NSAI Announces Winners Of 21st Annual Song Contest
The Nashville Songwriters Association International held its 21st Annual Song Contest, welcoming aspiring songwriters from around the world to enter their songs and/or lyrics for a chance to win, on Feb. 16.
The contest, which was presented by Martin Guitars, Strings and CMT, had nearly 2,500 entries. After several rounds of judging, a total of 22 songs placed in the contest following the final judging by a panel that included Jacqueline Renner, CEO of C.F.Martin & Co., Leslie Fram, Senior VP of Music & Talent at CMT, Tim Hunze, Senior Director of Creative at Anthem Entertainment, and NSAI Board President Steve Bogard. “I Do” by Matthew Soileau (co-written by Brandon Chase) won the coveted top prize.
Matthew Soileau
Soileau, who hails from Spring, TX, took home $5,000 cash, mentor sessions with Tenille Townes and songwriters Ross Golan and Joe London, and a one year single-song contract with Anthem Entertainment along with several other prizes, including a brand new Martin Guitar.
Claire Bunnik from Pefferlaw, Ontario, Canada won the contest’s Lyric-Only category with her entry “Raising A Son,” winning a mentor session with Grammy-winning songwriter-artist Brett James, $2,000 cash, a Martin Guitar and more.
The other nine finalists also won a Martin Guitar, an industry meeting, and one year of NSAI membership. Every contest entry also has a scorecard evaluation from the judging that will be sent out to participants.
