International Song Comp Aussie winners

Congrats to the International Song Competition (ISC) First Place finishers Samantha McGrath (Essi) and Liam Quinn 

7 Australian acts received 2nd and 3rd Place, with an additional 40 Australian acts taking home Honourable Mentions

Judges include Paul Stanley (KISS), Joe Hahn (Linkin Park), Elle King, Tom Waits, Nancy Wilson (Heart) and more

Australian songwriters have once again proven their world-class talent, with many artists earning top honors in the 2024 International Songwriting Competition (ISC), one of the most respected and competitive songwriting contests globally. 13 of the 17 award-winning Australian songwriters are APRA AMCOS members.

This year’s ISC drew almost 14,000 entries from 112 countries, and Australian songwriters captured accolades across multiple categories.
 
Now in its 23rd year, ISC is dedicated to promoting the art and excellence of songwriting and providing a platform for both aspiring and established songwriters to gain recognition in the global music industry. With over $200,000 in cash and prizes and its esteemed panel of judges, winning ISC continues to be a benchmark of songwriting achievement.
 
ISC is widely renowned for honoring artists such as Gotye, Vance Joy, Kasey Chambers, Tones And I, Eskimo Joe, Dean Lewis, Amy Shark, Gang of Youths, Missy Higgins, The Teskey Brothers, and many more – and this year’s Australian winners are poised to follow in the footsteps of these past ISC standouts.
 
ISC Founder and Director Candace Avery said, “Australia has consistently been a powerhouse of songwriting talent. Year after year, Australian songwriters impress with their originality, innovation, and lyrical craftsmanship. This year’s winners exemplify the vibrant and diverse energy of Australia’s music scene – they are world-class.”
 
ISC’s Grand Prize has been awarded to USA Christian artists bodie, Sajan Nauriyal, and Wes Strunk for their co-written song “whisper and the wind.” The winning composition captivated ISC’s esteemed panel of judges with its compelling lyricism and emotional resonance. In addition to international recognition, they receive a prize package of $25,000 (US) in cash and over $40,000 in additional prizes. This is the first time in ISC’s 23-year history that the Grand Prize is awarded to artists in the Christian music genre. 

Australia’s dominance extended across multiple categories, with Aussie songwriters taking home the following honors:

First Place

• Samantha McGrath (Essi) and Liam Quinn – “Nostalgic” – Goondiwindi, QLD – Country Music

Second Place

• Leanne Tennant (LT), Joel Quartermain, Edwin White – “Real Life = No Fun” – Cairns, QLD – AAA (Adult Album Alternative)
• Mabel Windred-Wornes, Ivy Windred-Wornes (Charm of Finches) – “Middle Of Your Mess” ­ – Melbourne, VIC – Music Video
• Bronson Diamond – “Stay In Your Lane Ft. Greta Stanley” – Cairns, QLD – Americana
• Bella Mackenzie, Jacky McCormack, Cade Russell Brinkley – “Wasted Ft. LECADE” – Mackay, QLD – Country
• Georgia Darcy Munster (Gia Darcy), Emma Lov Block, Alex Koste – “Nice Things” – Sydney, NSW – Pop/Top 40

Third Place

• Katie Rose – “Those Broken Things” – Kensington, NSW – Lyrics Only
• Brannon Hughes  (Lemonade Baby) – “Yeah Yeah Yeah (Lifestyle)” – Brisbane, QLD – EDM

Additionally, 40 Australian songs were awarded an Honorable Mention. For a complete list of winners, including Honorable Mentions, go to www.songwritingcompetition.com/winners.