Media Articles:

USA Songwriting Competition Strikes Gold - Music Connection Magazine

Past Media Articles:

USA Songwriting Successes - Music Connection

Waifs In USA Song Win - Australian Musician magazine

USA Songwriting Winners - Music Connection

Want U.S.A. Airplay? - Australian Musician magazine

Patrice Pike Wins USA Songwriting Competition - Music Connection

Another Aussie Win At USA Songwriting Comp - Australian Musician Magazine [Australia]

Gabriel Mann Captures USA Songwriting Competition - Music Connection

Sarah Lewis Wins Song Contest - Nashville Music Guide

Canucks Recognized in USA Songwriting Competition - Canadian Musician Magazine [Canada]

Another Aussie Win In International Songwriting Competition! - Australian Musician Magazine [Australia]

Song Competition Soars at Knitting Factory - Music Connection Magazine

Steve Tannen Clinched 2001 USA Songwriting Competition's Grand Prize - Singer Magazine

Another Aussie Win In International Songwriting Competition! - Australian Musician Magazine [Australia]

Canadian Shirley Eikhard Wins USA Songwriting Competition - Canadian Musician Magazine [Canada]

BMI Executives Honors Its Members Who Won 2001 USA Songwriting Competition, including Top winner Steve Tannen & first prize winner Andrew Kerr - BMI- MusicWorld

Aussies In USA Songwriting Competition Win! - Australian Musician Magazine

News - winner! - Keyboard Magazine

Jennifer Marks Wins Big At USA Songwriting Competition - Music Connection Magazine

Calling All Stars - Impact! Magazine

2000 USA Songwriting Competition - Music Connection

Launch of 2000 USA Songwriting Competition - Yahoo! News and PR Newswire

1999 USA Songwriting Competition - Gig Magazine

Launch of the 1999 USA Songwriting Competition - INB

USA Songwriting Competition Announces 1998 Winners - CMJ New Music Report

USA Songwriting Competition Winners - Performing Songwriter

Canadians Win U.S. Competition Honors - Words & Music, SOCAN (Canada)

1999 USA Songwriting Competition - Songwriting And Composing (UK)

Concurso internacional de composición - Músico Pro (Spanish)

USA Songwriting Comp

(Music Connection Magazine, Vol XXXII, no. 2 01/21/08 to 02/03/08)  -- Ari Gold, New York singer/songwriter, won the Overall Grand Prize as well as the first prize in the Pop category at the 12th Annual USA Songwriting Competition with his song "Where The Music Takes You". He and his co-writers Joe Hogue and Sean Petersen wrote the song that topped the competition for 2007. Entries are currently accepted for the 2008 Annual USA Songwriting Competition. Visit www.songwriting.net for details.

USA Songwriting Winners 

Past winners of the USA Song-writing Competition have gone to further successes after their wins at Competition. Darrell Scott’s song “Good Ol USA” (2005 first prize winner in the country category) was recorded by Faith Hill for her latest album Fireflies.

The tune’s original title was changed to “We’ve Got Nothing But Love To Prove.”

Aruna (2004 USA Songwriting Competition first Prize Winner, Pop Category) hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200 Album Charts with her co-written song “I Got Nerve,” featured on the chart-busting Hannah Montana soundtrack. Additionally, “I Got Nerve” made its Billboard Hot 100 singles chart debut taking the following chart at  No. 67.

Marcy Marxer and Cathy Fink (2005 USA Songwriting Competition first prize winner - Children’s Music category) will be the featured panelists at the ASCAP “I Create Music EXPO” in Los Angeles on Apr. 19-21st. The duo also won a Grammy award with the album in 2005 and 2006 (Children’s Music category).

For more information on the competition, visit www.songwriting.net.

WAIFS IN USA SONG WIN  

(Australian Musician Magazine) Autumn 2007 -- Vikki Simpson, Australian singer-songwriter from Western Australian Band "The Waifs" won Overall Grand Prize as well as the first prize in the Folk category with her song "Bridal Train" in the 11th Annual USA Songwriting Competition. This is also the first time that the top prize went to a songwriter outside United States.

Entries for the 12th Annual USA Songwriting Competition are currently being accepted. Winning songs of the 2007 USA Songwriting Competition will receive airplay on a nationally syndicated radio program Acoustic Café as well as XM Satellite Radio. Entrants vie for a top prize of $50,000 worth cash and cool music gear from Sony, Ibanez Guitars, Audio-Technica, IK Multimedia and more. This is the first Songwriting Competition that gives airplay to the winning songs, giving deserving bands, songwriters the recognition and exposure they deserve. For more information, visit:  http://www.songwriting.net

WANT U.S.A. AIRPLAY?   

Australian Musician magazine, Autumn 2006 -- Winning songs of the USA Songwriting Competition will receive airplay on a nationally syndicated radio program “Acoustic Café” as well as XM Satellite Radio. Entries for the 11th Annual USA Songwriting Competition are currently being accepted. The airplay is in addition to many cash and other prizes available to winning entries. The overall major winner receives $50,000 worth of the loot. Keren Alexander of Vaucluse, NSW won an honourable mention  last year. Keren and her friend Simone front a children’s entertainment group called “Go Seek”. Past Australian winners of the USA Songwriting Competition have included Dale Willis (1^st Prize in 2004), Andy Sorenson (1^st Prize 2001) and David Carter (1^st Prize 2000). For more information, please go to:   http://www.songwriting.net

PATRICE PIKE WINS USA SONGWRITING COMPETITION

(Music Connection)  ----issue #3, 1/31/05

Another Aussie Winner At USA Songwriting Comp

(Australian Musician)  ----March 2005--Australian Musician has long supported the USA Songwriting Competition, particularly due to the fact that Australians have figured so prominently in the past winners' lists. Most recently Dale Willis, a guitarist-songwriter from Bonnells Bay, NSW won 1st prize of the instrumental category in the 2004 USA Songwriting Competition. This was by far the biggest prize won in Dale's musical career. Paul Gonzalez, Shant Sarkissian & Carl Dimataga of Sydney , NSW also won honorable mention awards. 

Past year's Australian first prize winners include: David Carter (first prize winner in 2000), Any Sorenson (first prize winner in 2001). Winners in the huge international competition came from Australia, United States, Canada, UK, Germany, Denmark and Czech Republic. 

Entries for the 10th Annual USA Songwriting Competition are currently accepted. Winning songs will receive airplay on a nationally syndicated radio program, Acoustic Cafe', as well as XM Radio. Entrants stand to win a Grand Prize in excess of $50,000 in cash, merchandise and exposure, making this the largest prize package for any annual songwriting competition. Many USA Songwriting Competition winners have received recording and publishing contracts and had their songs placed on film and in television. Judges include A&R managers from record labels such as Warner/, Universal, BMG, EMI and Sony Music. 

Songs may be entered in 15 different categories, including pop, rock and country. Entries are being accepted through May 28th. For information, visit website at: www.songwriting.net

Gabriel Mann Captures USA Songwriting Competition

(Music Connection)  ----issue #5, March 1 2004--USA Songwriting Competition Kicks Off. The 2004 USA Songwriting Competition is officially under way. The winning songs will receive airplay on a nationally syndicated radio program, Acoustic Cafe', as well as XM Radio. Entrants stand to win a Grand Prize in excess of $50,000 in cash, merchandise and exposure, making this the largest prize package for any annual songwriting competition. 

Many USA Songwriting Competition winners have received recording and publishing contracts and had their songs placed on film and in television. Judges include representatives from record labels such as Warner/Reprise Records and Sony Music. 

Songs may be entered in 15 different categories, including pop, rock and country. Entries are being accepted through May 28th. For information, check out www.songwriting.net or call toll free, 1-877-USA-SONG. Outside the U.S., call 954-776-1577. 

Sarah Lewis Wins Song Contest

(Nashville Music Guide)  ----February 2003--The 2004 USA Songwriting Competition is officially under way. The winning songs will receive airplay on a nationally syndicated radio program, Acoustic Cafe', as well as XM Radio. Entrants stand to win a Grand Prize in excess of $50,000 in cash, merchandise and exposure, making this the largest prize package for any annual songwriting competition. 
Many USA Songwriting Competition winners have received recording and publishing contracts and had their songs placed on film and in television. Judges include representatives from record labels such as Warner/Reprise Records and Sony Music. 
Songs may be entered in 15 different categories, including pop, rock and country. Entries are being accepted through May 28th. For information, check out www.songwriting.net or call toll free, 1-877-USA-SONG. Outside the U.S., call 954-776-1577. 

Aussie Features In USA Songwriting Comp Again!

(Australian Musician Magazine [Australia]) --Issue 33, Autumn 2003-- Melissa Perrin of Victoria won an honourable mention award at the 2002 USA Songwriting Competition. She is only the third Australian to ever do so. Australian country duo Carter & Carter won first prize in 2000, Andy Sorenson won in 2001. Winners came from countries all over the globe including Canada, Czech Republic, Italy, Denmark, Ireland, Nigeria, Lebanon, UK and USA. Entries for the 2003 competition are now being accepted. Winning songs will receive airplay on nationally syndicated radio serving over 60 cities in US and Canada. Entrants stand to win a grand prize of over $50,000 in cash, merchandise and exposure. Many previous competition winners have received recording contracts as well as having their music placed on film and television. 

Songs may be entered in 15 different categories including pop, rock and country. Entries close May 30, 2003. For more information, visit www.songwriting.net  

Canucks Recognized in USA Songwriting Competition

(Canadian Musician Magazine [Canada]) --Vol. XXV No 2, March/April 2003 -- Not in its eight-year history has the USA Songwriting Competition awarded so many prizes to Canadians. The 2002 edition of the annual competition saw five Canadians win prizes, including three first and two honourable mentions.  

  Juno award-winning James Keelaghan of Winnipeg, MB took home the first place in the Folk category; singer/actor Bill Colgate of Etobicoke, ON, won first place in the Gospel category as well as second place overall (the first Canadian to ever place Overall Top Three in the competition); producer/songwriter team Chad Richardson and Craig McConnell, from Newfoundland and Toronto respectively snagged top honours in the R&B category; and Steve Holt of Toronto and Deesha Sarai of Thornhill, ON, both won honourable mention awards. 

    Entries for the 2003 competition are currently being accepted, with winners scoring the opportunity to receive airplay on a nationally syndicated radio program serving 60 cities in North America and Canada. Entries are being accepted until May 30, 2003. To get more info, checkout www.songwriting.net or call (954) 776-1577 

Another Aussie Win In International Songwriting Competition!

(Australian Musician Magazine [Australia]) --Issue 29, Autumn 2002-- Terrigal resident Andy Sorenson (pictured) recently won first prize in the instrumental category of the acclaimed 2001 USA Songwriting Competition with his tune Sienna. "I am very pleased to receive such recognition," said Sorenson. "I believe any chance we have to encourage others in the creative arts should be pounced upon. I wrote Sienna when I was fourteen years old because someone encouraged me to be creative. Thanks for the opportunity". Andy Sorenson's 2001 win comes just twelve months after Melbourne based Carter and Carter were the first ever Australians to win a category of the USA Songwriting Competition in 2000. "We'd sent in an entry the year before and received an honourable mention or one of our songs, so we entered again the next year with our children's stiff." said Merelyn Carter." They promote you on their site, so you get a lot of free publicity, industry and public respect."

Entries for the 2002 USA Songwriting Competition are currently accepted. Winning songs of the 2002 competition will receive radio airplay on a nationally syndicated radio program serving over 60 cities in North America and Canada. Entrants stand to win a grand prize of over $50,000 (US) in cash and merchandise as invaluable exposure. Many winners in the past have received recording and publishing contracts, as well as having their work placed on film and television. Judges include record label personnel from Warner/Reprise, Sony Music and Epic Records. Songs may be entered in 15 different categories including pop, rock and country. Entries are now being accepted through until May 31, 2002. For more information, visit www.songwriting.net  

Canadian Shirley Eikhard Wins USA Songwriting Competition

(Canadian Musician Magazine [Canada]) --Vol. XXIV No 2, March/April 2002 -- Ontario-based singer/songwriter Shirley Eikhard won first prize in the Jazz category of the 2001 USA Songwriting Competition with her song "Tomorrow is a Lonely Place". 

  Eikhard is no stranger to writing a hot song, having written the chart-topper "Something to Talk About" for Grammy winning artist Bonnie Raitt over a decade ago. She also had cuts with Cher, Emmylou Harris, Anne Murray, Chet Atkins, Rita Coolidge, Ginette Reno and Johanne Blouin. Proficient in a variety of musical genres, Shirley is also a Jazz singer-songwriter signed under EMI Canada and Blue Note records. She has received critical acclaim and awards from both her albums "Going Home" and "The Last Hurrah".

    Winners of the USA Songwriting Competition also came from Australia, Switzerland, Germany, Lebanon, Argentina, Iceland, Moldova, Japan and the United States. Entries  for the 2002 USA Songwriting Competition are currently accepted. All entries must be postmarked by May 31, 2002. For more information, visit www.songwriting.net and check out Shirley Eikhard at www.shirleyeikhard.com

Song Competition Soars At Knitting Factory

(Music Connection Magazine) --02/18/02 to 03/03/02-- The U.S.A. Songwriting Competition and Fender/Guild Guitars sponsor the Circle of Songs showcase every third Wednesday of the month at the Knitting Factory's Hollywood outpost. Pictured in the inaugural event are (L-R): Mary Coppin, Bill Acton, Adrianne, Jenna Leigh, Erik Steigen, Orada J and Holly Long. Entries are being accepted now for this year's competition. Visit www.songwriting.net for entry form and details.

Steve Tannen of New York City Clinched the 2001 USA Songwriting Competition's Grand Prize with His Song "Picture of You"

(Singer Magazine) --No. 14, May 2002--Entries for the 2002 USA Songwriting Competition are currently being accepted. Winning songs of the 2002 USA Songwriting Competition will receive airplay on a nationally syndicated radio program serving over 60 cities in North America and Canada. Entrants stand to win a grand prize of over US$50,000 in cash, merchandise and exposure, making this the largest prize package for any annual songwriting competition. Many USA Songwriting Competition winners in the past have received recording and publishing contracts, as well as having their songs placed on film and television. Judges include record labels such as Warner/Reprise Records and SONY Music. Songs may be entered in 15 different categories including Pop, Rock and Country. The competition is aimed at promoting excellence in the art of songwriting among writers, composers, bands, singer/songwriters and solo artists in an international forum. Entries are accepted from now through May 31, 2002. For more information, visit: http://www.songwriting.net Or call toll-free: 1-877-USA-SONG

News - Winner!

(Keyboard Magazine) --March 2001--The 2000 USA Songwriting Competition winners have been announced. The Overall Grand Prize went to Jonathan Kingham (pictured) of Seattle, WA, and his song "Unnatural Shades of Blue". 

    The 2001 competition has also been launched, sponsored by MARS  Music Superstores, Mackie, E-mu/Ensoniq, Sonic Foundry, Event Electronics among others. 15 categories are open, with entries being accepted until May 31st, 2001. "A grand prize of over $50,000 in cash and merchandise is up for grabs - the largest prize package in any annual songwriting contest", reports the competition's publicist.

    For more on the rules and regulations, or entry forms, visit the website at: www.songwriting.net

Jennifer Marks Wins Big At USA Songwriting Competition

(Music Connection Magazine) --01/01/01 to 01/14/01--New York songwriting chanteuse Jennifer Marks took home top honors in the rock category at the USA Songwriting Competition, which is the world's largest international songwriting events. Out of 33,000 entries, Marks's song "Thick", from her critically acclaimed sophomore album My Name's Not Red (Red Kurl Records). She also on the overall second grand prize in the competition. 

    My Name's Not Red, called "poignant and engaging" by CMJ New Music Journal, catapulted to the second most added record on the CMJ's AAA New Music Review Chart. Since her 1998 debut release, Pizza, Jennifer marks has enjoyed consistent praise for her sometimes humorous lyrics, and genre-defying musical style.

    Judges for the event included music reps from Warner/Reprise Records, Walt Disney Music Publishing, Sony Music, peer music, ASCAP and Tommy Boy Records. 

    Along with Music Connection, sponsors for the event included MARS Music Superstores, Berklee Press, Mackie, Guild Guitars, D'Addario Strings, Electronic Musician, Digitech, Line 6, Kurzweil, Peavey, Gavin, ASN, Tascam, Vibe, Blaze and SPIN magazine.  

Calling All Future Stars

Songwriting Competition Opens Doors

(Impact! Magazine) --Mar 22, 2000--For the unsigned singer/rapper, aspiring songwriter, the chances of getting your foot in the door in the music business without any contacts can be a living hell. Enter The USA Songwriting Competition, considered to be the world's largest international songwriting event. 

    Launched in 1996, with the number of entries that year being little over 400, the USA songwriting competition has grown into a full-fledged annual event, garnering over 31,000 entries in 1999. The event has become so big over the years, that Gavin, one of the official sponsors for the competition, according to event director "has agreed to do free radio promotion for the top winners." The grand prize this year tops $50,000 in cash and merchandise.

    With over 15 different categories for the songs to be entered, including world, hip-hop, jazz and R&B, the event is trying to reach as many songwriters and artists as possible. "Many independent singer/songwriters have generally been left out by major record labels and need to be heard", says president and spokesperson, Lee Lyndes. Judges for the event include representatives from SONY Music, Tommy Boy Records, ASCAO and Warner/Reprise Records. 

    Last year's winner in the hip-hop category, Adeniyi Adelekan, a Nigerian-native and New York resident, echo's a similar sentiment. "It gave me more confidence in my work and encouraged me to keep on writing." 

    Entries for the competition are being accepted through may 31st. For more info, visit songwriting.net or call 1-877-USA-SONG

-Joshua Ratcliffe

2000 USA Songwriting Competition

(Music Connection) --3/13/00-- The USA Songwriting Competition has announced the launch of the Year 2000 songwriting event. The competition's sponsors include Tannoy, MARS Music Superstore, Berklee Press, Mackie, Guild Guitars, D'Addario Strings, Digitech, Line 6, Kurzweil, E-mu Ensoniq, Electronic Musician, Music Connection, Audio Technica, Peavey, Gavin, Superdups, Rane, Tascam, ASN, Vibe, Blaze and SPIN Magazine.

    The USA Songwriting Competition is the world's largest international songwriting event. It is aimed at promoting excellence in the art of songwriting among writers, composers, bands, singer/songwriters and solo artists in an international forum. The competitive environment lends excitement and fosters creative talent. Entries are accepted from now through May 31, 2000.

    Entrants stand to win a grand prize of over US$50,000 in cash and merchandise. This marks the largest prize ever to be awarded to a winner in any songwriting competition. Songs may be entered in 15 different categories including Pop, Rock, Country, R&B, World, Hip-Hop/Rap, Folk, Jazz, Latin and others. Entrants may enter as many of their songs as they wish. Songs also may be entered in multiple categories.      

    Judges include qualified music representatives from Warner/Reprise Records, Walt Disney Music Publishing, SONY Music, Peer Music, ASCAP and Tommy Boy Records.

    A portion of every application fee will be donated to Music Cares (Grammy Awards subsidiary). For more information on this event's rules, regulations and entry forms visit the competition website at http://www.songwriting.net . Contact: (Toll free) 1-877-USA-SONG Outside US call: (781) 397-0256

Launch of the 2000 USA Songwriting Competition

BOSTON, Feb. 11 /PR Newswire/ -- The USA Songwriting Competition has announced the launch of the Year 2000 songwriting event. The competition's sponsors include Tannoy, MARS Music Superstore, Berklee Press, Mackie, Guild Guitars, D'Addario Strings, Digitech, Line 6, Kurzweil, E-mu Ensoniq, Electronic Musician, Music Connection, Audio Technica, Peavey, Gavin, Superdups, Rane, Tascam, ASN, Vibe, Blaze and SPIN Magazine.

USA Songwriting Competition is the world's largest international songwriting event. It is aimed at promoting excellence in the art of songwriting among writers, composers, bands, singer/songwriters and solo artists in an international forum. The competitive environment lends excitement and fosters creative talent. Entries are accepted from now through May 31, 2000.

Entrants stand to win a grand prize of over US$50,000 in cash and merchandise. This marks the largest prize ever to be awarded to a winner in any songwriting competition. Songs may be entered in 15 different categories including Pop, Rock, Country, R&B, World, Hip-Hop/Rap, Folk, Jazz, Latin and others. Entrants may enter as many of their songs as they wish. Songs also may be entered in multiple categories.

Last year's Grand Prize went to singer/songwriter Adrianne Gonzalez. Trina Belamide from the Philippines won the overall second prize and Mary Coppin of Riverside, California won the overall third prize. This was the first time that all top 3 prizes were won by women. Judges include representatives from Warner/Reprise Records, Walt Disney Music Publishing, SONY Music, Peer Music, ASCAP and Tommy Boy Records.

USA Songwriting Competition's spokesman and president Lee Lyndes said that the key motivation behind the development of the new event was to attract both professional and budding songwriters in search of the best new songs and songwriters. Lyndes added: ``many indie (independent) singer/songwriters and bands have generally been left out by major record labels and need to be heard.'' A portion of every application fee will be donated to Music Cares (Grammy Awards subsidiary).

For more information on this event's rules, regulations and entry forms visit the competition website at http://www.songwriting.net . Contact: (Toll free) 1-877-USA-SONG Outside US call: (781) 397-0256

1999 USA Songwriting Competition

(Gig Magazine)--May 1999--There seems to be a common theme in this month's news. In what is touted as the world's leading international songwriting event, the USA Songwriting Competition is, according to organizers, "aimed at promoting excellence and art of songwriting among songwriters, composers, bands, singer-songwriters and solo artists in an international platform".

According to event spokesmen, the competition attempts to give a voice to indie singer- songwriters generally given short shrift by the major record labels. The idea is to attract professional and new songwriters in order to find the cream of the crop. Entrants vie for a grand prize totaling more than $22,000 in cash and merchandise. Categories (15 in all) include pop, rock, country, R&B, world, hip-hop/rap, folk, jazz, latin and several others.

Last year's grand-prize crwon went to U.S. singer-songwriter Steffani Bennett. Judges include industry execs from Arista Records, EMI Music Publishing, Warner/Chappell Music Publishing and Peer Music.

USA Songwriting Competition was a sponsor of this year's Grammy Awards and supports music schools including the National Music Foundation (founded by Dick Clark) and Music Cares. A portion of every application fee is donated to scholarship funds for needy students to attend these institiutions.

Entries are accepted through May 31. For info, contact: 877-USA-SONG (toll-free in U.S.) or 781-397-0256 (outside U.S.); Email: info@songwriting.net, or visit the website at:

www.songwriting.net

- John Sollenberger

Launch of the 1999 USA Songwriting Competition

BOSTON, USA - February 10, 1999 (INB) -- The USA Songwriting Competition, in association with Musician Magazine, Fender Musical Instruments, Digitech, Mackie, D'Addario Strings, Cakewalk Music Software, Rane, Presonus, Quantegy, Superdups, Line6, Audix, ASN and Musician's Friend, has launched this year's songwriting event. Entrants can access the website at :

http://www.songwriting.net

The world's leading international songwriting contest, USA Songwriting Competition is an annual musical event aimed at promoting excellence in music and the art of songwriting. Amateur and professional songwriters, musicians and music enthusiasts are encouraged to participate. Entries are accepted from now through May 31, 1999.

Entrants stand to win a grand prize of over US $22,000. in cash and music merchandise. Songs may be entered in 15 different categories, such as Pop, Rock, Country, R&B, Hip-Hop/Rap, Folk, Jazz, World, Latin and others. Entrants may submit as many of their songs as they wish.

Last year's Grand Prize went to Singer/Songwriter Steffani Bennett of New York City. Other winners included Saimone Vuatalevu from the Fiji Islands, Tutu P. Tutani of Zambia and Veigar Margeirsson of Iceland. Judges include leading music industry professionals from Arista Records, EMI Music Publishing, Warner/Chappell Music Publishing and Peer Music.

USA Songwriting Competition spokesman and president Lee Lyndes said that the key motivation behind the development of the event was provide an incentive for both aspiring and established songwriters to have their works heard in an international competitive environment. Lyndes added, "This competition is designed to nurture the art of songwriting and to encourage participation by songwriters, composers and creative musicians at every level."

USA Songwriting Competition is a sponsor of the 1999 GRAMMY Awards and supports music education in schools through organizations such as National Music Foundation (founded by Dick Clark) and Music Cares (a GRAMMY Awards subsidiary). A portion of every application fee will be donated to these charities focusing on scholarships for needy students and promoting music education in our schools.

For more information on the event's rules, regulations and entry forms, contact:

USA Songwriting Competition, Toll Free (in US) 1-877-USA-SONG;

(on the web) http://www.songwriting.net

(via e-mail) info@songwriting.net

USA Songwriting Competition Announces 1998 Winners

(CMJ New Music Report)--November 23, 1998- New York singer/songwriter Steffani Bennett won the Overall Grand Prize of the 1998 USA Songwriting Competition with her song "I Got Feeling". Raw Sugar Records released her debut album, I'm The Girl, in September. Other winners included Saimone Vuatalevu, Clifton Byrd, Veigar Margeisson, Ari Posner and Tutu P. Tutani and Trevor Bridgewater. Guild Guitars/Fender Musical Instruments, D'Addario Guitar Strings, Cakewalk Music Software, Musician's Friend and Superdups sponsored the competition. For details about the 1999 competition call: 781-397-0256 or e-mail:

info@songwriting.net

USA Songwriting Competition Winners

(Performing Songwriter)--November , 1998- New York singer/songwriter Steffani Bennett won the Overall Grand Prize of the 1998 USA Songwriting Competition with her song "I Got Feeling". Raw Sugar Records released her debut album, I'm The Girl, in September. Other winners included Saimone Vuatalevu, Clifton Byrd, Veigar Margeisson, Ari Posner and Tutu P. Tutani and Trevor Bridgewater. Guild Guitars/Fender Musical Instruments, D'Addario Guitar Strings, Cakewalk Music Software, Musician's Friend and Superdups sponsored the competition. For details about the 1999 competition  e-mail:

info@songwriting.net

Four Canucks Cop Songwriting Kudos

(Canadian Musician)--March, 1999, Vol. XXI No. 2 - Nashville and other American honkytonkers were in for a shock as Canadian Ari Posner two-stepped down to the 1998 USA Songwriting Competition and took home the top prize in country music category.

Abbotsford, BC's Mike Boone won the novelty/comedy category with his song "The Ballad of Ernie Beetle". Allan Austin from Toronto received an honourable mention with "Tears of Joy", as did Sam Reid and Alan Connelly for their "A Breath of Spring". Posner who also hails from Toronto, is a prolific songwriter with his songs published by Sony Music Canada and appearing on television and in films. Entries are accepted until May 31 for the 1999 USA Songwriting Competition. There are 15 categories, including: pop, rock, country, R&B, world, hip-hop/rap, folk, jazz and Latin.

To find out more, you can call the contest hotline at: (781) 397-0256 ; Email: info@songwriting.net,

or check out: www.songwriting.net

Canadians Win U.S. Competition Honors

(Words & Music, SOCAN)--February, 1999, Canada - Toronto-based Ari Posner and Mike Boone of Clearbrook, B.C., are among the winners of the 1998 USA Songwriting Competition.

Posner took first prize in the country category for his tune "The Best That You Can Do", while Boone captured top honors in the novelty/comedy category for "The Ballad of Ernie Beetle". As well two Canadians were among the competition's 20 honorable mentions: Allan Austin for "Tears of Joy" and Sam Reid and Alan Connelly for "A Breath of Spring".

For more information, please e-mail: info@songwriting.net, or visit the competition website

at: www.songwriting.net

1999 USA Songwriting Competition

(Songwriting And Composing)-- 2nd Quarter 1999, London, England--This year's 1999 USA Songwriting Competition is in association with Musician Magazine, Fender Musical Instruments, Digitech, Mackie, D'Addario Strings, Cakewalk Music Software, Rane, Presonus, Quantegy, Superdups, Line6, Audix, ASN and Musician's Friend.

Entrants stand to win a grand prize of over US $22,000. in cash and music merchandise. Songs may be entered in 15 different categories, such as Pop, Rock, Country, R&B, Hip-Hop/Rap, Folk, Jazz, World, Latin and others. Entrants may submit as many of their songs as they wish.

Being one of the world's leading international songwriting contest, USA Songwriting Competition is an annual musical event aimed at promoting excellence in music and the art of songwriting. Amateur and professional songwriters, musicians and music enthusiasts are encouraged to participate. The closing date for the receipt of entries this year is May 31, 1999.

An entry form is printed on page 16.

Concurso internacional de composición

(Músico Pro)--Marzo/Abril 1999--- USA Songwriting Competition es unconcurso internacional patrocinado por Musician Magazine, Mackie, Guild Guitars, Digitech, D'Addario Strings, Cakewalk, Rane, Presonus, Quentegy, Sperdups, Line6, Audix, ASN y Musician's Friend. Entre las quince categorías del concurso están: Jazz, Latina, Pop, Rock, Country y Hip-Hop/Rap. Los jueces serán profesionales de la industria musical de compañías como Arista Records, EMI Music Publishing,Warner/Chappel Music Publishing y Peer Music.

Para mayor información: e-mail: info@songwriting.net, www.songwriting.net  

Platinum Sponsor