Joy for the ISC winner

Vance Joy proudly clutches a $25,000 cheque, part of the Grand Prize fund for winning the ISC

Million-selling ‘Riptide’ earns Australian singer-songwriter Vance Joy the Grand Prize in last year’s International Songwriting Competition (ISC), announced this week

he International Songwriting Competition (ISC), widely recognised as one of the most prestigious and respected international songwriting contests in the world, has this week announced its 2014 winners. With over 18,000 entries submitted from 118 countries, a total of 345 songwriters are honoured in the competition.

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 honour 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.” The Grand Prize winner receives $25,000 in cash plus $45,000 in services and merchandise, including a custom-built Lowden guitar valued at over $11,000, a Hammond organ, Ableton Push and Live 9 Suite.

Winners were selected by a 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, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, London Grammar, 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), Ted Cockle (President, Virgin Records UK), and many more.

“ISC is one of the most successful ways for artists to have their music heard and recognized on not only a national scale, but also an international one,” states Candace Avery, Founder and Director of ISC. “The competition encourages songwriters to create, develop, and challenge their artistry by creating something truly meaningful. It is vital for all artists to be recognised 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 honour.”

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. Soon to embark on a seven-month tour as the support act for pop superstar Taylor Swift, the Australian is popping up everywhere, including recently performing at the MTV Europe Music Awards in Glasgow. Joy’s accomplishments also include reaching the No 1 spot on Triple J’s Hottest 100, and the single has already been certified five times platinum in Australia and two times platinum in the US. Furthermore, the songwriter took home the prestigious 2014 APRA award for Song Of The Year. The track also went to No 30 on Billboard‘s Hot 100 and No 1 on the Rock Airplay chart.

Created in 2002, ISC awards more than $150,000 in cash and prizes to winners of the competition. Winners range from amateur songwriters who are just starting their careers to professional songwriters who have years of experience. 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.

In addition to the Grand Prize winner, many other deserving songwriters, ranging from talented amateurs to seasoned songwriting veterans, also share the spotlight for winning their respective categories in ISC 2014. For a complete list of 2014 ISC winners and to hear the winning songs, go to www.songwritingcompetition.com/winners

ISC is now accepting entries for 2015. More information can be found at: www.songwritingcompetition.com

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