2012 WINNERS ANNOUNCED

ISC is pleased to announce the 2012 winners. Click here to see the complete list.

Indie folk rocker Joshua Hanson of the group Yellow Red Sparks has been awarded the Grand Prize for his song "Monsters With Misdemeanors." He is the winner of $25,000 cash (US) and $40,000 in additional prizes.

Upon winning ISC, Joshua said, "This might seem unconventional coming from an industry standpoint, but I’ve never believed in the music industry. I’ve believed in songwriters and the power of their words and melodies. I've always gravitated towards the power and mystery that a single song can contain.  The International Songwriting Competition encapsulates the idea that the craft of songwriting should not only be celebrated, but honored and respected. I absolutely love words and have used them to express everything I've ever felt, but winning this competition left me speechless. With that said, I still cannot believe that I won, but I am grateful beyond words and I hope that all songwriters can be encouraged through such a wonderful organization like ISC. Thank you to ISC...you have truly kept me going."

Congratulations to all the winners!

What is ISC?

The International Songwriting Competition (ISC) is an annual song contest whose mission is to provide the opportunity for both aspiring and established songwriters to have their songs heard in a professional, international arena. ISC is designed to nurture the musical talent of songwriters on all levels and promote excellence in the art of songwriting. Amateur and professional songwriters and musicians are invited to participate. ISC has the most prestigious panel of judges of all the songwriting and music contests in the world, offering exposure and the opportunity to have your songs heard by the most influential decision-makers in the music industry.

Win cash, prizes, recognition, and exposure!

68 winners will share in the cash and prizes! ISC is a great opportunity for songwriters, musicians, and performers to win cash and prizes, further their music careers, and gain recognition and exposure in the music industry.

Categories include: AAA (Adult Album Alternative), Adult Contemporary (AC), Americana, Blues, Children's Music, Comedy/Novelty, Country, Dance/Electronica, Folk/Singer-Songwriter, Gospel/Christian, Instrumental, Jazz, Latin Music, Lyrics Only, Music Video, Performance, Pop/Top 40, R&B/Hip-Hop, Rock, Teen, World Music, and Unsigned Only. Entrants may submit as many songs as they wish - in the same category or in multiple categories.

In addition to cash and merchandise prizes, winners benefit from a multilateral promotional campaign designed to give international exposure and attention to their songwriting achievements. 

Depending on the category, submissions are judged on the following criteria:

• Creativity

• Originality

• Lyrics (excludes songs that do not have lyrics)

• Melody

• Arrangement

• Overall likeability

Some categories may have additional criteria. Production/Recording quality and vocal ability are not criteria.

Please note: the judges listed on the Judges page are from the 2012 competition (winners will be announced by the end of April, 2013). The judges for 2013 will be listed soon.