
Will Carpenter: Grand prize winner of the USA Songwriting Competition in 2023 with co-writer Abby Postner
With less than a month to enter your song into this leading global songwriting competition, what are you waiting for?
A highlight of the songwriting calendar since 1995, the year of Coolio’s Gangsta’s Paradise, The annual USA Songwriting Competition is back for a 29th year. With a rich history of nurturing and promoting the winning songs and musicians, it’s also an opportunity to bag the top prize of $50,000 and a whole lot of merch. So forget the situation they got you facing and be sure to enter by the 31 May deadline.
From pop to folk, country to rock, and beyond, the USA Songwriting Competition offers a wide range of 15 categories – accommodating artists of all genres and styles. Whether you’re a solo singer-songwriter, member of a band, or specialise in instrumental compositions, there’s a category for you, providing ample opportunity for songwriters to showcase their originality.
Last year’s grand prize winners were Will Carpenter and co-writer Abby Postner. They claimed the top spot with their protest song Get Loud, performed by Carpenter’s band Ships Have Sailed.
Speaking about the track Postner says, “This song was written as a protest song for anyone that has had their rights stripped away. We want it to be a universal anthem for those that feel like they have to continue to push for positive changes, for human rights, and for equality. We are so grateful that Get Loud was selected as the grand prize winner, we are both going to continue to make art that reflects the times.”
If the success of other previous winners is anything to go by, the future looks bright for Carpenter and Postner. From Grammy wins to record deals with major labels, the competition has propelled numerous artists to new heights of success. Notable achievements include:
- Christopher Tin’s historic double Grammy win in 2010
- Nenna Yvonne’s song placement on CBS’s hit TV show The Mentalist
- Kate Voegele’s signing to MySpace/Interscope Records at just 18 years old
These are just a few examples of the accomplishments that have stemmed from the USA Songwriting Competition, highlighting the potential for exposure and recognition that awaits this year’s winners.
With the deadline fast approaching, now is the time to submit your entry. Whether you dream of hearing your songs on the radio, signing a record deal, or winning a Grammy, the USA Songwriting Competition offers a pathway to success.
What People Are Saying
“This is a great place for talent to be found.” — Monte Lipman, President & CEO of Universal Records
“It’s amazing because I’ve also recently been signed to Sony Music Nashville Records!” — Andrew Jannakos, top winner of the 25th Annual USA Songwriting Competition
How to Enter
Entering The 29th Annual USA Songwriting Competition couldn’t be easier. Songwriters can visit the official competition website to submit their original compositions online, or can make their submission via mail. Each entry costs $35.
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