After receiving over 4000 entries from talented songwriters across the globe, APRA|AMCOS and Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia are proud to announce Kimbra (Kimbra Johnson) as the Winner of the 2011 Vanda and Young Songwriting Competition for her song ‘Cameo Lover’.
Voted by the 18 member music industry judging panel, Kimbra is joined by Catherine Britt in Second Place for her song ‘Sweet Emmylou’ and Gotye (pronounced Gore-ti-yeah, Wally de Backer) in Third Place for his song ‘Somebody That I Used To Know’.
Congratulations go to all three winners!
‘Sweet Emmylou’ is one of three #1 singles for Catherine Britt from her fourth and self-titled studio album. Catherine has spent six years living in Nashville and has toured, performed and recorded with some of music’s most respected names including Kasey Chambers, Paul Kelly, Sir Elton John, Shane Nicholson and Tim Rodgers.
Catherine Britt said, “As a song writer you are always striving to create something that you hope people can relate to and that might make a difference in their lives, and to be recognised by your peers for these efforts is an honour”.
Further details on the Winners (including a bio, photo and YouTube link to the winning song), the Top 12 Finalists and the Top 40 Highly Commended songwriters can be found here – www.vandayoungsongcomp.com/winners.html
With 100% of the $50 AUD entry fee going directly to support Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia, over $200,000 has been raised for the charity – an increase of $70,000 on the amount of money raised in the Vanda and Young Songwriting Competition’s inaugural year.
Since 1984, Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia has promoted and developed the understanding, training and practice of creative music therapy. The therapists work with children and adults, utilising music’s interactive and participatory nature as an agent for change and healing. To find out more, go to: www.nordoff-robbins.com.au.
The Vanda and Young Songwriting Competition is only in its second year but has quickly become Australia’s most prestigious and lucrative songwriting competition. Megan Washington was the inaugural winner with her song ‘How to Tame Lions’. The 2011 music industry judging panel is made up of the following members:
• Mark Atkins
• Amanda Brown
• Eric Chapus
• Charles Fisher
• Brendan Gallagher
• Les Gock
• Julian Hamilton
• Cath Haridy
• Kate Miller-Heidke
• Simon Moor
• Jenny Morris
• Pat Pattison (Intl Judge, Berklee Music)
• Josh Pyke
• Iain Shedden
• Rai Thistlewayte
• Roma Waterman
• John Watson
• Jonathan Zwartz
Catherine Britt Announced as Ambassador For 7th Australian Music Prize
Now in its seventh year, The Australian Music Prize (The Amp) has established itself as a renowned prize for originality and creativity.
With a judging panel made up of music media, artists and retailers, The Australian Music Prize rewards excellence based on the merits of the album alone – not sales, radio play or media coverage.
Appealing to a broad spectrum of entrants across all genres of music, The Amp draws comparisons to the UK Mercury Music Prize for its integrity and passion for local music.
In a new initiative for 2011, we are pleased to introduce The Amp Ambassadors. Five well-known and respected artists across all genres of music will represent The Amp speaking about the prize and its place in the country, the quality of Australian music and issues facing the music industry at this time. The Amp Ambassadors are GOTYE, HEIDI LENFFER (CLOUD CONTROL), KRAM (SPIDERBAIT), CATHERINE BRITT and PHRASE.
The Amp is all about representing all genres of music and Catherine Britt is a country music stalwart, having produced four studio albums, toured and recorded with the likes of Kasey Chambers, Paul Kelly, Sir Elton John, Shane Nicholson and many more. Her career defining self-titled album drew a slew of nominations from APRA, ARIA and CMA Awards. She has spent more than six years in Nashville and is a celebrated figure on the scene.
“It’s an honour to be asked to be an ambassador for the 7th Australian Music Prize which has now firmly established itself as part for the Australian musical landscape. And as a country artist it’s wonderful to see that the prize is judged across all musical genres,” Catherine Britt.
For more information check out www.australianmusicprize.com.au