Forget about eligibility for local funding, radio airplay and charts for a moment – have you written a simply great song? Well then let’s up NZ’s presence in the International Songwriting Competition this year. Since the ISC’s  2002 beginnings Kiwi songwriters have enjoyed better ‘per capita’ results than even our fantastic Rio Olympians.  For some reason 2015 saw a drop in the number of NZ participants – despite the widespread international success of many of our own. Time to bounce back and claim some medals – and cash.

Every year around 15,000 entries from all around the world are judged by a panel that this year includes incredible and influential artists like Tom Waits, Chris Cornell, Rickie Lee Jones, Femi Kuti, Ryan Bingham, as well as long-time industry professionals like producer Steve Lillywhite, plus heads of various major and indie labels from around the world. In 2016 our very own  Lorde  is included in that luminary list of judges – so surely NZ songs must be in with an even better chance then usual?

There are over 20 categories to open to original songwriters of all career levels.

You could join the ranks of previous Kiwi ISC winners like Kimbra, Gin Wigmore, Joe Morton, Five Mile Town, Annah Mac, Ruby Frost, Eden Mulholland/Motocade, Darren Watson, Mahara Tocker, Scribe, Alexander Wildwood and last year’s sole ranking Kiwi winner, Te Vaka‘s Opetaia Foa’i.

The regular deadline is coming up on September 9

Apart from the glory and all eyes on you for a moment, winners will get the chance to take home various prizes (linked), including  US$25k in cash for the grand prize.

Have a quick look at the rules and then go ahead and enter here. You ARE good enough.