they live? Wellington

What release is the song from? If I Move To Mars single

Our favourite lyric from the song: There won't be a lady we'll be paying daily, just to stay, maybe

Last time they talked to RNZ: Thomas joined us in session.

Facebook/Soundcloud

Holly Arrowsmith - Love Will Be A River

Where do they live? Queenstown

What release is the song from? For The Weary Traveller

Our favourite lyric from the song: I am cracked and flawed, So are you, But these are spaces for the light to come pouring through

Last time they talked to RNZ: Holly performed on NZ Live on Jesse Mulligan 1-4PM.

Facebook/Bandcamp

Electric Wire Hustle - March ft. Deva Mahal

Where do they live? Wellington

What release is the song from? Aeons EP

Our favourite lyric from the song: No fall, no fear, no worries, no tears, No pain my dear, no pressure.

Last time they talked to RNZ: Electric Wire Hustle compile their favourites for The Mixtape.

Facebook/Soundcloud

Yoko-Zuna - One Question ft. Laughton Kora

Where do they live? Auckland

What release is the song from? Luminols

Our favourite lyric from the song: I’ve been asked to face, My burning sins within me.

Last time they talked to RNZ: Yoko-Zuna perform live in their Headquarters.

Facebook/Bandcamp

Street Chant - Pedestrian Support League

Where do they live? Auckland

What release is the song from? Hauora

Our favourite lyric from the song: You’re stealing my soap and don’t think that I don’t know.

Last time they talked to RNZ: Street Chant run Sam Wicks through Hauora.

Facebook/Soundcloud

Miloux - Pocket

Where do they live? Auckland

What release is the song from? EP1

Our favourite lyric from the song: There’s a stone in my pocket but I kept it for you, If you want us together you should watch what we do.

Last time they talked to RNZ: Miloux performs These Rules live in session.

Facebook/Soundcloud

Andrew Keoghan - Stuck In Melodies

Where do they live? Auckland

What release is the song from? Every Orchid Offering

Our favourite lyric from the song: And you're not strange, You're a servant to what's happening

Last time they talked to RNZ: Andrew performs live on NZ Live (and listen out for him on Music 101 this Saturday)

Facebook/Soundcloud

Tami Neilson - The First Man

Where do they live? Auckland

What release is the song from? Don't Be Afraid

Our favourite lyric from the song: The one man I’ll be loving, From the first day to the last day of my life

Last time they talked to RNZ: Tami Neilson joined Emma Smith on Music 101.

Facebook/Bandcamp

Mice On Stilts - The Hours

Where do they live? Auckland

What release is the song from? Hope for a Mourning

Our favourite lyric from the song: I just need a lifetime here alone

Last time they talked to RNZ: Mice On Stilts performed live on Jesse Mulligan 1-4PM.

Facebook/Bandcamp

Shayne P. Carter - We Will Rise Again

Photo: supplied

Where do they live? Dunedin

What release is the song from? Offsider

Our favourite lyric from the song: We will rise again, (this I predict), We will rise again

Last time they talked to RNZ: Shayne P Carter introduces 'We Will Rise Again'.

Facebook/Bandcamp