The International Songwriting Competition has announced the ISC 2021 semi-finalists. It’s a long list that is bursting with Kiwi talent ranging across many categories, particularly under children’s music.

ISC is judged by some of the most famous names in music, and is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

Chances of a local win look especially strong for children’s music, with nine entries from across Aotearoa this year. These artists have made it through the semi-finals, and we wish them all the best in the final judging process.

Unsigned Only

• Annie J: Girl Who Cried Wolf 
• Miller Yule: Evergreen  

AC (Adult Contemporary)

• Vince Harder & Abby Lee: Overwhelmed 
• Niki Kennedy: Fall Back Into You 

Folk/Singer-Songwriter

• Levi Lights On Project: Live To Be 
• Miller Yule: Evergreen
• John Paul: If You’re Not Here 
• Annie J: Girl Who Cried Wolf 

Comedy

• Jeremy Elwood: Everybody Needs Someone To Hate 

Instrumental

• Andy Atwill: Sisyphus 

Children’s Music

• Chris Sanders: Okee Dokee Goatee 
• Claudia Robin Gunn: Friendly Monsters 
• Gemma Healy: Bongo The Stowaway Mouse 
• Hey Duby: Roar Like A Lion 
• Levity Beet & Mr Roberelli: The Children On The Train 
• Music With Michal: Brave 
• Festus McBoyle: Pants 
• Festus McBoyle: Love Song 4 Lucy 
• Loopy Tunes Preschool Music: The M ui Dolphin 

Rock

• Vaulkenhoef: I Dreamt I Drank The Sea
• Julian Terris: Under The Sun

AAA (Adult Album Alternative)

• Damien Binder: Everything But 
• Miller Yule: Evergreen
• Hanhee Lee: White Noise

Pop/Top 40

• Jaz Paterson: Bodybo 
• Juri Laurent: Loyal 

Music Video

• Miranda Easten: Country Boy 

Teen

• Rowena Woffenden: A Warning 

Country

• Miranda Easten: View From Here 

Christian

• Shane Mataira: Masterpiece

Blues

• Merv Pinny: Too Much White, Too Much Red
• Bullfrog Rata: 2nd Cousin Blues

Jazz

• Marina Bloom: In Love With Life