The 90 finalists of the 2016 Vanda & Young Songwriting Competition have now been announced.
The competition had 2,412 applicants from 20 different countries who ranged in age from 82 years to 11 years, with a total of 3,934 songs submitted.
The finalists are a diverse group that includes established talent and new kids on the block across a variety of genres. Highlighting that range are the seven artists with two songs in the shortlist; Client Liaison, Emma Louise, Gordi, Katrina Burgoyne, King Social, Louis Schoorl and Oh Pep!
Other shortlisted artists include BIGSOUND buzz acts Middle Kids, Sampa the Great and Tash Sultana; recent triple j Unearthed High winner Gretta Ray; and well-known names like Abbe May, Jarryd James, Josh Pyke, M-Phazes, Ngaiire, Sheppard and Urthboy.
Applicants paid an entry fee of $50 per submission with all money raised going directly to Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia. We are delighted to reveal that this year’s competition raised an astounding $196,700 from entries. Another $3,300 was generously donated by a former recipient of the prize, taking the final amount raised to $200,000 for this very worthy cause.
This year’s winning songwriter/s will take home a cash prize of A$50,000 and join the eminent company of past winners Megan Washington (2009), Kimbra (2011), The Preatures (2013) and Husky Gawenda (2014).
AMPAL is proud to once again be sponsoring the second prize of A$10,000, with a third prize of A$5,000 also on offer. All winners will also take home a microphone prize pack from Shure.
The three prize winners will be announced on 27 October, 2016. The list of finalists is available at: http://apraamcos.com.au/vandayoungsongcomp/2016-shortlist/. Congratulations to all finalists!
