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Lowden News

Vance Joy wins International Songwriting Competition

The International Songwriting Competition (ISC), widely recognized as the most prestigious and respected international songwriting competition in the world, has today announced its 2014 winners. With over 18,000 entries submitted from 118 countries, a total of 345 songwriters are honored in the competition.

In the history of ISC, no other entrant has ever garnered perfect scores from the judges until the 2014 Grand Prize winner, Vance Joy, for his song “Riptide.” Called an instant classic by critics and fans, this song has become an international hit, launching Joy’s career with sold-out tours and chart success in his home country of Australia, the USA, and throughout the world.

Having already sold over a million copies worldwide, the song was inspired by a motel that Joy visited as a child, when he would go on family holidays down the coast of Australia, staying at a motel named Riptide. The motel became the title of this memorable song that has charmed the world.


ISC’s overall Grand Prize is awarded to Australian singer/songwriter Vance Joy for his song “Riptide.” It is the first time in ISC’s 14-year history that any entrant has ever received perfect scores across the board. The song is being called an instant classic by both critics and fans across the world, launching Joy’s career with sold-out tours, worldwide chart success, and critical acclaim.

“It is such an honor to win this songwriting prize,” Joy said in a statement. “Writing songs is what gives me a feeling of purpose. I’m proud to receive this award voted on by my songwriting peers.” The Grand Prize winner receives $25,000 in cash plus $45,000 in services and merchandise, including a custom-built Lowden guitar valued at over $11,000, a Hammond organ, Abelton Push and Live 9 Suite, and much more.

Winners were selected by a panel of Judges which included: American Authors, Pat Metheny, Sarah McLachlan, Bastille, Avicii, Sara Evans, Keane, Casting Crowns, Darryl McDaniels (Run D.M.C), Newsboys, Wayne Shorter, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, London Grammar, Taylor Goldsmith (Dawes), Gerald Casale (Devo), Dan McCarroll (President, Warner Bros. Records), Craig Kallman (Chairman/CEO, Atlantic Records), Mike Smith (President, Virgin EMI Records), Jeff Castelaz (President, Elektra Records), Ted Cockle (President, Virgin Records UK), and many more.

“ISC is one of the most successful ways for artists to have their music heard and recognized on not only a national scale, but also an international one,” states Candace Avery, Founder and Director. “The competition encourages songwriters to create, develop, and challenge their artisty 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 validation for their accomplishments. Vance Joy exemplifies the extraordinary talent we are looking to honor.”

Soon to embark on a seven-month tour as the support act for pop superstar Taylor Swift, the Australian is popping up everywhere, including recently performing “Riptide” on the MTV Europe Music Awards in Glasgow, Scotland. Joy’s accomplishments also include reaching the #1 spot on Triple J’s Hottest 100, and the single has been certified 5x platinum in Australia and 2x Platinum in the US. Furthermore, the songwriter took home the prestigious 2014 APRA award for Song of The Year. The track also went to #30 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and #1 on the Rock Airplay chart.


ISC is sponsored by: Lowden Guitars, Hammond USA, Abelton, Gauge Microphones, Slate Digital, DiscMakers, D’Addario, Taxi, IndieProMix and FinalMix, Inc., Indie Venue Bible, George Stein, Esq., Berklee College of Music, Thayers, AirPlay Direct, Celebrity Access, SongU, The Music Business Registry, Lurssen Mastering, and Vosges Haut-Chocolat.

ISC is now accepting entries for 2015. More information can be found at: http://www.songwritingcompetition.com.

For a complete list of 2014 ISC winners and to hear the winning songs, go to http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/winners