Get ready to unleash your musical genius! The Vanda & Young Global Song Comp is now open for 2024 entries. This renowned competition, established by AMPRA AMCOSS in collaboration with Alberts, celebrates exceptional songwriting talent from around the world. With a total prize pool exceeding $80,000 [link to release], including a first prize of $50,000, this year’s competition is set to be bigger and better than ever. Songwriters from all corners of the globe are invited to showcase their unique creativity.
Over its 11-year history, the Vanda & Young Global Song Comp has uncovered and honoured local artists at varying stages of their careers, including notable past winners Megan Washington, King Stingray, Baker Boy, Thelma Plum, Ruel, Matt Corby, Amy Shark, Gang of Youths and Mallrat. These singer-songwriters, representing a diverse range of local talent, have become celebrated names in contemporary Australian music.
Alberts is proud to continue its support of the competition, established in collaboration with APRA AMCOS to highlight exceptional songwriting talent globally and provide a platform for songwriters to gain visibility and advance their careers within the music industry. $10,000 is on offer for second place and $5,000 for third. Additionally, there is a special prize of $5,000, along with a Gibson Guitar Ebony Les Paul Special Tribute (valued at $2,595), exclusively for unsigned and unpublished Australian songwriters.
Named in honour of the iconic songwriting and producing duo Harry Vanda and the late George Young –members of the legendary 1960s Aussie rock band The Easybeats – the 2024 competition celebrates 60 years since the band’s debut. The legacy of the ‘Friday on My Mind’ and ‘She’s So Fine’ hitmakers endures, with Vanda still active in writing and producing.
Genesis Owusu performing at Elsewhere, Brooklyn in October 2023. His hit, “Gold Chains” took out first prize in the 2022 Vanda & Young Global Song Comp (Image courtesy of: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Genesis-owusu-elsewhere-brookyln-2023-2.jpg)
The global competition not only offers substantial prizes – this year sees the addition of ten global emerging songwriter prizes of $1,000 each – but also supports the life-changing work of Noro (formerly Nordoff-Robins Music Therapy Australia). All proceeds go to their not-for-profit clinical music therapy and community music programs, with $2 million raised since 2009.
This year’s judging panel includes 22 experts across record labels, publishing, management, media, and artistry, including Christina Thiers (A&R, BMG); Jenny Morris (Artist + Chair, APRA AMCOS); Nicole Richards (MD, Island Records); Troy Cassar-Daley (Artist); and Mahalia Barnes (Artist + Manager, Jimmy Barnes).
David Albert, CEO of Alberts, proudly champions the revitalised competition: “As we commemorate 60 years since The Easybeats first energised audiences, Alberts is honoured to continue its support of the Vanda & Young Global Song Comp as it ignites the creative spirit of another generation of songwriters,” says David.
“The 2024 competition promises to be a standout year for talent, supporting Alberts’ history of backing musical trailblazers who foster a vibrant Australian culture. Building on the success of past local winners like King Stingray and 2023 ARIA Album of the Year recipient Genesis Owusu, we are excited to hear the energy and innovation that this year’s entrants will bring to the competition.”
