It’s not like we needed any more proof that Australian artists are absolutely killing it overseas, but the latest accolade to be heaped upon our homegrown heroes is certainly one of the most prestigious yet.
The International Songwriting Competition (ISC) recently announced its 2014 winners, with our very own Vance Joy taking out the Grand Prize for his inescapable, Hottest 100-topping 2013 hit ‘Riptide’.
Not only did Australia take out the top prize, out of over 18,000 entries from 118 countries, Australia also earned three first place honours, four second place, three third place, and an amazing 51 honourable mentions.
While it comes as a shock to few who read Tone Deaf, Aussie rock and roll is still alive and well and it just so happens Australians have once again dominated the rock genre, winning all three awards in the respective category.
Naturally, the man of the hour is Vance Joy, whose victory marks the first time in the 14-year history of the competition that any song has received perfect scores from every judge, a panel that includes the likes of Sarah McLachlan, Avicii, and Bastille.
“It is such an honor to win this songwriting prize. Writing songs is what gives me a feeling of purpose. I’m proud to receive this award voted on by my songwriting peers,” said Vance Joy when he found out about his win.
“ISC is one of the most successful ways for artists to have their music heard and recognized on not only a national scale, but an international one as well,” said Candace Avery, Founder and Director of the competition.
“The competition encourages songwriters to create, develop, and challenge their artistry by creating something truly meaningful. It is vital for all artists to be recognized for their talents, as well as to be awarded respect and honor for their accomplishments.
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“Our winner this year exemplifies extraordinary talent,” Avery continued, “and we couldn’t be more proud to present the 2014 ISC Grand Prize to Vance Joy for his song ‘Riptide’.”
Created in 2002, ISC awards more than $150,000 in cash and prizes to winners of the prestigious songwriting competition. Winners range from amateur songwriters on the rise to seasoned pros with years of experience.
The Grand Prize winner takes home $25,000 in cash, in addition to more than $45,000 in merchandise and services, and joins the ranks of past winners like Bastille, Passenger, Kate Miller-Heidke, and Gotye.
International Songwriting Competition 2014 Australian Winners
Grand Prize Winner
“Riptide” – James Keogh (Glen Iris, VIC, Australia) – AAA (Adult Album Alternative)
First Place Winners
“90s Music” – Kimbra Johnson, Matt Morris, Mark Foster, Timon Martin, Stephen McQuinn (Melbourne, VIC, Australia) – Music Video, Performance
“90s Music” – Kimbra Johnson, Matt Morris, Mark Foster, Timon Martin, Stephen McQuinn (Melbourne, VIC, Australia) – Performance
“Run” – San Cisco (Fremantle, WA, Australia) – Rock
Second Place Winners
“Ohio” – Alexander Laska, Fergus Linacre, Jeremy Hunter (Melbourne, VIC, Australia) – Rock
“Prehistoric Love” – Tenielle Neda, Rob Agostini, Denny Thakrar (Perth, WA, Australia) – Pop/Top 40
“Something I Said Ft. Thom Crawford” – Thundamentals (Sydney, NSW, Australia) – R&B/Hip-Hop
“State of War” – Paul McDermott, Jessica Malakouti, W. Cate (Sydney, NSW, Australia) – Dance/Electronica
Third Place Winners
“Pull The Trigger” – Benjamin Dowd (Melbourne, VIC, Australia) – Rock
“Sirens” – Lucy Mason (Sydney, NSW, Australia) – Adult Contemporary
“Stars” – Justin Snowball (Perth, WA, Australia) – Unsigned Only
Honorable Mentions
“A Heart Is Not A Yo-Yo” – M.Luzuriaga, G. Christiansen (Melbourne, VIC, Australia) – Pop/Top 40
“Advice From Beyonce” – Jordan Millar (Sydney, NSW, Australia) – Adult Contemporary
“Afterglow” – George Mathew Haman (Sydney, NSW, Australia) – Rock
“Anyone But You” – Jeremy Drakeford (Melbourne, VIC, Australia) – Pop/Top 40
“Anyone But You” – Jeremy Drakeford (Melbourne, VIC, Australia) – Unsigned Only
“Barricade” – Bec Ivanov, Sebastian Ivanov (Melbourne, VIC, Australia) – Unsigned Only
“Bridesmaid” – Nikki Nicholls (Melbourne, VIC, Australia) – Unsigned Only
“Burn This House” – Mwansa Msapenda (Perth, WA, Australia) – Dance/Electronica
“Burn” – Hamish Anderson (Melbourne, VIC, Australia) – Blues
“Carried Away” – Canary (Melbourne, VIC, Australia) – Unsigned Only
“Closed Door” – Shane Timmo (Melbourne, VIC, Australia) – Lyrics Only
“Dreamers Ft. Phoebe Lou” – J Hardy, D Hume, P Lou (Melbourne, VIC, Australia) – Music Video
“Dreamers Ft. Phoebe Lou” – J Hardy, D Hume, P Lou (Melbourne, VIC, Australia) – Performance
“Dreamers Ft. Phoebe Lou” – J Hardy, D Hume, P Lou (Melbourne, VIC, Australia) – Pop/Top 40
“Eyes Be Opened” – Naarah Seagrott (Alabaster Box) (Gold Coast, QLD, Australia) – Gospel/Christian
“Freedom” – Patrick Mau (Thursday Island, QLD, Australia) – World Music
“Give Her The World” – Adam Eckersley, Jason Reeves, Danelle Leverett (Mannering Park, NSW, Australia) – Country
“Got Love” – Thundamentals (Sydney, NSW, Australia) – R&B/Hip-Hop
“Hideaway” – Drummer Buck (Newcastle, NSW, Australia) – Lyrics Only
“Holiday From Me” – Paul McDermott, W. Cate (Sydney, NSW, Australia) – Dance/Electronica
“I Know This Girl” – Jaron Natoli (Melbourne, VIC, Australia) – Teen
“I Lied” – Danielle Deckard (Sydney, NSW, Australia) – Folk/Singer-Songwriter, Unsigned Only
“Little Darling” – The Secret City (Sydney, NSW, Australia) – Music Video
“Loca” – Kat Risteska (Keeda), Andre Nookadu (Sydney, NSW, Australia) – Pop/Top 40
“Loca” – Kat Risteska (Keeda), Andre Nookadu (Sydney, NSW, Australia) – Unsigned Only
“M & R” – Bec Laughton (Brisbane, QLD, Australia) – Music Video
“Maybe, Maybe” – Cam Nacson (Sydney, NSW, Australia) – Folk/Singer-Songwriter
“Maybe, Maybe” – Cam Nacson (Sydney, NSW, Australia) – Unsigned Only
“Miracle” – Kimbra Johnson, Daniel Johns, Stephen Bruner (Melbourne, VIC, Australia) – Music Video
“Miracle” – Kimbra Johnson, Daniel Johns, Stephen Bruner (Melbourne, VIC, Australia) – Performance
“Miracle” – Kimbra Johnson, Daniel Johns, Stephen Bruner (Melbourne, VIC, Australia) – Pop/Top 40
“My Mindset” – Howqua (Melbourne, VIC, Australia) – Music Video
“Not Ready For Love” – Rita Satch (Melbourne, VIC, Australia) – Performance
“Ohio” – Alexander Laska, Fergus Linacre, Jeremy Hunter (Melbourne, VIC, Australia) – Music Video
“Possible” – Vita Adam, Jeremy Fowler (Melbourne, VIC, Australia) – Gospel/Christian
“Puppet Master (Club Edit)” – Shane Burgess (Goulburn, NSW, Australia) – Dance/Electronica
“Put It On The Line” – Emily Brewis (Brisbane, QLD, Australia) – Unsigned Only
“Rescued” – Mark Watson (Gold Coast, QLD, Australia) – Dance/Electronica
“Run For Your Life” – Bertie Blackman, Louis Schoorl, Marashric (Melbourne, VIC, Australia) – Performance
“Rust and Bones” – Gretta Ziller (Oakleigh, VIC, Australia) – Americana
“Superforce” – Ani Neradilkova, Dave Greene, Mathieu Valton (Sydney, NSW, Australia) – Dance/Electronica
“Sweet Satellite” – Luke Batterbury (Torquay, VIC, Australia) – Gospel/Christian
“Tears of Loneliness” – Jessica Day (Gold Coast, QLD, Australia) – Dance/Electronica
“The Breach” – Dustin Tebbutt (Armidale, NSW, Australia) – Folk/Singer-Songwriter
“The Gathering” – Stu Hunter (Sydney, NSW, Australia) – Jazz
“Tiny Roar – Kirsten O’Shea (Brisbane, QLD, Australia) – Lyrics Only
“UltraHigh” – Lili Kendall (Brisbane, QLD, Australia) – Teen
“Unearth Me, Baby” – James Edgar Francis (Sydney, NSW, Australia) – Unsigned Only
“Violets” – Belbel (Melbourne, VIC, Australia) – Music Video
“Who Killed Love” – Peta Jeffress (Melbourne, VIC, Australia) – Adult Contemporary