New Jersey Native Skrizzly Adams won the Grand Prize for the 2015 International Songwriting Competition (ISC) for his song "Tipping Point." Established in 2002, ISC recognizes and honors excellence in the craft of songwriting. With over 18,000 entries submitted from almost 120 countries, a total of 351 deserving songwriters are honored this year in the competition, winning First, Second, Third, and Honorable Mention placements.
Regarding Adams' winning song, Candace Avery, Founder and Director, said, "The song overwhelmingly stood out to the judges, winning praise for its melody, lyrics, composition, and passion. Moreover, the judges applauded his other songs, confirming that he is indeed a songwriter with a depth of talent. His talent embodies everything that ISC is looking to honor, and we are excited to see what the future holds for this promising artist."
In addition to the $25,000 in cash, Skrizzly Adams receives almost $25,000 in services and merchandise, including a custom-built Lowden guitar valued at over $11,000, a Marshall amp and cabinet, a PDP drum kit, an Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM speaker, and much more.
Skrizzly Adams is a songwriter who is difficult to pigeonhole.� He has been described him as Bruce Springsteen meets Kanye West. Originally applying his musical talent to the art of producing, he only started singing seriously a couple of years ago, releasing his self-produced debut project, Stains, a year later. The EP quickly garnered the attention of several high profile figures including blogger Perez Hilton and urban producer Boi-1da, ultimately landing him a major label deal with Atlantic Records. In November, 2015, Skrizzly joined Elle King on her North American tour, and more recently he completed his first full tour with Lissie. He is currently working on his debut album.
Judges included iconic recording artists and high-profile music industry executives, including: Kesha, American Authors; Pat Metheny; Lorde, Sara Evans; Bastille; Bill Withers; Keane; Danilo Perez; Hardwell; Gerald Casale (Devo); Joy Williams (The Civil Wars); Keb' Mo'; Sean Paul; Afro Celt Sound System; Craig Kallman (Chairman/CEO, Atlantic Records); Dan McCarroll (President, Warner Bros. Records); Daniel Glass (President, Glassnote Records); Craig Balsam (Owner, Razor & Tie Records); Kevin Welk (Chief Creative, Vanguard and Sugar Hill Records); Steve Yegelwel (Senior Vice President, Capitol Records); Bruce Iglauer (Founder/President, Alligator Records); and many more.
ISC awards more than $150,000 in cash and prizes to 68 winners in the competition. Winners range from amateur to veteran songwriters. Previous ISC winners include Vance Joy, Bastille, Passenger, Kate Miller-Heidke, Lindsey Stirling, Gotye, The Band Perry, Kasey Chambers, Gin Wigmore, King Charles, Kimbra, Gregory Porter, Omar Sosa, For King & Country, and many more.
ISC is now accepting entries for the 2016 competition. Entry forms and information can be found at www.songwritingcompetition.com
