With $10K in the pocket and a 2025 APRA Professional Development Award to his name, Sydney-based composer/ indie artist Samuel Marks is soundtracking his way to success.
The annual APRA Professional Development Awards are designed to recognise and support Australian songwriters and composers who are at a pivotal stage in their career.
Samuel, who won the Screen Composition category, says that first and foremost, the award provides a prominent mile marker on his musical journey to tell him he's going in the right direction. "It's quite an honour to be given the award," he says.
"To me it's been a really good indicator I'm doing the right thing because there is no predetermined map in this industry; it's enigmatic and difficult to work it out. It revitalised me and has given me momentum.
"It's not an award for a particular piece of work, but "It's recognition of one person's hard work, discipline, drive and dedication in a career that is extremely competitive."
"Anyone there could have won the award based on skill. There are so many composers out there that can do exactly what you do, and better."
An indie artist releasing music since 2020, Samuel has primarily been focussed on his work as a composer for film, television and video games. In 2022, he teamed up with friend and fellow composer Rory Chenoweth to establish Epoch Music, producing their debut original soundtrack for the indie video game 'Nine Realms: Revolt'.
The album was nominated for a 2024 APRA Screen Music Award in the Best Music for a Video Game category. "I tried to develop relationships with people in the industry and that's basically been the key to my career, besides discipline and hard work, is showing up every day," Samuel says.
"People in these creative industries talk about having luck – I happened to meet my current business partner Rory who at the time introduced me to people in the industry where I was able to get some mentorship and work. That led to me having a really great past couple of years."
Applications for the 2026 APRA Professional Development Awards are now open, with another $130K to be shared between 13 recipients. "Speaking from my personal experience where I almost didn't apply, if you feel like it's not going to be worth your time and effort, just do it," Samuel encourages.
"I was in that position. I thought that there were way too many composers around me that were doing better work than me, that's how I felt. I did it as a Hail Mary. I didn't think I'd be a finalist let alone win the award, so if anyone is thinking about it, just do it.
"Also, in the process of doing these applications, you get some time to reflect on what you have done, where you are and where you'd like to see yourself down the track."
Applications for the 2026 APRA Professional Development Awards close 5pm AEST on 23 September 2025, with winners announced on 12 February, 2026.
