International Songwriting Competition

MUSIC ICONS AND INDUSTRY EXECUTIVES TO JUDGE 2008 INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION (ISC)

ISC ANNOUNCES COMPLETE LINE-UP OF JUDGES

August 25, 2008 - A total of 55 high-profile music icons and industry executives have joined together to judge the 2008 International Songwriting Competition (ISC). This year's judges include Rob Thomas (Matchbox 20), Tom Waits, Ray Davies (The Kinks), Ricky Martin, McCoy Tyner, T-Pain, Loretta Lynn, Chaka Khan, Robert Smith (The Cure), and many more. An equally impressive group of top-level music industry executives rounds out the panel. Consistent in its tradition of having such esteemed judges, ISC continues to raise the bar for songwriting competitions.

With this calibre of judges, ISC offers songwriters the unprecedented opportunity to have their music listened to by some of the most high-profile celebrities and industry executives in the music arena. ISC also offers recognition, exposure, and prizes (more than $150,000 in cash and prizes will be shared among the 62 winners in 20 categories - including an overall Grand Prize of $25,000 (US) cash and $20,000 in prizes). ISC accepts original songs from musicians, artists, bands, and songwriters at every level - from amateur to professional.

Candace Avery, Founder and Director, states, "The calibre of judges is particularly high this year, and we are really honored that these judges want to participate and listen to the songs of our entrants. This is an excellent opportunity for artists to reach some of the most influential decision makers in the industry."

To enter, go to http://www.songwritingcompetition.com

The complete list of 2008 ISC judges include:

Recording Artists
Rob Thomas (Matchbox 20); Chaka Khan; Tom Waits; KT Tunstall; Robert Smith (The Cure); Ricky Martin; Loretta Lynn; Neil Finn (Crowded House); Buckcherry; T-Pain; James Cotton; Jerry Lee Lewis; Craig Morgan; Ray Davies (The Kinks); McCoy Tyner; Darryl McDaniels (Run DMC); Michael W. Smith; Chris Hillman (The Byrds); John Scofield; Mario; Black Francis (The Pixies); Youssou N'Dour; John Mayall; DJ Tiësto; Paul Van Dyk; Jon Secada; Natalie Grant; Jeremy Camp; Matt Thiessen (Relient K); Pittbull; Angelique Kidjo; Sandra Bernhard; "Weird Al" Yankovic; and David Brenner

Music Industry Executives
Monte Lipman (President, Universal Records); Nick Burgess (Head of A&R, Virgin Records UK); Angel Carrasco (Sr. VP of A&R, Latin America Sony BMG and President, Discos 605); Cameron Strang (President, New West Records); John Echevarria (President, Universal Music Latino); Rick Krim (Executive VP Talent and Programming, VH1); Amy Doyle (Sr. VP of Music and Talent, MTV); Kim Buie (VP of A&R, Lost Highway); Jon Pikus (Director of A&R, MySpace Records); Mitchell Cohen (VP of A&R, Verve Music Group); Bruce Iglauer (Founder/President, Alligator Records); Dan Storper (President, Putumayo World Music); Rene Bell (Executive VP A&R, Sony BMG Nashville); Peter Strickland (Senior VP, Jack Records/Warner Bros.); Steve Lillywhite (Producer - credits include U2, The Rolling Stones, Morrissey, Peter Gabriel, and more); Douglas C. Cohn (Sr. VP, Music Marketing & Talent, Nickelodeon); Cory Robbins (Founder/President, Robbins Entertainment); Betty Pino (DJ, WAMR Miami); Paul Majors (CEO/Founder Majors Music); Leib Ostrow (CEO, Music for Little People); and Dr. Demento (Radio Host of The Dr. Demento Show)

ISC offers a total of 20 categories, including: Pop/Top 40, AAA (Adult Album Alternative), Rock, Country, Americana, R&B/Hip-Hop, Blues, Folk/Singer-Songwriter, Jazz, Latin Music, Instrumental, Gospel/Christian, Dance/Electronica, Comedy/Novelty, World Music, Children's Music, Lyrics Only, Teen, Performance, and Music Video.

For more information, go to http://www.songwritingcompetition.com

ISC 2008 sponsors include Luna Guitars, Berklee College of Music. Shure. D'Addario, M-Audio, Griffin Technology, Hear Technologies, PoBoy Drums, Thayers, Disc Makers, ASCAP, Phase One Studios, Stuph Merch, Sonicbids, Sam Ash, Alphabet Arm Design, Shari's Berries, Cakewalk, Taxi, George Stein, Esq., The Music Business Registry, SongU.com, and Onlinegigs.