International Songwriting Competition (ISC) Announces 2014 Winners

Vance Joy's "Riptide" Wins Overall Grand Prize

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International Songwriting Competition

May 05, 2015, 08:40 ET

NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 5, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Songwriting Competition (ISC), widely recognized as the most prestigious and respected international songwriting competition, has announced its 2014 winners. Created in 2002, ISC awards more than $150,000 in cash and prizes to winners of the competition.The Grand Prize winner is awarded $25,000 in cash (US) and an additional $45,000 in merchandise and services. A total of 68 winners from 118 countries worldwide were selected from over 18,000 entries.

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ISC's overall Grand Prize is awarded to Australian singer/songwriter Vance Joy for his song "Riptide." It is the first time In ISC's 14-year history that any entrant has ever received perfect scores across the board. The song is being called an instant classic by both critics and fans across the world, launching Joy's career with sold-out tours, worldwide chart success, and critical acclaim. "It is such an honor to win this songwriting prize," Joy said in a statement. "Writing songs is what gives me a feeling of purpose. I'm proud to receive this award voted on by my songwriting peers."

Winners were selected by an impressive panel of Judges which included: American Authors, Pat Metheny, Sarah McLachlan, Bastille, Avicii, Sara Evans, Keane, Casting Crowns, Darryl McDaniels (Run D.M.C), Newsboys, Wayne Shorter, 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), and many more.

"ISC encourages songwriters to create, develop, and challenge their artisty by creating something truly meaningful," states Candace Avery, Founder and Director. "It is vital for all artists to be recognized for their talents, as well as to be awarded respect and validation for their accomplishments. Vance Joy exemplifies the extraordinary talent we are looking to honor."

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, Joy is an artist clearly on the rise, with "Riptide"h aving reached #30 on Billboard's Hot 100 and #1 on the Rock Airplay chart.

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.

ISC is now accepting entries for 2015. More information can be found at: http://www.songwritingcompetition.com or by contacting Candace Avery – 615-251-4441

SOURCE International Songwriting Competition