"It is such an honor to win this songwriting prize. Writing songs is what gives me a feeling of purpose, and I'm proud to receive this award."

– Vance Joy, Grand Prize Winner 2014

Congratulations to all the contestants! All the best to you in the future!

– Keb' Mo', ISC Judge

Very enjoyable, so many great entries!

– Dan Smith (Bastille), ISC Judge

"Lonely" hit me like a nightmare at 4am half asleep next to my girl, I got up then and there and put it together, 808s, my busted morning voice - "lonely want you around", some synths and guitars, simple. We were on tour in NZ with Justin Timberlake sitting in the hotel room when the melody came... and then I watched Paris take a beat with a melody and turn it into a song with a story of depth and truth right before my eyes. Then we won this contest, with judges of such pedigry I can't even begin to list. It's such an honor to know that artists that I have loved my whole life, believe that what we do is something good and true, without any industry influence or marketing spend we are told that what we wrote is something good, its eternally encouraging.

– Ryan Ritchie, 2008 First Place Winner of the Pop/Top 40 category (with Paris Wells)

Thank you again for this great honor, I cannot tell you what an amazing feeling of validation it has given me. When I wrote this song I knew it was important, but I never imagined it would mean something like this for me. Thank you for believing in "songs."

– Scott Leger, Grand Prize winner, 2006

Judging the competition: I was astounded at the quality and range of abilities on show - the originality, honesty, and depth of so many of the words, the charm, vivacity, and catchiness of the tunes, and the often staggering energy, skill, and intensity of the performances - the talent left me at times breathless! Judging ISC 2006 was a real pleasure.

– Robert Smith (The Cure), ISC Judge

In addition to great prizes, ISC offers the unique opportunity to have your music heard by the most impressive group of judges from a variety of industry backgrounds in any songwriting competition. This makes ISC the songwriting competition to take note of.

– The New York Times

This is a serious competition and judged by a panel of judges with unparalleled experience in the international music industry.

– Anthony Healey, Director New Zealand APRA

We're always been impressed with the talented songwriters who participate in the ISC. This is a great A&R source to find new artists.

– Monte Lipman, Founder/CEO, Universal Republic Records, ISC Judge

If ambushing your favorite bands with UPS'd cassettes and CD-Rs tossed on stage hasn't gotten your band noticed yet, the International Songwriting Competition should be right up your alley. Brian Wilson, Tom Waits, Robert Smith, Isaac Brock, and more are all judging the contest. Hell, the ISC is parked in your alley giving away free ice cream...Sheesh, talk about the chance of a lifetime.

– Pitchfork

The ISC is a huge songwriting competition. Not only will songwriters get to vie for the big prizes, but they'll also get the opportunity to present their work to a panel of judges that includes top industry folk.

– Chart Attack

The (2005) International Songwriting Competition offers you the chance to win cash and prizes and to have your music heard by some of the most influential and high profile members of the music and recording industry.

– Guitar News Weekly

The ISC is a blessing to songwriters of every genre.

– Parade Of Stars

The fact that someone with no professional contacts of any kind could make it this far in a competition of this stature helps restore my faith in the process. "Let Me Become Me" was recorded on an average home computer, and uploaded directly to the ISC at the 11th hour of the entry deadline.

– Erik Ashley, 2003 Peoples Voice winner

I continue to be impressed by the ISC. In a sea of independent artist scams otherwise known as competitions, ISC stands apart and above as a beacon of light (and I'd say this even if I had not won anything!)

– Paul Brill, 2003 First Place winner, Lyrics Only category

"With so many entries and such prestigious judges, getting to the finals was a big enough thrill. I'm as proud of our 2nd place World Music spot as I was winning the ISC (2003). For independent artists whose songs 'don't fit the format,' ISC is an incredible confidence booster. So a big fat thank you from Scotty, Paddy and myself for honouring our songwriting and our language.”

– Moana Maniapoto, 2003 Grand Prize winner

I believe that the foundation of music is songs, and songwriters are the brick layers of this foundation. I'm proud of how ISC is encouraging these songwriters to become better at their craft and build a solid foundation for the future.

– Bebe Winans, ISC Judge

Winning my category in the ISC has been amazing for me. Besides the initial hype upon the announcement, not to mention all the prizes, I've been blessed with so many opportunities and have met some great people. My own career as a "performing songwriter" has benefited mainly because of the publicity that the win generated but also, artist managers and artists have been contacting my manager (and/or myself) ever since, to ask if i'd like to co-write. I'm very grateful.

– Karl Broadie, First Place winner of the AAA/Roots/Americana category in 2005

Got myself a co-write with a great writer I'd been trying to get a write with for a solid year...after he saw me on the ISC winner's list. Good start!

– Blu Sanders, First Place winner of the Country category in 2007

Judging ISC is a journey into the creative world of music possibilities.

– Darryl McDaniels (Run D.M.C), ISC Judge

Very high standards!

– Jeff Beck, ISC Judge

I so enjoy hearing what the next generation of songwriters is creating.

– Wynonna, ISC Judge

I always look forward to being a judge every year, and I always have my ears open for that one great track that jumps out at me.

– Black Francis (The Pixies), ISC Judge

ISC is a great way to get your songs to people always looking for that next great hit.

– Craig Morgan, ISC Judge

I had a great time judging this year's competition. It's inspiring to see new songwriters continue to work at their craft. I was honored to be a part of this.

– Joe Nichols, ISC Judge

I always love discovering some wonderful new music during the judging.

– Steve Lillywhite, Producer, ISC Judge

It's gratifying to find the diamond in the rough that this competition always reveals.

– Brian Malouf, VP of A&R, Walt Disney Records, ISC Judge

It was a pleasure to judge the Blues category again...some good songs again this year!

– James Cotton, ISC Judge

The annual event is no run-of-the-mill vanity contest -- instead, it's a New York Times-lauded, Grammy-style event, in which winners are chosen by votes from industry legends.

– Miami New Times

I was so overwhelmed by how much great publicity and attention I got from winning the ISC.. I entered the competition not thinking for a minute that I would even get a place but thought it would be fun to have a go as I'd never entered a songwriting competition like this  before. What a special phonecall it was when I was told of my win,  especially knowing that most of the judges are singer /songwriters I have admired my whole life . I am so proud to carry the title of Grand Prize Winner 2011

– Kasey Chambers, Grand Prize Winner 2010

Thank you for getting me into this industry. It sure has been an amazing ride, and I owe it all to you.

– Gin Wigmore, 2004 Grand Prize Winner

Winning the Americana section of ISC is a big deal to me. ISC is a serious comp with serious competition, and judged by some of the best around. Also, 'The Broken Things' is a special song for me, and for it to be recognized on this level feels hugely rewarding. I'm lucky my wife didn't enter this year!

– Shane Nicholson, 2011 First Place Winner of the Americana category

It's such a huge honor to win the International Songwriting Competition. To have my song recognized at this level by some of the musicians and artists that I most look up to is an amazing encouragement and achievement.

– Kimbra, 2011 Grand Prize Winner

In an age where image, hype and style have become currency, it's refreshing and encouraging to know there is a highly respected and world standard arena where songwriting is identified as the only thing that matters. It has always been about songs. An artist is only ever as good as their songs. The ISC not only recognizes this, but celebrates it and seeks to redirect the priorities of artists all over the world back to the important things. I've entered the ISC for many years and have always found them personal, organized, and passionate. I'd encourage every songwriter out there to submit their songs to the ISC - recognition for writing great songs is, after all, really the only recognition that matters."

– Michael Paynter, 2011 First Place Winner in the Unsigned Only category

Entering the competition could be a fun and interesting venture in your life, it could help you further your career, and perhaps even be monetarily or materially rewarding; or entering the competition can be absolutely LIFE CHANGING!  In either case, the opportunity and arena provided and the incredible exposure alone that contestants receive from the ISC is...priceless!

– Jazz Monthly

Very few places can bring such great talent like the ISC. It's an honor to a be a witness to the future of music.

– Nas, ISC Judge

Without a doubt, the ISC has made a notable difference in my career as a songwriter. My second place win in the Americana category earned me significant press and has helped me secure grant funding to compose music. Thank you ISC!

– Dale Boyle, 2012 Second Place Winner of the Americana category

As always, the quality of the songs is mind-blowing! In a very heartfelt way, I wish the best of luck to all these incredibly talented artists!

– Tim Rice-Oxley (Keane), ISC Judge

– Keir Nuttall, Grand Prize Winner 2008 (with Kate Miller-Heidke)

"I was down at the river bank with my daughter when I got the out-of-the-blue phone call from the wonderful folks at the ISC office - if I hadn't been holding a 2 year old in my arms, I would have jumped in the river from excitement! What a huge boost to have a song that I care about so much connect with these ISC song champions and accomplished judges enough to be awarded Grand Prize."

– Matt Epp, Co-Grand Prize Winner (with Faouzia) 2016

The last few years we've had the pleasure of being a part of ISC and every year we love doing it. It really is amazing that ISC has the abilitly to reach so many up and coming artists from around the world and bring in established artists and industry to listen to their music. There is so much talent here and we love being a part of it. Remember win or dont win isnt the point. The point is to always keep koving forward. The fact that you had the courage to try and submitted a song is more than 99.9% of people. We always say as a band i would rather be a poor man that tried to do what i love than a rich man who never tried at all and lives with regret.

– James Adam Shelley (American Authors), ISC judge

I loved being part of the ISC judging panel once again. The imagination and talent of the competitiors is a growing testament to all those involved in making ISC such an inspiring platform for a new generation of composers and songwriters all over the world.

– James McNally (Afro Celt Sound System), ISC Judge

Strong songs and good performances! It's always nice to see fresh lyrics imagery or unusual song structure in a genre with traditional roots like the blues. 

– Bruce Iglauer (Founder/President, Alligator Records), ISC Judge

There is a lot of great talent out there, and it's good to see that from all around the world!

– Nancy Wilson (Heart), ISC Judge

This was inspiring! It's an honor to be a part of it.

– Chris Cornell (Soundgarden), ISC Judge

Judging the International Songwriting Competition is a great way to be exposed to the emerging talent of songwriters from around the world.

– Craig Balsam (Co-Owner, Razor & Tie Records), ISC Judge

This has been a great experience. It reminds me to always be a student of life and art and know that you are never done growing.

– Aaron Bay-Schuck (President of A&R, Interscope Records), ISC Judge

Always great to hear what young writers are up to. A great tool for us to have a very early look at potentially new writer clients.

– Richard Stumpf (CEO, Atlas Music Publishing), ISC Judge

Thanks for having me a member of the jury!

– Carlos Vives, ISC Judge

I really enjoyed getting a chance to listen and share my opinion. I was really excited to see how many different countries were represented in this competition. It takes a lot of courage to have a song be critiqued or rated, so to all the songwriters who entered: keep writing!

– Ray Benson (Asleep At The Wheel), ISC Judge

Great competition with some amazing submissions!

– Jordan Feliz, ISC Judge

Very cool competition! Thank you for letting me do my best in judging this competition!

– Mike Stern, ISC Judge

I am delighted and inspired to be a part of this competition.

– Danilo Perez, ISC Judge

Great songwriting again...Good way of putting talented songwriters on the spotlight.

– Hardwell, ISC Judge

I was extremely inpressed with the high level of songwriting and demo production from the contestants. It was a true pleasure listening to the songs!

– Martie Maguire (Dixie Chicks)

I really enjoyed doing this, and I look forward to next year!

– Art Alexakis (Everclear), ISC Judge

I consider myself a songwriter above anything else. It's such a magical process, and I'm happy to see so many people participating. Thanks for letting me be part of the process! Good job to everyone!

– Kesha, ISC Judge

Judging has been fun each time!

– Pat Metheny, ISC Judge

"Impressive! Some seriously talented people on show here."

– Coldplay