Thursday, July 31, 2014

2013 Song of the Year Winner!


New York, NY (August 1, 2014) — Helen Austin & Paul Otten were announced as the winners of the coveted John Lennon Songwriting Contest 'Song of the Year' for their original song “Colour It.” The announcement was made on Cumulus Media's 95.5 PLJ in New York with radio host Ralphie Aversa.

As 'Song of the Year' winners, Helen Austin & Paul Otten won $20,000 in cash in addition to prizes from SSL, Avid, Mackie and Digital Media Academy. They have also received other prizing throughout 2013 after winning both the Lennon Award and the Grand Prize packages in the Children’s category. The song was selected to win the top prize by the John Lennon Songwriting Contest’s Executive Judges Panel, consisting of superstars such as Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas, Natasha Bedingfield, George Clinton, Prince Royce, Bootsy Collins, Sean Paul & more.

Helen Austin is currently from Vancouver Island in Canada, though she started as a classical musician in the UK. Paul Otten is from Cincinnati, OH in the US. The two met while both on a songwriting conference panel, where they began a songwriting relationship. Helen and Paul are currently focusing on a new project together called Big Little Lions.

A total of over $300,000 in cash awards and prizes will be distributed this year by the year-round John Lennon Songwriting Contest, which is open to both amateur and professional songwriters. Visit JLSC.COM for more information about the contest and to enter for your chance to become the next 'Song of the Year' winner. All entry fees from the contest help support the non-profit John Lennon Educational Tour Bus.

JLSC Presents Roots N Blues N BBQ Contest!


The John Lennon Songwriting Contest is proud to announce a special opportunity to perform at the Roots N Blues N BBQ Festival in Columbia, Missouri. In addition to a main stage performance slot, the winner of this contest will also receive full accomodations and over $3,000 worth of cash awards and prizes. Songwriters are able to enter their original songs through 8/11. A winner will be announced on 8/26. Ben Jaffe from Preservation Hall Jazz Band will be a special guest judge in the contest. Other performers at the Roots N Blues N BBQ festival include The Avett Brothers, Amos Lee, John Prine, Trampled By Turtles, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Blackberry Smoke, Roseanne Cash, Matthew Curry & more.

Submissions also include entry into Session II, 2014 of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest.

Contest deadline: 8/11
Winner Announcement: 8/26
Entry Platforms: JLSC.com & Sonicbids
Entry Fee: $30 per song*, inclusive of Session II, 2014 entry

PRIZE PACKAGE:
$1,000 CASH
Performance slot on main stage at the festival
Hotel accommodations for the duration of the festival
VIP laminates with access to VIP area (includes brunch, dinner & snacks)
Epiphone Casino guitar
Audio-Technica System 10 Stompbox - Digital Wireless System
JamHub BedRoom
IK Multimedia iRig PRO
SESAC magazine feature & SESAC Swag bag
Neutrik custom John Lennon Educational Tour Bus cable
*All entry fees from the contest help support the non-profit John Lennon Educational Tour Bus