Called “the songwriting competition to take note of” by the prestigious New York Times,” the International Songwriting Competition (ISC) today announced its esteemed panel of judges for the 2015 competition. The panel includes many iconic, high-profile recording artists, as well as Presidents and CEOs from Atlantic, Epic, Elektra, Sony Music Latin, Warner Bros., Tommy Boy, Wind-Up, Alligator, Concord Music Group, and more.
Designed to nurture the musical talent of songwriters on all levels and promote excellence in the art of songwriting, ISC offers the opportunity for songwriters to have their music heard by some of the most influential decision-makers in the industry.
ISC gives away more than $150,000 in cash and prizes (shared among 68 winners) including an overall Grand Prize consisting of $25,000 (US) cash and $30,000 in merchandise and services. In addition to prizes, winners gain recognition, press, kudos, and more career opportunities. Open to both amateur and professional songwriters, ISC offers 22 categories to enter, representing all genres of popular music. More information on entering ISC can be found at http://www.
Last year’s ISC Grand Prize winner, Australian singer/songwriter Vance Joy, was honored for his memorable hit song, “Riptide.” In a statement, Joy said, “It is such an honor to win this songwriting prize. Writing songs is what gives me purpose, and I’m proud to receive this award.” The winning song “Riptide” turned out to be the song that launched Joy’s career worldwide and has since become a classic. He is currently on a six-month tour supporting Taylor Swift.
Joy is one of many winners who have included artists such as Bastille; Gotye; Lindsey Stirling; Kimbra; The Band Perry; Andrew Bird; Passenger; Gin Wigmore; Missy Higgins; King Charles; For King And Country; and more.
The complete list of 2015 judges includes:
Recording Artists
Kesha; Tom Waits; Bill Withers; American Authors; Lorde; Pat Metheny; Sara Evans; Bastille; Casting Crowns; Keb Mo; Avicii; Boyz II Men; Bill Withers; Keane; Hardwell; Robben Ford; Danilo Perez; Moby; Jon Secada; Daddy Yankee; Afro Celt Sound System; Anthony Hamilton; Gerald Casale (Devo); Sean Paul; Justin Townes Earle; Hawk Nelson; Jean-Luc Ponty; Shakey Graves; Darryl McDaniels (Run D.M.C.); Chayanne; Joy Williams; Matt Maher; Art Alexakis (Everclear); Far East Movement; Femi Kuti; and more to be announced.
Industry Executives:
Craig Kallman (Chairman/CEO, Atlantic Records); Sylvia Rhone (President, Epic Records); Dan McCarroll (President, Warner Bros. Records); Jeff Castelaz (President, Elektra Records); Nir Seroussi (President, Sony Music Latin); Daniel Glass (President, Glassnote Records); Ed Vetri (President, Wind-Up Records); Rosie Lopez (President, Tommy Boy Entertainment); Glen Barros (President, Concord Music Group); Bryan Stewart (VP of A&R, Curb Records); Jason McArthur (VP of A&R, Provident Label Group / Sony Music Entertainment); Bruce Iglauer (Founder/President, Alligator Records); Edward Chmelewski (President, Blind Pig Records); Sharon Tapper (Head of Publishing, Glassnote Records); Kevin Welk (Chief Creative, Vanguard/Sugar Hill Records); Angel Carrasco (President, Discos 605); Steve Lillywhite (Producer); Joseph Burney (VP of A&R, RCA Inspiration/Sony Music Entertainment); Richard Stumpf (CEO, Atlas Publishing); Steve Greenberg (CEO, S-Curve Records); Kim Buie (VP of A&R, New West Records); Albert Schilcher (VP of Music and Music Marketing, MTV International); Jamie Masada (Owner, Laugh Factory); Cyndi Nelson (General Mgr., Zanies Comedy Club); Cory Robbins (Founder/President, Robbins Entertainment); Gary Briggs (A&R Executive); Claire S. Green (President, Parents’ Choice Foundation); Leib Ostrow (Founder/CEO, Music For Little People); Julie Kertes (General Manager, National Parenting Publications Awards, NAPPA); Nate Dern (News Editor, Funny Or Die News); Wende Curtis (Owner, Comedy Works); and more to be announced.
ISC is sponsored by Lowden Guitars, D’Addario, Thayers, Disc Makers, Gig Salad, and The Music Business Registry.