Songwriting Contest Deadline Nears

The USA Songwriting Competition has announced that the deadline is drawing close for the 2000 competition. All entries are accepted from now and must be postmarked by May 31, 2000. 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.

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 of Miami, Florida. 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. Other winners include Vehne Saturno of the Philippines and Saimone Vuatalevu of the Fiji Islands. Judges include representatives from Warner/Reprise Records, Walt Disney Music Publishing, SONY Music, Peer Music, ASCAP and Tommy Boy Records.