Heading into its eighth year, the prestigious Vanda & Young Songwriting Competition has announced an extension to its final cut-off date – giving songwriters until 15 February to submit their entries. Emerging songwriters are also further encouraged to enter this year with a new prize for the best ‘unpublished work’ added to the prize line up.
As always, the global contest welcomes entries of any genre from all artists at any stage in their career; with all proceeds from entry fees going directly to Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia – an organisation committed to supporting individuals living with a disability and fostering positive change through musical therapy programs. Additionally, participants are free to enter as many songs as they wish.
The winning song will be presented with a first place cash prize of $50, 000 courtesy of renowned music associations, APRA AMCOS, Alberts and BMG, as well as additional $5,000 travel package from ShowGroup, in honour of the late Graham Fear. Two runners up will receive a second place prize of $10,000 from the Australasian Music Publishers Association, and one third place winner will be awarded $5,000 courtesy of Seventh Street Media. The best unpublished work will also be taking home $5,000.
To be announced in May, the winning entrant will join a distinguished list of past winners including Kimbra, Megan Washington, Gretta Ray and The Preatures.
So all songwriters, start composing now and check out APRA AMCOS website for further details.
Written by Ellen Muller