Vance Joy
The U.S.-based International Songwriting Competition (ISC), widely known as the most revered songwriting competition in the world, announced its 2014 winners today. With over 18,000 entries submitted from 118 countries, a total of 62 Australians are honored in the competition, garnering one Grand Prize win, three First Place wins, four Second Place wins, three Third Place wins, and 51 Honorable Mentions. Additionally, for the third time in ISC history, Australians have again dominated the Rock genre, winning all three awards in the respective category.
The overall Grand Prize is awarded to Australian singer/songwriter Vance Joy for his song “Riptide“. This marks the first time in the 14-year history of the competition that any song has received perfect scores from every judge. Upon hearing the news of his win, Joy said, “It is such an honor to win this songwriting prize. Writing songs is what gives me a feeling of purpose. I’m proud to receive this award voted on by my songwriting peers.” The song is being called an instant classic by both critics and fans alike, not only in the USA but also across the world. Joy’s career is clearly on the rise, with sold-out tours, worldwide chart success, and critical acclaim.
This year’s winners were selected by a panel of judges which includes, among others, American Authors, Pat Metheny, Sarah McLachlan, Bastille, Avicii, Sara Evans, Keane, Casting Crowns, Darryl McDaniels (Run D.M.C), Newsboys, Wayne Shorter, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, London Grammar, Taylor Goldsmith (Dawes), Gerald Casale (Devo), Dan McCarroll (President, Warner Bros. Records), Craig Kallman (Chairman, CEO, Atlantic Records), Mike Smith (President, Virgin EMI Records), Jeff Castelaz (President, Elektra Records), Ted Cockle (President, Virgin Records UK), and many more.
“ISC is one of the most successful ways for artists to have their music heard and recognized on not only a national scale, but an international one as well,” says Candace Avery, Founder and Director. “The competition encourages songwriters to create, develop, and challenge their artistry by creating something truly meaningful. It is vital for all artists to be recognized for their talents, as well as to be awarded respect and honor for their accomplishments. Our winner this year exemplifies extraordinary talent, and we couldn’t be more proud to present the 2014 ISC Grand Prize to Vance Joy for his song “Riptide.”
Having already sold more than a million copies worldwide, “Riptide” was inspired by a motel that Joy visited as a child when he would go on family holidays down the coast of Australia, staying at a motel named Riptide. The motel became the title of this memorable song that not only has charmed the world but has also led to the explosion of Joy’s career. Soon to embark on a seven-month tour as the support act for pop superstar Taylor Swift, the Australian is popping up everywhere, including recently performing “Riptide” on the MTV Europe Music Awards in Glasgow, Scotland. Joy’s accomplishments also include reaching the #1 spot on Triple J’s Hottest 100, and the single has been certified triple platinum by the Australian Record Industry Association (ARIA). Furthermore, the songwriter took home the prestigious 2014 APRA award for Song of The Year.
Created in 2002, ISC awards more than $150,000 in cash and prizes to winners of the competition. Winners range from amateur songwriters who are just starting their careers to professional songwriters who have years worth of experience. The Grand Prize winner is awarded $25,000 in cash, in addition to more than $45,000 in merchandise and services. Previous ISC winners include Bastille, Passenger, Kate Miller-Heidke, Lindsey Stirling, Gotye, The Band Perry, Kasey Chambers, Gin Wigmore, King Charles, Kimbra, Gregory Porter, Omar Sosa, For King & Country, and many more.
ISC is sponsored by Lowden Guitars, Hammond USA, Abelton, Gauge Microphones, Slate Digital, DiscMakers, D’Addario, Taxi, IndieProMix and FinalMix, Inc., Indie Venue Bible, George Stein, Esq., Berklee College of Music, Thayers, Airplay Direct, Celebrity Access, SongU, The Music Business Registry, Lurssen Mastering, and Vosges Haut-Chocolat.
The 2015 International Songwriting Competition is now accepting entries, and more information can be found at: http://www.songwritingcompetition.com
For a complete list of 2014 ISC Winners and to hear the winning songs, go to http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/winners
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