04 May 2010 - 0 Comments

The International Songwriting Competition (ISC), the world's leading global songwriting event, is pleased to announce its 2009 winners. Out of almost 15,000 entries, many songwriters hailing from New Zealand made a huge splash in ISC this year, including artists Darren Watson, Eden Mulholland, Karoline Tamati (Ladi6), 17-year-old Ariana Smith, and more. This is a remarkable win for Kiwis and reflects the depth and diversity of talent coming out of the New Zealand music scene.

More than $150,000 in cash and prizes will be shared among the 65 winners, including an overall Grand Prize of $25,000 (US) and more than $20,000 in musical equipment and services. With judges ranging from Tom Waits, Steve Winwood, Jeff Beck, Robbie Williams, McCoy Tyner, Loretta Lynn, Jerry Lee Lewis, Robert Smith (The Cure) and many more (as well as seven record label Presidents), winning ISC is an accomplishment that recognizes excellence in the craft of songwriting. See below for the complete list of judges.

The 2009 Grand Prize is awarded to King Charles of London, England for his song "Love Lust," entered into the Rock category. In 2003 and 2004 the Grand Prize was awarded to Moana Maniapoto for the song "Moko" and Gin Wigmore for her song "Hallelujah", respectively, giving New Zealand the honor of being the only country outside the U.S. to have claimed the Grand Prize twice. In addition to the Grand Prize winner, many other deserving songwriters also share in the prestige and kudos of winning their respective categories.

Candace Avery, Founder and Director of ISC, says, "As always, the quality of New Zealand entries overall was outstanding. Every year I am astounded at the creativity and sheer brilliance of New Zealand artists. I look forward to 2010 and hearing the new entries from 'the land of the long white cloud'." 

New Zealand Winners include:

THIRD PLACE WINNERS

Eden Mulholland (Motocade)

Third Place in the AAA (Adult Album Alternative) category is awarded to Eden Mullholand of Auckland, New Zealand, for the song "Oldest Trick In The Book."
Eden comes from a very artistic family and has been writing songs for Motocade since the band's inception in 2005.  Eden is a former contemporary dancer and now composes music for live theatre, dance, and fIlm projects.  On March 22 Eden released a compilation CD of compositions from the past eight years commissioned for NZ choreographer Malia Johnston. He is currently writing and recording new material for Motocade's sophomore album.

Darren Watson

Winning Third Place in the Blues category, for the song "Can't Get Enough" is Darren Watson. Hailing from Wellington, Watson is no stranger to the ISC as he was awarded First Place in the 2008 Blues category for his song "All Going Wrong." As a singer/songwriter and guitarist, Watson has been singing and performing the blues since 1985 and has been nominated for numerous music awards with his previous band Smoke Shop including several RIANZ awards. Several of the band's singles, penned by Watson, made it into the top of the NZ pop charts, and the band supported nationwide tours by Koko Taylor, George Thorogood, and Robert Cray. Today this practitioner of the blues can be found fronting the Real Deal Blues Band, which includes prominent musicians from the Wellington blues scene.

Karoline Tamati and Brent Park (Ladi6)

Third Place in the R&B/Hip-Hop category is awarded to Karoline Tamati and Brent Park (Ladi6). Aided and abetted by her musical partner Parks, the 27-year old has established herself as one of the country's pre-eminent musicians. Her ability to blend jazz, reggae, and soul vocal styles with razor-sharp socially conscious lyrics has cultivated her an enviable reputation as New Zealand's leading live performers. At the 2009 Pacific Music Awards, Ladi6 gained a nomination for APRA's Best Pacific Song Award, Niu FM Best Pacific Urban Artist and Pacific Blue Best Pacific Female Artist - which she won. The icing on the cake was Ladi6 claiming the Best Urban/Hip Hop Album title at October's New Zealand Music Awards.

Ariana Smith

Winning Third Place in the Teen category for the song "Skinny" is 17-year-old songstress Ariana Smith. Calling Hamilton, NZ home, Smith is on her way to a long and successful career having already released an album at such a young age. "Skinny" is a song that delves into society's obsession with superficial looks. It is a powerful statement that certainly speaks universally for millions alike. Apparent in the words of an individual much more mature than her age may suggest, Smith's writing style is simple, and she says, "Just do it, don't analyze it too much, just go with the creative energy and inner workings of an overactive imagination.  That's it, whatever comes forth is as it is."

HONORABLE MENTIONS

AC

Geoffrey Maddock (Goldenhorse) 
"Maybe Tomorrow"
Helensville, New Zealand

Blues

Darren Watson
"He Don't Love You"
Wellington, New Zealand

Children's Music

Levity Beet
"The Wheels On The Bus They Don't Go Round"
Otaki, New Zealand

Folk/Singer-Songwriter

Miriam Clancy 
"Join The Chorus"
Auckland, New Zealand

Gospel/Christian

Jonathan Lee Karklins (Long Road South)
"Without You"
Whangarei, New Zealand

Lyrics Only

Harrison Hais
"Old Colt 45"
Gisborne, New Zealand

Pop/Top 40

Hannah Curwood 
"Sweet Release"
Arch Hill, New Zealand

World Music

Malcolm Smith, Taisha (Aonua)
"Karanga"
North Shore City, New Zealand

For a complete list of all ISC winners, please go to:
http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/winners.htm

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