John Lennon Songwriting Contest
The John Lennon Songwriting Contest, named for the former member of The Beatles, is an international contest for songwriters, open to amateurs and professionals. A professional recording is not needed, as songs are not judged based on performance, but on originality, melody, composition, and lyrics (if applicable). Entries May Be submitted in any one of 12 categories:
- Children's
- Country
- Electronic
- Folk
- Gospel
- Hip-Hop
- Jazz
- Latin
- Pop
- R&B
- Rock
- World
Songwriting contests such as the John Lennon contest have been called "career boost." Winners of the contest receive publishing contracts, as well as studio equipment, and various other items. The #1 winner of this contest receives extra prizes including $20,000 for the "Song of the Year," sponsored by Maxell. The 2007 award will be presented by Fergie on June 21.
Th contest was created by Brian Rothschild, a former songwriter and keyboard player for the band I Am Siam, and David Sonenberg, whose company manages acts that include the Spin Doctors, the Black Eyed PEAS and John Legend; they joined with Lennon's widow, Yoko Ono, to create the contest in 1997. They also outfitted a touring bus to travel throughout the country and promote the contest, as well as songwriting in general. In 2004, the contest was co-sponsored by USA Weekend magazine, and judged by Usher.
Here is a link to video shot at Hookahville of David Grisman on the John Lennon Songwriting Contest Studio Bus. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKX8HgpemIM To kick off Hookahville 2000 Sol-A-Koa Productions contacted DAS Communications through techs touring on the JLSC Studio Bus that were met while Sol-A-Koa was covering Woodstock 1999 and Sevendust at Warped Tour in Pomano Beach Ampitheater. This video shoot on the bus and live recordings of Arlo Guthrie, David Grisman, and Ekoostik Hookah are the result of those contacts.