FULL WINNER TESTIMONIALS
Dallas Frasca, Jeff Curran, Pete McDonald (DALLAS FRASCA)
“All My Love Is Gone”
ISC 2011 3RD PLACE
AAA (Adult Album Alternative)
Q: Why did you enter the competition?
A: The ISC has provided a platform for international exposure for so many incredible songwriters over the years. The renowned judges seem to be acknowledging great songwriting rather than sitting with trends, this appealed to our band. I mean Ozzy Osbourne, Tori Amos, and Tom Waits as judges! So rad.
Q: How did it feel to be announced as a winner?
A: We were so blown away! There were over 16,000 entries that year and everybody involved in the writing and production of the track felt all of the hard work was worth it. We flew to New York from Australia to record the record and spent all our savings on something we believed so deeply. This risk paid off for us and getting recognized on this level was a dream!
Q: How did becoming a winner in the competition change your musical journey?
A: It opened doors internationally for the band. We signed to a French record label and agency and have since executed ten successful European tours, once playing to over 40,000 at Le Mans! Another artist also released ‘All My Love’ and had a TopTen hit in the Czech Republic which was the launching pad for her career and she discovered the song via the ISC platform, so that would never have happened!
Q: What would you tell another songwriter/artist who might be considering entering the competition?
A: Go for it! Competitions are a great way to help get your music to new audiences and open the door to opportunity! What have you got to lose?!
DANIEL DUKE
“Borderline”
ISC 2013 1ST PLACE
FOLK/SINGER-SONGWRITER
Q: Why did you enter the competition?
A: As an unsigned artist, I’m always looking for opportunities to have my music heard by industry professionals and reach a bigger audience. ISC and Unsigned Only seemed like fantastic platforms for getting my music out there, gaining recognition, and potentially winning some prizes at the same time!
Q: How did it feel to be announced as a winner?
A: I was over the moon to be named a winner in the International Songwriting Competition. As songwriters we pour our heart and soul into our work and having your songwriting recognized by so many big names in the music industry is an incredibly rewarding experience. It also turned out to be the confidence boost I needed to pursue music full time!
Q: How did becoming a winner in the competition change your musical journey?
A: I was almost immediately contacted by a fantastic synch publisher in the US who had been part of the judging panel. To date, I’ve signed around 15 songs to the publishing company and my music has appeared in shows on networks like ABC and CBS!
Q: What would you tell another songwriter/artist who might be considering entering the competition?
A: You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. In today’s music industry it’s harder than ever to get the right eyes and ears on your music. Competitions like ISC and Unsigned Only are a rare opportunity to get your foot in the door and take that first step into a music career. It’s also a fantastic chance to test the water with your writing or performing and learn how to become an even better artist. I couldn’t recommend it more.
EMMA LIN
“Oriental Fantasy”
ISC 2015 1ST PLACE
INSTRUMENTAL
Q: Why did you enter the competition?
A: Writing music and performing my original has always been my interest and aspiration. Someday I was wondering if I couldn’t do this for long if nobody knew what I was working on as an artist. Growing up as classical musicians we faced the same group of people, the same listeners in our realm through each music competition and concert just as naturally. However, I was looking for some originality and some possibility out of my comfort zone. Then one day I found ISC which is just right to what I am looking for is not only aimed at international platforms but it demonstrates its connection with the mainstream. I browsed the ISC website and was amazed by the big-name professionals and judges, its generous prizes and bonus and most of all is its exposure to a wider music entertainment media. These are all that I found that are unique about ISC which is much different from many of the present instrumental or compositions.
Q: How did it feel to be announced as a winner?
A: I still remembered the excitement and awe when I got a call from ISC notifying me as First Place Winner in 2015, which was just a year after I debuted my first album. For me, it is a real encouragement to be recognized overseas and it certainly helps me get closer to realizing my American Dream. It all felt like yesterday when I was that 5-year-old girl who was standing in front of the TV amazed by Vanessa Mae’s violin performance. I was dreaming about someday I will travel to Los Angeles to see such a glamorous world. Due to my Dad as a businessman who travels a lot overseas, he told me he was impressed when one time he saw the Chinese instrument Erhu being performed in Hong Kong Airport and how foreigners from all over enjoy the music. He then told me he realized we should be authentic to who we are in this global trend and that’s why my parents let me learn both Chinese and Western instruments. They all love music as a hobby but thanks to them I have a good beginning because of their foresight.
Q: How did becoming a winner in the competition change your musical journey?
A: I began to have more opportunities after I won the competition. I think people trust credentials and the title certainly proves my idea of East-West fusion classical music was accepted by both mainstream professionals and diverse listeners. I was invited to a few big venue galas, live houses, local tour concerts each year, Radio and TV shows for guest artists, and being invited to the school for sharing my overseas experience. For the recording part, I began to collaborate with more producers and music directors for music arrangements both in Asia and in the States. For my own part, I gain more confidence about what I am working on which is essential for keeping on with my music career.
Q: What would you tell another songwriter/artist who might be considering entering the competition?
A: I would definitely say giving yourself a try is better than doing nothing. Sometimes doors open not because you are there but you’ve been knocking all along. So why not give yourself a chance to see a wider world? Practically it also brings in views and exposure to your music page, which will much benefit you for promoting your work.
ENRIQUE PONCE
“Captain Siam Theme”
ISC 2019 SECOND PLACE
INSTRUMENTAL
Q: Why did you enter the competition?
A: I entered the competition in hopes of bringing some recognition to my hometown of El Paso, TX. There is a ton of creative talent in my city and entering these events definitely boosts awareness for our little corner of Texas. Being a film composer, the value of winning such a large competition can bring exciting new collaboration opportunities.
Q: How did it feel to be announced as a winner?
A: It was such a thrill! There is nothing more rewarding than seeing an original product of yours do so well once it’s “out in the wild.” News like this inspires me to keep doing what I’m doing!
Q: How did becoming a winner in the competition change your musical journey?
A: Winning the competition actually helped me secure a TV mini-series contract in Thailand. The show had a limited run in a specific region of the country, but it presented an incredible opportunity to record original music with a 60 piece orchestra in Macedonia. Some of the music that I composed for that actually won second place in ISC’s instrumental category in 2019 (second win in a row).
Q: What would you tell another songwriter/artist who might be considering entering the competition?
A: Absolutely submit your music! These competitions serve to push us and inspire us to be better every day. Reach out into the world through your art, and if what you create resonates with the world, the world will reach back.
Faouzia Ouihya, Matt Epp (FAOUZIA)
“The Sound Ft. Faouzia”
ISC 2016
GRAND PRIZE WINNER
Q: Why did you enter the competition?
A: Songwriting has always been a passion of mine and entering this competition was a way for me to get my name out there in the world of songwriting. I was at a point where I had spent years and years writing and thought it would be great to receive feedback on the songs that were out at the time.
Q: How did it feel to be announced as a winner?
A: I was so shocked! I immediately told my parents and they were so proud! I remember smiling from ear to ear and being so grateful.
Q: How did becoming a winner in the competition change your musical journey?
A: I made so many amazing friendships and connections through this competition! There are still people I talk to and catch up with to this day because of this contest and they had given me great advice and feedback at the start of my musical journey that I will cherish forever.
Q: What would you tell another songwriter/artist who might be considering entering the competition?
A: I would tell them it’s a great way to put your work out there and that you could make lots of wonderful connections. It’s also a great way to hear others’ music and make connections with similar artists!
HIROE SEKINE
“Nippon Barre”
ISC 2017
1ST PLACE JAZZ
Q: Why did you enter the competition?
A: There are almost no competitions for jazz compositions today. If there are any, they are usually for young students only. So it was a rare opportunity for me to enter. I also felt excited that my music gets listened to by some renowned musicians or people in the music industry. Gaining a reputation may help my music career so I saw the value in the possibility of becoming a winner.
Q: How did it feel to be announced as a winner?
A: When I heard the news, I couldn’t believe it. The joy rushed in at once and it took me a while to believe that it was a reality. I was extremely happy and so glad that I had not given up on the music. I felt that all of the hard work got paid off!
Q: How did becoming a winner in the competition change your musical journey?
A: After becoming a winner in 2017, my two albums were released by two different labels; “Hiroe’s Spirit” by Blue Canoe Records in 2019 and “The Best of Hiroe Sekine” by Dreamusic in Japan in 2020. I also performed with my own group at the highly prestigious Jazz Concert Series at Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) in 2019 with the entire two-hour performances including my interviews broadcast on the nationwide jazz station KJAZZ 88.1FM.
Q: What would you tell another songwriter/artist who might be considering entering the competition?
A: The competition is a good place for your music to be heard by people that you cannot easily reach. You also get to listen to the music of fellow musicians there.
IKOYI WINN
“A Lil’ Country”
ISC 2004
2ND PLACE R&B/HIP-HOP
Q: Why did you enter the competition?
A: I entered the competition to get my song heard…period! Not just heard by my friends and family, but by some powerhouses in the music industry. Sure, it would’ve been dope to win first place, but sharing my music with my peers, fellow music lovers, and an established panel of judges, was the main reason I entered!
Q: How did it feel to be announced as a winner?
A: The day I heard about winning the ISC award, and how I heard the news, was UNFORGETTABLE!!!!! I was walking my dog at the time named Tifah, and my cell rang. Not looking at who was calling, I answered the phone. The person on the other end said, “Whaddup, Ikoyi! This is D.M.C from Run-D.M.C., in the place to be!” My response…”Yeah, right.” Hung up the phone! Ten seconds later, the phone rang again, and this time I looked at the phone. The same number as before, so now my eyes are wide open and in shock! D.M.C. was back on the phone saying it was really him, and I had won the award! After realizing I was speaking to one of my idols, a member of one of the greatest groups in history, and an icon in the world of music, I was in shock and jubilated about winning! D.M.C. and I spoke for a while, he told me how much he really dug “A Lil’ Country”, it was an honor hearing from him, and it was a day I’ll always remember! THE KING OF ROCK DARRYL McDANIELS CALLED ME!! JUST…WOW!
Q: How did becoming a winner in the competition change your musical journey?
A: Becoming a winner in the competition changed my life in the aspect of more Spotify streams for not only “A Lil’ Country”, but my EP entitled “IKO-The Rising Of The First Son” which is available on Spotify! I took a break from music recording for a bit, but I’m currently writing new music, and will definitely record it soon! Who knows, maybe it’s time to enter yet another ISC competition!
Q: What would you tell another songwriter/artist who might be considering entering the competition?
A: To anyone considering entering the competition, I would say “YES” resoundingly! It can open so many doors for your career, and you’ll have some of the great minds in music listening to your creation(s)!! One song could open that particular door that remain closed for so long. This could be an artist’s big break…one big shot! You might as well take it! Now I sound like Eminem! Nevertheless…by all means, enter the competition!
Jeff Schroedl (ALTERED FIVE BLUES BAND)
“Great Minds Drink Alike”
ISC 2019
1ST PLACE BLUES
Q: Why did you enter the competition?
A: Not sure, so I’ll pass on this one!
Q: How did it feel to be announced as a winner?
A: It was an honor to have the song recognized. I have a lot of respect for blues songwriters, past and present, and appreciate being able to contribute in my own small way.
Q: How did becoming a winner in the competition change your musical journey?
A: It received a lot of attention, and several friends and colleagues in the blues community also reached out to say they enjoyed the song. A few bands have covered the song, and it was included in one of Apple’s playlists for a period of time.
Q: Why is your art important to you?
A: I enjoy all the challenges and little triumphs that go along with songwriting, including wordplay, emotion, creativity, simplicity, and more.
Q: What would you tell another songwriter/artist who might be considering entering the competition?
Give it a try.
JESSE TERRY
“Let The Blue Skies Go To Your Head”
ISC 2013
1ST PLACE AMERICANA
Q: Why did you enter the competition?
A: I knew that ISC was a legit contest, with fantastic judges & great prizes. I’m a big believer in taking advantage of opportunities like that and going for it.
Q: How did it feel to be announced as a winner?
A: That’s always a thrill when you get that kind of acknowledgment and affirmation for your hard work. The fact that heroes like Jason Isbell, Tom Waits, and Bruce Hornsby were judges, really made it special & memorable for me. That carries a lot of weight for me.
Q: How did becoming a winner in the competition change your musical journey?
A: You know, I can’t point to one particular deal or booking or fan that was directly connected to my win in ISC – Although I’m sure there was! It becomes part of your career and an achievement that you can always be proud of; an achievement that will also impress a lot of folks because it’s such a respected competition. I think these things can help you build a beautiful tapestry in your career and can lead to all kinds of positive things.
Q: What would you tell another songwriter/artist who might be considering entering the competition?
A: I’d say go for it. It’s a respected competition that does things the right way and cares about the music and the artists. It’s one more thing that can have a positive impact on your career. We’re not going to win every competition we enter, but we certainly won’t win if we don’t try.
Joanie Leeds, Carly Ciarrocchi (JOANIE LEEDS)
“If Girls Ruled The World”
ISC 2017
3RD PLACE CHILDREN’S MUSIC
Q: Why did you enter the competition?
A: “If Girls Ruled the World” is from my GRAMMY Winning album, All the Ladies. An album performed and created exclusively by women about breaking glass ceilings, supporting each other, and female empowerment. The song I entered is about a perception shift. What if we could go back in history and GIRLS were the majority in creating the laws and making decisions about our health, well-being, and policy? I studied the Mosuo Tribe, a small tribe living in Yunnan and Sichuan provinces in China, closer to the Tibet border, a true Matrilineal society and it had my wheels turning. I entered the competition knowing the people who heard this musical message might question the problematic way our world has conducted itself thus far.
Q: How did it feel to be announced as a winner?
A: I was thrilled! This song was even more special because it’s the only song on the entire album that is a co-write. It was sung by Polly Hall and Carly Ciarrocchi. Carly wrote an incredible verse in the middle of the tune which I think sums up the whole message of the album.
Q: How did becoming a winner in the competition change your musical journey?
A: In the past year after the GRAMMY Win and ISC Win, I’ve signed on with fabulous Literary Agents to turn my music into children’s books. I have also noticed a large increase in my Instagram numbers, which is where I spend most of my social media time.
Q: What would you tell another songwriter/artist who might be considering entering the competition?
A: While it seems like all around you, people are succeeding and pulling ahead, know that you are on your own timeline in your own journey. This collection of songs came organically and is my 9th album of children’s music. I am creating music for the long haul and am proud of the many steps that brought me here. Root for your friends along the way and just keep going, in your own way.
KARO GLAZER
“Flying Circle”
ISC 2019
2ND PLACE JAZZ
Q: Why did you enter the competition?
A: ISC is one of the most prominent contests for songwriters in the whole world. I always wanted to take a part in this competition, because being one of the winners, really can change your career. As a songwriter, I believe I have to constantly improve my skills and present my work to other professionals. You never know who’s gonna listen to your song and it means opportunity. I don’t like to sit and wait that someone will find my music. I prefer to act. I found ISC as a great chance for me.
Q: How did it feel to be announced as a winner?
A: I was the happiest girl in the world! I got the news when I was in Budapest during Artisjus Songwriting Camp, so my friends made me a huge party. For me, when I got the news that two of my songs were chosen for the semifinal, I was happy enough. I didn’t expect more. It meant a lot to me. But when I got the news, that I’m one of the winners, I couldn’t believe it. I will never forget this day.
Q: How did becoming a winner in the competition change your musical journey?
A: Thanks to becoming a winner in ISC I got a lot of media spotlight on me in 2020, so it was a really good year for me. I was the first Polish winner of ISC, so everyone was talking about it: newspapers, TV stations, Radios. I had many interviews. It also helped me to get new songwriting deals for other artists. People started being interested in my compositions, so I had many requests for writing new songs. In Poland songwriting is still not treated as a real full-time job, so ISC really helped me to get attention.
Q: What would you tell another songwriter/artist who might be considering entering the competition?
A: I would say what I say to my students: “Go for it! Don’t hesitate! Believe in your music, because if you don’t believe in it, no one will! Don’t be afraid to share your compositions with the world. Please remember, there are people who really wait for your songs. No doubts! Treat ISC as an open window for your music. Just do it! There is nothing to lose, you can only win.”
Lindsey Stirling, Marco Glodolja (LINDSEY STIRLING)
“Crystallize”
ISC 2012 1ST PLACE
EDM (ELECTRONIC DANCE MUSIC)
Q: Why did you enter the competition?
A: I decided to enter the ISC 2012 competition because I was an independent artist just trying to make my way in the world. I had recently been booted off of “America’s Got Talent” and had started producing my own music so I needed platforms where I could showcase the music I was creating.
Q: How did it feel to be announced as a winner?
A: Humbled, honored, grateful and, of course, I was excited! Being “chosen” is always a good feeling.
Q: How did becoming a winner in the competition change your musical journey?
A: I entered the ISC competition around the time that my video on YouTube, Crystallize, went viral. Shortly after that, Crystallize also won the ISC Competition, so I think it definitely added to the momentum.
Q: What would you tell another songwriter/artist who might be considering entering the competition?
A: Why not?? I say go for it! If you’re feeling unsure or nervous about committing your art to any competition, remember that even if you don’t win, at least you tried and there’s something very honorable and brave about that! In real life, it’s often the person who fails the most who wins. In other words, when you try and fail and try and fail again (and again and again) as I did, and you learn from each failure eventually you’ll win. You’ll find your way. Your willingness to do hard things for the right reasons and the way you choose to respond to the challenges you face is what will matter most. The fullest lives are created by those who live daringly.
Matt Savage (THE MATT SAVAGE TRIO)
“A 6/4 Song (That’s Also In 6/4)”
ISC 2008
2ND PLACE TEEN
Q: Why did you enter the competition?
A: As a budding teenage jazz pianist, I was looking for more opportunities to become known for my jazz originals, rather than focusing entirely on the performance aspect. ISC offered me a perfect opportunity for the promotion of my compositions.
Q: How did it feel to be announced as a winner?
A: I had been a finalist before, but I was enthralled when I found out that I was a second-place winner. I felt like the sky was the limit from then on – and I knew that I was ready to enter the world of professional jazz performance full-time.
Q: How did becoming a winner in the competition change your musical journey?
A: My 2008 win was right around the time that a couple of my self-released albums were distributed by Palmetto Records – which led to some major gigs over the next few years. The ISC win further cemented my confidence as a bandleader, and as someone who felt ready to make the quick transition to adulthood. And I knew that my model of doing concerts primarily composed of my original music was still the way to go.
Q: What would you tell another songwriter/artist who might be considering entering the competition?
A: The world always needs new music, and the world always needs new ways to get music out to the world, rather than simply reiterating the music of the past. ISC always does a great job putting quality first and identifying new trends in composition. And the fact that these judges are all very renowned musicians helps make sure that these pieces are commercially viable, despite being independently released.
NATE IHARA
“Ghost”
ISC 2016
2ND PLACE FOLK/SINGER-SONGWRITER
Q: Why did you enter the competition?
A: I entered the ISC to see how my music stood up against what was out there all over the world. I’d also never entered into a competition before so seeing the other artists and hearing their music was great. I had a song I wrote called “Ghost” that had gotten some attention from friends in the music industry. This sorta sparked the interest in seeing what the mass appeal was for the song.
Q: How did it feel to be announced as a winner?
A: Being told I was a winner was pretty validating even as a somewhat established songwriter. My reaction was half disbelief at first since the competition was WORLDWIDE! It was definitely exciting and gratifying to be chosen as a winner.
Q: How did becoming a winner in the competition change your musical journey?
A: Winning the ISC helped push my production and songwriting career ahead. The gear and prize money went into my home studio where I still use it today working on songs and records for both myself and other artists. Not to mention, I had an increase in streams, fans, and I started working with a lot of other artists from all over the globe. I’ve had music featured in commercials, games, and tv shows through collaborations with other ISC artists and producers who heard me through the competition.
Q: What would you tell another songwriter/artist who might be considering entering the competition?
A: I know a lot of people are hesitant about entering competitions. Especially when it comes to music. Since most art is subjective it’s pretty amazing to have some sort of recognition. I would tell anyone entering the ISC to go for it. Your music isn’t getting heard sitting on a hard drive and you’re definitely not gonna win if you don’t play.
ROBBIE MELVILLE
“Junkyard”
ISC 2018
1st PLACE INSTRUMENTAL
Q: Why did you enter the competition?
A: I entered the competition in the hope of winning a prize of course, but also just as a way of seeing if my music – which I view as pretty original, and somewhat quirky – might be noticed at all within the vast number of entries. The value in the possibility of becoming a winner is a kind of validation of the music I write. I’m compelled to write music, and I believe in the music I create, but having it recognized and accepted by a board of judges gave me further confidence in what I do.
Q: How did it feel to be announced as a winner?
A: I didn’t quite believe it to be honest. My family and I had just moved from Australia to Europe for a year. We had arrived in Dublin, tumbled exhausted and jet-lagged into our accommodation, and I received the email announcing I was a winner when I woke up the next morning. Having just left my musical home behind, it was an odd time for that to occur.
Q: How did becoming a winner in the competition change your musical journey?
A: The biggest change in my musical journey that came about from becoming a winner was simply that it provided me with greater self-confidence as an artist. A sense of worthiness I guess. It gave me the courage to approach a number of musicians, who I have a great amount of respect for, to see if they would like to collaborate with me on some new projects. In particular, a few weeks after becoming a winner, I put together an ensemble called the “smallCHESTRA” made up of some of the finest jazz and classical musicians in Australia. Prior to winning, I don’t believe I would have had the courage to call on most of those musicians. But they all agreed to be a part of it, and we had a rehearsal a year later when I returned in 2020. COVID-19 set us back for a long time, but we have our debut gig this April. Just as importantly, it has helped me gain more opportunities for my chamber jazz trio Antelodic. Having the win listed as an achievement on my bio has had a really positive effect. I believe it played a part in getting Antelodic’s second album “To Iceland! To Iceland!” released on the ABC Jazz label, and in securing a national touring grant from the Australia Council For The Arts. It’s definitely a calling card that’s enabling me to keep developing my career.
Q: What would you tell another songwriter/artist who might be considering entering the competition?
I would say to be honest with yourself about your art. My wife actually encouraged me to enter the song I did. I was going to enter a different song which I thought would be more acceptable, but she talked me around to entering “Junkyard” which isn’t exactly the most normal song in the world. It does, however, represent my musical personality pretty well. It wasn’t written to please anyone or anything. But I guess it stood out precisely because it was a bit different.
Scot Robinson, Bobby Cameron (SCOT FREE SESSIONS)
“Burn Bright”
ISC 2020
2ND PLACE LYRICS ONLY
Q: Why did you enter the competition?
A: I felt it was an excellent way to receive recognition as well as validation for the craft. I like that everyone was on the same playing field. It didn’t matter who you were, where you come from, your past successes if any, it was all about the song and nothing else. It was also very rewarding to be judged by a group of seasoned and accomplished songwriters. In an industry with a lot of noise and a lot of releases, doing well in the competition gives you an edge to have your song heard and that’s really what it is all about.
Q: How did it feel to be announced as a winner?
A: It was very gratifying and a sense of accomplishment. There were a lot of talented people from all over the world who entered the competition and to be singled out was an honor.
Q: How did becoming a winner in the competition change your musical journey?
A: It changed the game completely. The competition was the first time ever sharing my music. It gave me the confidence to up the ante. At the time of the competition, we were only partway through completing our album “Edmonton Skyline”. After receiving the recognition that we did in the competition, it boosted my resolve to seek out the best people possible for completing the album. We used a Grammy-nominated mixer out of Texas (Chris Bell) and Lurssen Mastering (one of your sponsors) to master the album. Both added a lot to the project, and I was very grateful. For someone who never released a song before it was extremely good company. We were approached by a number of industry people after the competition, some Canadian management companies, and also a couple of record labels, one North American and one European. It gave us the confidence to take our time and do it right regarding finishing our album as well as our release strategy where we are just putting all the pieces and players together now.
Q: What would you tell another songwriter/artist who might be considering entering the competition?
A: Enter! Enter in multiple categories! Enter with multiple songs! Our song “Istanbul” was a finalist in three different categories and we were semi-finalists in seven different categories. It was then we thought “Maybe we got something here”. In the process of putting the album “Edmonton Skyline” together, I kissed a lot of frogs, went down a lot of rabbit holes. The ISC is literally the “best bang for your buck” for getting recognition for your songs. It is inexpensive, easy to enter, available to anyone and worldwide. It is really “all about the songs”. For the price of admission, the potential reward in terms of exposure and validation is tremendous.
Thornetta Davis, Brett Lucas, Phillip Hale (THORNETTA DAVIS)
“I Believe Everything Gonna Be Alright”
ISC 2017
1ST PLACE BLUES
Q: Why did you enter the competition?
A: I entered the contest because I wanted to win the Grand Prize and I thought that if I win that it would be a great exposer for me and my latest cd HONEST WOMAN.
Q: How did it feel to be announced as a winner?
A: I was very excited to find out that I had won for best blues song. Although I was really hoping for the Grand Prize it was an honor to win for the best blues song.
Q: How did becoming a winner in the competition change your musical journey?
A: I do have ‘Winner’ of ISC COMPETITION on all my promo and social media so I believe it looks good on my promo.
Q: What would you tell another songwriter/artist who might be considering entering the competition?
A: I would tell them of my experience and you can’t win if you don’t enter.
Jon Decious, Steevie Steeves, Gordie Sampson (TOWNE)
“Buckingham And Nicks”
ISC 2019
2nd PLACE AMERICANA
Q: Why did you enter the competition?
A: I entered the ISC, primarily, because my band TOWNE was releasing an album and, as independent artists without a lot of money, we needed ALL of the publicity we could get. The value, for us, was all based around that as we’d just put everything we had into making the album and our focus and goal were to make it as successful as possible.
Q: How did it feel to be announced as a winner?
A: Oh, I think anytime you’re announced as a “winner” of anything, especially in the songwriting & music world, it’s amazing! We spend our careers getting told, “NO”, 99.9% of the time so we try to soak up every, “Good Job!”, we get as much as we can. I think my cowriter, Steevie, & I high-fived and said, “Hell Yeah!”, when we heard the news.
Q: How did becoming a winner in the competition change your musical journey?
A: Well, as we all know, the past year has put a halt on just about everything music-related and beyond. So, we haven’t seen the opportunities I imagine we might have seen in a year without a global pandemic (Granted, I’ve never lived through a global pandemic, so who knows) And, while we haven’t been able to capitalize on being announced as ISC winners per se, I believe the recognition helped strengthen our resolve to continue down our path as writers & performers and was a bright spot for us in the bleakest of years.
Q: What would you tell another songwriter/artist who might be considering entering the competition?
A: The most important realization I’ve taken away from this competition occurred to me shortly after we posted about it on our social media pages- there was SO MUCH engagement! So, I’d tell anyone considering entering, “look, here’s the truth”: This competition will likely not change your life (unless you win $25k, obviously), and it may or may not lead to any dream deals or whatever, but what it does do is it gives the people who have been rooting for you forever (fans, friends, family, etc…) something to hang their hat on- something that shows them you’re doing everything you can do to accomplish this most impossible of dreams- it gives them a reason to keep believing and keep rooting for you and what you do. As artists, we live so much of our lives in shadows, working behind the scenes, with very little to point to and show our audiences to say, “HEY, LOOK! Someone else thinks I DON’T SUCK too! YOU’RE NOT CRAZY FOR BELIEVING IN ME!” So, the realization I had was that… While song competitions don’t necessarily mean that much to ME, a little *public* pat on the back means a whole lot to the folks that mean a whole lot to me and, if that’s all it does, it’s totally worth it
TYLER LEGGAT
“Tattoo”
ISC 2019
3RD PLACE R&B/HIP-HOP
Q: Why did you enter the competition?
A: I entered this contest to network with other songwriters and to get my music on a bigger platform.
Q: How did it feel to be announced as a winner?
A: I was absolutely flattered to find out I was a winner! I honestly couldn’t believe it. But, you know what they say, hard work pays off!
Q: How did becoming a winner in the competition change your musical journey?
A: Becoming a winner opened doors I never thought I would reach. I got signed by Kevin Gates to his BreadWinners Association label. I got flown out to California which was my first time being there, so that was awesome! Sadly, COVID messed all that up and I was released shortly after. But, I can say I did it!
Q: What would you tell another songwriter/artist who might be considering entering the competition?
A: If you’re considering entering this competition, I would do it without hesitation! You never know what can come from this and worse case, you’ll get promoted in front of a big platform!
VICTORIA LEONE
“Pretend”
ISC 2009
1ST PLACE TEEN
Q: Why did you enter the competition?
A: In 2009, I was 15 years old and extremely eager to pursue music. Writing my own music and lyrics was always something that came organically to me and when my vocal coach connected me with a local producer, it was an opportunity my family and I couldn’t pass up. When we heard my song Pretend for the first time, we couldn’t help but feel we were holding onto something truly unique, so naturally, submitting it to the ISC was the first thing we did.
Q: How did it feel to be announced as a winner?
A: When I was selected as the winner of the Teen category, it validated for me that perhaps I could offer something special to listeners out there! It was the catalyst of my musical career.
Q: How did becoming a winner in the competition change your musical journey?
A: During that time, the winner for the Teen category was awarded a summer scholarship to Berklee School of Music in Boston. I cannot explain how important that experience was for me, not only for my musical growth but personal growth, as well. When I came home, I was lucky enough to have connected with some indie labels and music experts. These opportunities were all thanks to the clout winning the ISC provided me.
Q: What would you tell another songwriter/artist who might be considering entering the competition?
A: For any artist, young or old, undecided on submitting their music to the ISC, I would ask yourself, “What’s the worst that could happen?” Certainly, nothing to lose but so much to gain! All it takes is one moment to jumpstart your career and more importantly, get your music into the hands of a new listener.