Songwriting News: Lockdown Songwriting Contest Winners (2024)

Asking songwriters to submit a song inspired by this period of COVID-19 closures and restrictions, the Lockdown Songwriting Contest sought to highlight the talent and creativity of songwriters faced with a pandemic. Our first-ever songwriting contest, we received over 60 entries, and it was honestly very hard to narrow down the list of winners. The winning entry, receiving $200 in prize money, was sent in by Clare Siobhan. Born in Truro, NS, she now resides in Sackville, NB. Her song “Ten Speed

Asking songwriters to submit a song inspired by this period of COVID-19 closures and restrictions, the Lockdown Songwriting Contest sought to highlight the talent and creativity of songwriters faced with a pandemic. Our first-ever songwriting contest, we received over 60 entries, and it was honestly very hard to narrow down the list of winners. The winning entry, receiving $200 in prize money, was sent in by Clare Siobhan. Born in Truro, NS, she now resides in Sackville, NB. Her song “Ten Speed

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May 31, 2023 - 14:00
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Lockdown Songwriting Contest Winners

Asking songwriters to submit a song inspired by this period of COVID-19 closures and restrictions, the Lockdown Songwriting Contest sought to highlight the talent and creativity of songwriters faced with a pandemic. Our first-ever songwriting contest, we received over 60 entries, and it was honestly very hard to narrow down the list of winners.

The winning entry, receiving $200 in prize money, was sent in by Clare Siobhan. Born in Truro, NS, she now resides in Sackville, NB. Her song “Ten Speed Bike” taps into the jazz standard tradition while still working as a totally unique, modern song of the moment. With deceptively whimsical lyrics, “Ten Speed Bike” draws the listener deeper and deeper into the emotional of this period of extended separation. Her song can be heard on Bandcamp.

Second Place went to songwriter Noah Zacharin of Toronto, ON for his song “Birds Are Not Missing Us.” Zacharin overcomes the challenge of writing a folk song that stays within the tradition while still sounding fresh and unique. Foster commented, “he makes great use of smart chords, witty heartfelt lyrics, consummate guitar chops and a message that subtly shifts the way we see the world.” Listen to “Birds Are Not Missing Us” on his website www.noahsong.com.

Third place was a tie between “Danger Land” by Lyndsay Wills of Vancouver, BC and “Quarantine & Chill” by John Muirhead of Georgetown, ON who each took a different approach to their lockdown song.

Nurse Wills offering a melancholy look at her day-to-day experience. Simple chords with a gorgeous melody, but it was the lyrics that gave us a lump in our throats every time we listened.

Muirhead, on the other hand, tackled his lockdown song with an effective use of humour. His authentic use of everyday language in all its awkwardness gave it a great conversational style. It was very of-the-moment while still connecting to the universal experience of missing someone.

Honourable Mentions:Solidarity – Kim WilliamsAlone Together – Joanna DrummondMother Earth’s Cry – Shirley JacksonDon’t Txt Ur Ex – Saffron A

Thank you to everyone who took the time to create something new in these difficult times. We look forward to the moment when we can all get back together to swap songs in person.

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