(NASHVILLE, TN) – Many high-profile recording artists have been slated to join the panel of judges for the 2019 International Songwriting Competition like Coldplay, Nancy Wilson (Heart) and Tom Waits. Among the dozens of artists who are judges, the Blues artists include Irma Thomas, Robert Randolph (Robert Randolph & The Family Band), John Mayall, Joe Louis Walker, and Walter Trout. Additionally, record label heavyweights from Alligator Records, Capitol, Warner Records, Epic, Elektra, and more are also part of the judging panel that will be tasked with listening to and selecting the winners in the competition. In 2018, ISC received almost 19,000 entries from more than 140 countries worldwide.
ISC, established in 2002, is designed to nurture the musical talent of songwriters of all levels and promote excellence in the art of songwriting. It is open to both professional and amateur songwriters and artists in 23 genre categories. The competition gives away more than $150,000 in cash and merchandise split among 71 winners, with the Grand Prize comprised of $25,000 in cash plus additional prizes.
“We are extremely honored and appreciative to have so many renowned artists and
industry executives included as judges this year,” said Candace
Avery, the
competition’s Founder and Director. “The participation of these judges is what
sets ISC apart from other music competitions and is what makes ISC so special.”
71 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.
Categories include: AAA (Adult Album Alternative), AC (Adult Contemporary), Americana, Blues, Children’s Music, Christian, Comedy/Novelty, Country, EDM (Electronic Dance Music), Folk/Singer-Songwriter, Instrumental, Jazz, Latin Music, Lyrics Only, Music Video, Performance, Pop/Top 40, R&B/Hip-Hop, Rock, Teen, Unpublished, Unsigned Only, and World Music. Entrants may submit as many songs as they wish – in the same category or in multiple categories.
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.
Depending
on the category, submissions are judged on the following criteria:
• Creativity
• Originality
• Lyrics (excludes songs that do not have lyrics)
• Melody
• Arrangement
• Overall likeability
Some categories may have additional criteria. Production/Recording quality and vocal ability are NOT criteria (except in the Performance category in which Vocals are a judging criteria).
