Country hit songwriter judges Steve Wariner, Pam Tillis and Bob Morrison listened to our semifinalists and chose the three best country songs from among the entries. Check out winner, Ray Collier; finalist Sean Magwire; and finalist Ed Silver.
Country hit songwriter judges Steve Wariner, Pam Tillis and Bob Morrison listened to our semifinalists and chose the three best country songs from among the entries. Check out winner, Ray Collier; finalist Sean Magwire; and finalist Ed Silver.
Country hit songwriter judges Steve Wariner, Pam Tillis and Bob Morrison listened to our semifinalists and chose the three best country songs from among the entries. Check out winner, Ray Collier; finalist Sean Magwire; and finalist Ed Silver.
Ray was born and raised in Nashville Tennessee and started writing songs at the age of 15. After earning a master’s degree in Psychology, he became a licensed therapist. But, Ray never stopped writing songs. Throughout his education, he wrote songs daily, something he’ll tell you he could NOT help but do.
Ray was born and raised in Nashville Tennessee and started writing songs at the age of 15. After earning a master’s degree in Psychology, he became a licensed therapist. But, Ray never stopped writing songs. Throughout his education, he wrote songs daily, something he’ll tell you he could NOT help but do.
Ray was born and raised in Nashville Tennessee and started writing songs at the age of 15. After earning a master’s degree in Psychology, he became a licensed therapist. But, Ray never stopped writing songs. Throughout his education, he wrote songs daily, something he’ll tell you he could NOT help but do.
Ray got close to his dreams of being a country songwriter at least once during his life, hanging out at Cedarwood Studio and Publishing Company as a young man, getting to know John Denny, the head of Cedarwood who encouraged Ray to write. Even setting him up to write with the late, great Billy Swann. They wrote several songs, one called “Town Clown By Day, Town Crier By Night,” but Ray was never lucky enough to get it cut.
Ray got close to his dreams of being a country songwriter at least once during his life, hanging out at Cedarwood Studio and Publishing Company as a young man, getting to know John Denny, the head of Cedarwood who encouraged Ray to write. Even setting him up to write with the late, great Billy Swann. They wrote several songs, one called “Town Clown By Day, Town Crier By Night,” but Ray was never lucky enough to get it cut.
Ray got close to his dreams of being a country songwriter at least once during his life, hanging out at Cedarwood Studio and Publishing Company as a young man, getting to know John Denny, the head of Cedarwood who encouraged Ray to write. Even setting him up to write with the late, great Billy Swann. They wrote several songs, one called “Town Clown By Day, Town Crier By Night,” but Ray was never lucky enough to get it cut.
Throughout his life, Ray always kept writing songs. He has hundreds of lyrics, many with melodies. The winning song submitted to the SGA country songwriting contest, “Only Shot I Got” was co-written with Brian White and Chad Chapin, two professional songwriters in their own right.
Throughout his life, Ray always kept writing songs. He has hundreds of lyrics, many with melodies. The winning song submitted to the SGA country songwriting contest, “Only Shot I Got” was co-written with Brian White and Chad Chapin, two professional songwriters in their own right.
Throughout his life, Ray always kept writing songs. He has hundreds of lyrics, many with melodies. The winning song submitted to the SGA country songwriting contest, “Only Shot I Got” was co-written with Brian White and Chad Chapin, two professional songwriters in their own right.
Ray’s most ardent wish is to use the time he has left on this earth to continue writing, hoping that a new co-writer or two approach him to fulfill his dream of getting songs recorded by current country music artists. Ray is grateful for his award from SGA which he says “means the world” to him.
Ray’s most ardent wish is to use the time he has left on this earth to continue writing, hoping that a new co-writer or two approach him to fulfill his dream of getting songs recorded by current country music artists. Ray is grateful for his award from SGA which he says “means the world” to him.
Ray’s most ardent wish is to use the time he has left on this earth to continue writing, hoping that a new co-writer or two approach him to fulfill his dream of getting songs recorded by current country music artists. Ray is grateful for his award from SGA which he says “means the world” to him.
Sean Magwire, a native of Angola, Indiana, grew up in a home where music was as essential as air. His father, a gifted singer-songwriter, filled their home with melodies that ignited Sean’s passion for music at a young age. Inspired by legends like The Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel, Sean picked up the guitar at age 14. But it was Coldplay’s “Yellow," released the following year, that truly convinced him he could create his own songs.
Sean Magwire, a native of Angola, Indiana, grew up in a home where music was as essential as air. His father, a gifted singer-songwriter, filled their home with melodies that ignited Sean’s passion for music at a young age. Inspired by legends like The Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel, Sean picked up the guitar at age 14. But it was Coldplay’s “Yellow," released the following year, that truly convinced him he could create his own songs.
Sean Magwire, a native of Angola, Indiana, grew up in a home where music was as essential as air. His father, a gifted singer-songwriter, filled their home with melodies that ignited Sean’s passion for music at a young age. Inspired by legends like The Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel, Sean picked up the guitar at age 14. But it was Coldplay’s “Yellow," released the following year, that truly convinced him he could create his own songs.
Sean settled in Chicago. From 2012 to 2016, he was the main songwriter and band leader of the award-winning Chicago folk act, The Lulabelles. His song "Between the Cracks" won the Grand Prize for Folk in the 2015 John Lennon Songwriting Contest, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Sean settled in Chicago. From 2012 to 2016, he was the main songwriter and band leader of the award-winning Chicago folk act, The Lulabelles. His song "Between the Cracks" won the Grand Prize for Folk in the 2015 John Lennon Songwriting Contest, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Sean settled in Chicago. From 2012 to 2016, he was the main songwriter and band leader of the award-winning Chicago folk act, The Lulabelles. His song "Between the Cracks" won the Grand Prize for Folk in the 2015 John Lennon Songwriting Contest, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Love eventually took Sean to Massachusetts, where he quickly found a home in the Northeast music community. Balancing his roles as a school adjustment counselor, dedicated singer-songwriter and father, Sean discovered his true purpose: connecting deeply with others through his music.
Love eventually took Sean to Massachusetts, where he quickly found a home in the Northeast music community. Balancing his roles as a school adjustment counselor, dedicated singer-songwriter and father, Sean discovered his true purpose: connecting deeply with others through his music.
Love eventually took Sean to Massachusetts, where he quickly found a home in the Northeast music community. Balancing his roles as a school adjustment counselor, dedicated singer-songwriter and father, Sean discovered his true purpose: connecting deeply with others through his music.
Currently, Sean is working on a new solo album set for release in Fall 2024. Sean’s music can be found featured on prestigious platforms like WGBH’s All Things Considered, The Boston Globe, PBS, NPR and in the feature film Fly Old Birds: Escape to the Ark.
Currently, Sean is working on a new solo album set for release in Fall 2024. Sean’s music can be found featured on prestigious platforms like WGBH’s All Things Considered, The Boston Globe, PBS, NPR and in the feature film Fly Old Birds: Escape to the Ark.
Currently, Sean is working on a new solo album set for release in Fall 2024. Sean’s music can be found featured on prestigious platforms like WGBH’s All Things Considered, The Boston Globe, PBS, NPR and in the feature film Fly Old Birds: Escape to the Ark.
Edward Alan Silver is a multi-award-winning songwriter from New York City whose compositions have been performed worldwide.
Edward Alan Silver is a multi-award-winning songwriter from New York City whose compositions have been performed worldwide.
Edward Alan Silver is a multi-award-winning songwriter from New York City whose compositions have been performed worldwide.
His music has also been heard on the long-running ABC daytime drama "All My Children."
His music has also been heard on the long-running ABC daytime drama "All My Children."
His music has also been heard on the long-running ABC daytime drama "All My Children."
Ed enjoys working with such notable talents as Adam Cunningham (NBC's "The Voice" semifinalist), Matt Dame (CMT's Next Superstar), Rian Swanepoel (South Africa Idols finalist), and producer/performer Michéal Castaldo (José Feliciano).
Ed enjoys working with such notable talents as Adam Cunningham (NBC's "The Voice" semifinalist), Matt Dame (CMT's Next Superstar), Rian Swanepoel (South Africa Idols finalist), and producer/performer Michéal Castaldo (José Feliciano).
Ed enjoys working with such notable talents as Adam Cunningham (NBC's "The Voice" semifinalist), Matt Dame (CMT's Next Superstar), Rian Swanepoel (South Africa Idols finalist), and producer/performer Michéal Castaldo (José Feliciano).
He is currently developing material for a variety of recording artists around the world.
He is currently developing material for a variety of recording artists around the world.
He is currently developing material for a variety of recording artists around the world.
CURRENT & UPCOMING SONG COMPETITIONS
Entries open now
Ready to rock? If you've got a great ROCK SONG, enter it in our ROCK SONG contest. A winner and two finalists will receive cash prizes. Winners and finalists (including quarterfinalists and semifinalists) will receive national recognition. There are also performance opportunities, licensing opportunities, workshops and more for those named finalists and winners.
Early entries open
R&B, soul and funk are genres known for needing hits from quality songwriters. So, if you've written a great R&B, SOUL or FUNK SONG, enter it now. A winner and two finalists will receive cash prizes. Winners and finalists (including quarterfinalists and semifinalists) will receive national recognition. There are also performance opportunities, licensing opportunities, workshops and more for those named finalists and winners.
Opening soon
Folk, Americana and Bluegrass genres weave together the rich threads of country, folk, blues, soul, bluegrass, gospel and rock into a unique tapestry. Usually populated with singer-songwriter performers, there are bands and artists that still seek songwriters with great songs. Contest will offer cash prizes, national recognition, performance opportunities and more for winners and finalists.
FOR WINNERS & FINALISTS
JUDGES
ADAM MITCHELL
Adam Mitchell is a multi-platinum award-winning musician and songwriter. His most famous song, "Out Among the Stars" has been recorded by just about every outlaw country hero, including being the title song for Johnny Cash's posthumous #1 album. He worked for years with rock band Kiss and was the key to creating four of their biggest albums. A former Warner Bros. recording artist and longtime songwriter, his songs have been recorded over one hundred and fifty times by many of the world's greatest artists.
ASHLEY IRWIN
Emmy award-winner Ashley Irwin is one of Hollywood's most versatile composers and arrangers. He has won Emmys for Outstanding Achievement in Music Direction for his work on three ACADEMY AWARDS presentations. He also arranged and conducted the members of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra in the music soundtrack for the 2010 WINTER OLYMPICS. He has worked with Clint Eastwood on three projects including the recent film version of the hit stage musical "JERSEY BOYS."
BOB MORRISON
Bob Morrison is a four-time ASCAP Songwriter of the Year. He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2016. He is a multi-platinum songwriter with 350 songs recorded by hit artists, including the Grammy-winning, "You Decorated My Life" and the Grammy-nominated "Lookin' for Love."
CASEY KELLY
Casey Kelly is a grammy-nominated, multi-platinum hit songwriter with number one hits including, “Anyone Who Isn't Me Tonight" (Grammy Nominated) , "Soon" (Grammy Nominated), "Somewhere Down the Line" and "The Cowboy Rides Away.” He is also a music author and has written, "The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Art of Songwriting."
HARRIET SCHOCK
Harriett is a grammy-nominated, multi-platinum songwriter and was named Cashbox’s Best New Female Artist. She also has a Career Achievement Award from the Los Angeles Women in Music.
JANIS CARNES
Janis is a multi-platinum songwriter with hits recorded by Reba McEntire, Alabama, Steve Wariner, The Whites and Dean Martin. Janis was signed as an artist to Elektra Asylum, Warner Brothers and MCA Records. While with PeerMusic Janis recorded her "Hoagy ‘N’ Me" album which blended Hoagy Carmichael hits with Janis’ own jazz hits.
MICHAEL PRINCE
Micheal Prince is a sound engineer best known for his work with pop superstar Michael Jackson. He has also worked with Beyonce, Britney Spears, Don Henley, Bobby Brown, Janet Jackson, Sony Music, Chaka Khan, Usher, Quincy Jones, Chris Brown, Humberto de Gatica, Legs Diamond, Los Lobos, LaVelle Smith, The Jackson Five, Portrait, Steven Seagal, David Michael Frank, Doctor Freeze, Kill Slowly, Rod Temperton, Ron Feemster, Reba McEntire and more.
PETER BLISS
Peter Bliss is a multi-platinum songwriter. He had a huge number one hit with his song, “Emotion,” (Barbara Streisand). He has also had hits with J. Geils Band’s Peter Wolf. His songs have been recorded by Menudo, Paula Abdul, Southside Johnny, Mr. Big's Eric Martin, Manfred Mann Chris Thompson, Annie Haslam of Renaissance, Marisela (Latin America), Tommy Nilsson, Louise Hoffsten (Sweden), and Akina Nakamouri (Japan). The group NSYNC earned triple platinum status with their recording of Peter’s Christmas song.
PAM TILLIS
A Grammy, two CMAs, Female Vocalist of the Year. Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame nominee, 14 top-10 charting songs. Number one hit with "Mi Vida Loca."
RICK CARNES
President of the Songwriters Guild of America with over forty-times platinum sales, hit songwriter Rick Carnes is in rare air as a writer with two songs that have gone double-diamond. He's written hits for Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Alabama and so many more and has recorded for RCA, Elektra Asylum, Warner Bros. and MCA records. His songs have been featured in movies and television.
STEVE WARINER
Twenty albums, 14 number one hits, thirty top-10 singles, three RIAA-certified Gold albums, four Grammy Awards, four CMA Awards, three ACM Awards.
WALLACE COLLINS
Wallace Collins was a teenage songwriter and recording artist for Epic Records and then United Artists before attending Fordham Law School. Now he's an entertainment lawyer specializing in contract negotiation and general copyright and trademark matters. He advises clients on entertainment branding and marketing strategy. His roster of clients includes recording artists, songwriters, record publishers, independent record labels, film and TV producers, podcast, film and television production companies, and other creatives.