by Thomas Browne
All the competing TV talent shows are also serving as prime-time entertainment programmes and this can dilute the benefit to many budding and more established musicians. If you want pure talent to come to the fore then what better than to be judged by an esteemed panel of respected songwriters and record company executives away from the TV studio and entirely on merit. That is what the world-renowned International Songwriting Competition (ISC) sets out to do. Its mission is to shine a world-wide spotlight on emerging and established songwriting talent thus amateur and professional songwriters and musicians are invited to participate.
What sets apart the International Songwriting Competition apart is the quality and depth of its judges and supporters. The line up is phenomenal this year including such luminaries as Tom Waits, Jeff Beck, Nas, Bruce Hornsby, Darryl McDaniels (Run DMC), Robert Smith (The Cure), Simon Le Bon & Roger Taylor (Duran Duran), Suzanne Vega, Black Francis (The Pixies), Basement Jaxx amongst others including some senior record industry executives. The main prize value is an epic $25,000. A total of 68 winners will share in the cash and prizes. ISC is a great opportunity for songwriters, musicians, and performers to win cash and prizes, further their music careers, and gain recognition and exposure in the music industry.
The categories are wide and varied too including: AAA (Adult Album Alternative), Adult Contemporary (AC), Americana, Blues, Children’s Music, Comedy/Novelty, Country, Dance/Electronica, Folk/Singer-Songwriter, Gospel/Christian, Instrumental, Jazz, Latin Music, Lyrics Only, Music Video, Performance, Pop/Top 40, R&B/Hip-Hop, Rock, Teen, World Music, and Unsigned Only. Entrants may submit as many songs as they wish – in the same category or in multiple categories.
Judges will be looking at Creativity, Originality, Lyrics, Melody, and Arrangement. Production/Recording quality and vocal ability are not the main focus. It is the quality of the songwriting itself that will win out. In addition to cash and merchandise prizes, winners benefit from a multilateral promotional campaign designed to give international exposure and attention to their songwriting achievements.
For more details and to enter visit www.songwritingcompetition.com
Music Article by Thomas Browne
