$50k Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition opens

The 2019 Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition opened this morning, with a $50,000 cash prize on offer.

The $50,000 is from APRA AMCOS, Alberts and BMG.

Named after the legendary Australian songwriting and production team of Harry Vanda and George Young, the competition is judged by a 64-strong panel of artists, producers, media and music biz reps.

This year it includes Isabella Manfredi of The Preatures, Lior, triple j Unearthed’s Dave Ruby Howe and producer Franc Tetaz.

Through the years, the competition’s judges have been sharp enough to nail emerging writers with potential.

Last year Amy Shark took the grand prize with ‘Adore’, while the inaugural Unpublished win of $5,000 went to ‘Better’ by a Grace Shaw from Brisbane – better known these days as Mallrat.

Says Shark, “’Adore’ connected with fans in a magical way and opened so many doors for me.

“Winning the Vanda & Young Global Songwriting competition was an incredible honour and helped me fund the next phase of my career.”

Previous winners were Gretta Ray (2016), Husky Gawenda (2014), Isabella Manfredi (2013), and Kimbra (2011) and top finishers including Gotye, Meg Mac and Gang of Youths’ David Le’aupepe.

Runner-up gets $10,000 from AMPAL (Australasian Music Publishers Association) and third place receives $5,000.

Last year’s competition drew a record 4,056 entries from 3,296 songwriters in 30 countries.

In the decade since the first Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition was won by Megan Washington, songwriters have helped raise over $1million to help fund Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia (NRMTA).

The $50 entry fee per song goes to the association, which uses music therapy helps those with learning difficulties to cope with the struggles of living with a wide range of needs due to physical and intellectual disabilities, autism, trauma, illness, dementia and behaviour disorder

David Albert, chief executive of Alberts said: “Now in its 10th year, this wonderful initiative continues to support the vital services provided by Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia while recognising the legacy of Harry Vanda and the late George Young.”

Heath Johns, managing director of BMG Australia commented: “As the original pioneers of Australian music export it is fitting to have Harry and George’s names attached to this prestigious prize as we look to expand the competition across the globe.”

Dean Ormston, chief executive of APRA AMCOS pointed out: “The Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition does two things brilliantly – supporting the critically important work of Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia, and championing the craft of songwriting.”

Matthew O’Sullivan, general manager of AMPAL stated: “AMPAL is extremely proud to again support the 2019 Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition to recognise great songwriting, while also contributing to the vital work of Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia.”

Entries close 11.59pm (AEDT) on April 12.