ANDREW WOLF WINS GRAND PRIZE AND RUNNER UP OF THE DALLAS SONGWRITER SONG CONTEST 2024 LOUIE CATE IS SECOND RUNNER UP - EMMA JAMES OUR YOUNG SONGWRTER WINNER

 ANDREW WOLF WINS GRAND PRIZE AND RUNNER UP OF THE DALLAS SONGWRITER SONG CONTEST 2024
 

LOUIE CATE IS SECOND RUNNER UP  - EMMA JAMES OUR YOUNG SONGWRITER WINNER

 
GRAND PRIZE WINNERS
    1.    Song For Tim – To a Life Well-Lived  by Andrew Wolf, Washington, DC
    2.    Second Chances by Andrew Wolf, Mack Reynolds, Washington, DC
    3.    Skip Tracer by Louis Cate, Alexandria, VA
  HM Second Time Around by Michael Abbass, Denver, CO

 Andrew Wolf is the winner of the 1st Grand Prize for “Song for Tim-To A Life Well Lived” and also the 2nd Grand Prize with Mack Reynolds for “Second Chances” in the 2024 Dallas Songwriting Association Song Contest. He was winner in the Instrumental and Love Songs categories and a semifinalist in the Americana, Country, Instrumental and Love Songs categories.
Raised in a small town near York, Pennsylvania, Andrew Wolf has enjoyed the craft of songwriting for over 45 years.  He has written a lot of songs on his own as well as with several talented songwriters, one being Mack Reynolds - his co-writer for “Second Chances”.  Over the years, Andrew has been the winner or co-winner of a host of national songwriting awards. He was a double category winner in the 2023 DSA Song Contest with the song, Vagabond Wind, in Americana and Country.  
Andrew and his wife, Beth, left York, Pa. in the early 1980’s and lived in Nashville for 4½ enjoyable years.  They now reside in Washington, DC where they have lived for the past 40 years.
Here is an interview with Andrew by DSA.
DSA: How and when did you become a songwriter?

ANDREW: I began writing songs in the late 70s with a friend of mine, Eric Bach.  We had a guitar duo that performed in bars and other venues in Pennsylvania.  We wrote several songs together, one of which was a winner in the 1978 American Song Festival.  Soon after that, I met my future wife, Beth, who was a lyricist and we started collaborating on songs where I wrote the music and she wrote the lyrics.

DSA: Are there any songwriters that influenced your writing? Do you do any co-writing?

ANDREW: Lennon-McCartney, James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Willis Alan Ramsey, Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon, Rodney Crowell, Don Henley & Glenn Frey, Chris Stapleton, John Hiatt and Neil Young.
   I co-write with several other songwriters.  In fact, I co-wrote "Second Chances" with Mack Reynolds, the song which won the 2nd Grand Prize in the 2024 DSA International Songwriting Contest.

ANDREW:What is your writing process, i.e. do you start with a melody or something else? Do you write lyrics?

ANDREW: When I co-write with someone who writes lyrics, I create the music from the lyrics. When I’m writing on my own, I usually come up with a melody or chord progression first and then write the lyrics to fit that melody.

DSA: How did your DSA song contest winner “Song for Tim” come about and why do you think it is such a good song?

ANDREW: I wanted to write a piano instrumental for my good friend, Tim Smith, who passed away in November 2023. That song seemed to be one of those gifts.  It doesn’t happen very often but the whole instrumental and melody came to me very quickly.  And I was very gratified that Tim’s wife and family liked it so much when I played it at Tim’s Memorial Service.  I was also very honored that it won the 1st Grand Prize in the 2024 DSA International Songwriting Contest.

DSA: What advice do you always give to people who want to be songwriters or improve their songwriting?

ANDREW: For those who aspire to be songwriters, but haven’t taken the plunge yet, just go ahead and jump in. Believe me, I know it’s easy for me to say. It took me years to work up the nerve to start writing and then have other people listen and critique my songs. But if I had to do it over again, I wish I would have had the courage to start writing songs a lot earlier in my life.  Whether a vocation or avocation, it’s a gift you can enjoy your whole life if you want to.

Here are the comments of his songs by the grand prize judge, Roy Elkins:
GRAND PRIZE WINNER: Song For Tim
Link to audio: https://www.broadjam.com/songs/andrewwolf/song-for-tim-to-a-life-well-lived

This piece begins with a simple and sweet piano melody, immediately drawing the
listener into a nostalgic and emotional world. The transitions into the hook are
seamless, creating a reflective tone that stirs thoughts of bygone days. The melody is
so captivating that at one point, I found myself completely mesmerized, stopping
everything else to simply listen. There may not be another melody in this competition
that fits its genre as perfectly as this one.
While the instrumental lacks lyrics, it conveys an undeniable sense of truth and feeling.
However, it does feel slightly rigid at times, as if the player is following sheet music
rather than letting the music breathe. If it were my song, I would experiment with letting
the tempo and phrasing drift more naturally, adding a touch of spontaneity. Incorporating
jazz chords could also introduce a fresh dimension and bring new textures to the
composition.
That said, this piece moved me deeply. Instrumentals, particularly solo piano pieces,
often face challenges in song contests without the support of lyrics, but this one stands
out by invoking a profound sense of emotion and truth. It’s a genuine and beautifully
crafted work—a true standout in its category.

FIRST RUNNER UP: Second Chances
Audio & lyric link:  https://www.broadjam.com/songs/andrewwolf/second-chances-mack-reynolds-andrew-wolf

This song is a beautifully crafted narrative that evokes a deep sense of nostalgia and explores the bittersweet twists of life. It captures universal emotions, weaving them into a story that feels both personal and relatable. The opening line, “That girl you loved in 10th grade…red hair…French braids,” immediately transports listeners to a time of youthful infatuations and fleeting first loves. It’s a vivid image that nearly everyone can
connect with, making the song instantly engaging.
The lyric, “You never get over that self-inflicted wound,” is a poignant reflection on the mistakes and regrets we carry through life, resonating with listeners on a deeply emotional level. The hook, “Life is not a one-act play,” is masterfully written, a poetic and memorable line that anchors the song’s theme of redemption and second chances. It’s the kind of phrase that sticks with you long after the music fades, capturing the essence of hope and resilience.
Although the production is polished and professional, I do not consider it when evaluating a song. With that said, it provides the perfect backdrop for the evocative lyrics. The melody supports the emotional weight of the song, and the phrasing flows naturally, allowing the story to unfold with clarity and grace. The balance between the lyrics and the music is exceptional, ensuring that neither element overpowers the other. This is a well-crafted and timeless piece, the kind of song that speaks to listeners across generations. It’s a universal tale of longing, regret, and the possibilities that come with second chances. It's relatability and emotional depth make it one of the strongest contenders, and I found myself returning to it repeatedly, debating whether it might be the best in the competition. A brilliant effort, showcasing outstanding songwriting and production.

LOUIE CATE IS SECOND RUNNER UP
Second Grand Prize runner up, Louie Cate, won with his song, Skip Tracer.
He was a semifinalist in the Christian, Love Songs and Novelty categories and a winner in the Christian, Novelty and Lyric categories.  
In 2023, he was a semifinalist in categories of  Americana, Christian, Pop/Rock, Novelty, Love Songs and a winner in Pop/Rock, Novelty, Love Songs  His grand prize winning song. Slay Me with Your Eyes” won first place in the Novelty category.
In 2018 Louie Cate was grand prize runner up and won 1st place in the love song category with the song, “All The Lovin’ I Need”.  Also in 2018, he won grand prize in the John Lennon Contest world category with “Break Your Fall” and in 2017 he won 1st in the adult contemporary in Mid-Atlantic Song Contest with “Moon Safari”. For years, Louie Cate has entered and placed in our song contest as category winner and grand prize runner up. He is an excellent songwriter who has won about 100 first places in song contests including grand prize in Billboard, Mid-Atlantic, Chris Austin, and Southern Songwriters Guild. His influences are Motown, Stones, Beatles, Doors and Dylan right out of the box. Some of his demo singers have gone on to have great careers, including, Joe Diffie, Garth Brooks, Trisha Lathan (now it's Yearwood) Martina McBride, Billy Dean, Rob Crosby, Sylvia, Clay Davidson, and Ty Herndon. He thinks a lot of the best singers that he used never got deals never got record deals. You can find his songs on https://www.broadjam.com/louiecate

Here is the comments of our Grand Prize Judge Roy Elkins.

SECOND RUNNER UP: Skip Tracer                                                       
Audio file: https://dallassongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/gravity_forms/18-4ed13ddcd997e1ff0c869bf39c7e1e7d/2024/07/Skip-Tracer_short-perfect-intro-gold.mp3

At first glance, the unusual title “Skip Tracer” might leave listeners like me scratching
their heads. What exactly is a skip tracer? For those unfamiliar, it refers to someone
who tracks down individuals who have gone off the grid, often in a professional or
investigative context. The metaphor of using a skip tracer to “track down a heart” is
clever and unconventional, immediately sparking curiosity. It’s the kind of title that
demands attention, and while it may initially seem nonsensical, the song quickly proves
its worth with repeated listens.
The opening melodic hook sets the tone beautifully, drawing the listener in, and the
melody builds skillfully toward the hook. By the time you reach the line, “Skip tracer to
track down my heart,” you’re completely immersed, humming along, and appreciating
just how infectious the song is. The phrasing in the first two lines feels slightly uneven,
and it’s unclear if this was an intentional stylistic choice or a minor hiccup in delivery.
However, this imperfection adds to the charm, making the track feel raw and genuine.
This song excels in its ability to grow on the listener. While at first, the heavy metaphor
might seem like “too much,” the combination of the lyrics, melody, and hooks wins you
over with each subsequent play. It’s one of those tracks that embeds itself in your mind,
with its creativity and catchy refrain lingering long after the music stops.
“Skip Tracer” stands out as a skillfully crafted and highly original song. It defies initial
expectations and rewards the listener with its depth, cleverness, and infectious energy.
A solid entry that climbed higher on my list with every listen. Brilliant work that surprises
and delights in equal measure!
Production comments:
The gritty vocal performance lends an air of authenticity to the track, perfectly
complementing the narrative. The Theremin-like synth line to this old synth guy is a
delightful surprise, adding a playful, retro touch that elevates the production. It’s a subtle
but impactful detail, bringing a smile to the listener’s face and reinforcing the song’s
unique personality. The instrumentation overall is well-balanced, supporting the vocals
without overshadowing them, and the production feels polished yet unpretentious.
Kudos to everyone on this team.

The song Second Time Around by Michael Abbass garnered an honorable mention.
Audio file:  https://www.broadjam.com/songs/MikeAbbass/second-time-around

Here is Roy’s comments on the song:

Second Time Around
This song opens with a serene and peaceful introduction, immediately drawing the
listener into its gentle and inviting atmosphere. The melody is beautifully constructed,
and the phrasing of the lyrics flows effortlessly, creating a sense of intimacy and

emotional resonance. At 55 seconds and again at 1:47, the transition into the pre-
chorus is particularly striking—sweet, memorable, and expertly timed to maintain the
song’s momentum. These moments feel like emotional peaks, adding layers of depth to
the overall structure.
The highlight of the song is undoubtedly the hook, where the lyric “Second Time
Around” is married perfectly to the melody. It’s the kind of chorus that feels natural yet
impactful, with just the right amount of repetition to make it stick without overdoing it.
The balance between the melody and lyric is impeccable, showcasing masterful
songwriting that feels both heartfelt and polished.
The layout of the song is thoughtfully executed, guiding the listener seamlessly through
its various sections. It’s a stellar example of great songwriting with potential for creative
exploration in future renditions. I found myself eager to know more about the artist
behind this work and to hear what else they have created. Truly an outstanding
piece—congratulations to the creator!
One production suggestion: an acoustic 12-string guitar finger-picking intro could give
the opening an even more delicate, textured feel, setting the tone beautifully.
Additionally, re-imagining this track with a more upbeat tempo, incorporating banjos or a
bluegrass-inspired arrangement, could offer an intriguing variation. Such an approach
could highlight the song’s versatility, making it appealing to an even wider audience.
That said, the current version already shines brightly as is.


First Place Category Winners

AMERICANA/BLUEGRASS
Dodged a Bullet by John Sizemore, Dallas, TX
 

CHRISTIAN/INSPIRATIONAL
The High Pasture by Mark Patterson, Plano, Tx
 

COUNTRY
Love of a Good Man by Cara Anderton, Barnhart, PA
 

INSTRUMENTAL
Wings of Freedom by Simon Niclas Hahn, Balingen, Baden-Wurttemburg, Germany
 

LOVE SONGS & EASY LISTENING
1111  by Melany Azpiolea, Garland, TX
 

NOVELTY/CHILDREN
 I Can't Rhyme by Lanny Sherwin, James Sherwin, Santa Barbara, CA
 

POP/ROCK/ALT/R&B
Love Is Real by Wayne Gathright, Austin, TX
 

SINGER/SONGWRITER
Love of a Good Man by Cara Anderton, Barnhart, PA

For a complete list of the winners and prizes see the Song Contest website: http://dsasongcontest.blogspot.com

The Most Nominated Songs Award went to: Wayne Gathright, Dallas, Texas

EMMA JAMES OUR YOUNG SONGWRITER WINNER

Emma James is our 2024 Young Songwriter winner with her song, Growing Pains.  Her song “Broken” came in second place. In 2022, Emma was first runner up in DSA’s Young Songwriters Contest and she won first place in 2023.

Emma is a Texas born and raised singer-songwriter from Corpus Christi, Tx who has been singing since she was a toddler and she frequently put a melody to even the most mundane tasks like her elementary math homework. By nine years old, she was putting lyrics to melody and entertaining her family. Now, at only 16 years old, she has penned more than 200 original songs. As a multi instrumentalist playing piano, guitar and ukulele, she has established herself as a well rounded musician.

Often she can be found at local Farmer's Markets, Festivals, Art Galleries and has opened for Deana Carter, Jack Ingram, Roger Creager, Lee Greenwood and several others. However, her favorite place to sing is at her church on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights.
Emma plans to attend Belmont University and study music business and she has her sights set as a singer-songwriter in Nashville. Emma just completed recording for her debut album which will be released in the spring of 2025. You can find out more information on her website https://emmajamesmusic.com/

Chloe Tao was our 3rd place winner with her song, Imperfect.

YOUNG SONGWRITER WINNERS
   1. Growing Pains by Emma James, Corpus Christi, TX
    2.    Broken by Emma James, Corpus Christi, TX
    3.    Imperfect by Chloe Tao, Dallas, Tx

For more about the Young Songwriters Contest and how to enter, visit the website: https://youngsongwriterscontest.blogspot.com/


Thanks to our sponsors: Casio Privia Piano, Broadjam.com, Joe Milton and JoMusik, Colorado Capo, jeriAlice and River Sounds, Bar-B Music Marketing Consultants,  Dallas International Guitar Show, Amigo Guitar Shows.
 

2014 DALLASSONGWRITERS SONG CONTEST GRAND PRIZE WINNERS

LUCIA COMNES WINS GRAND PRIZE WITH HER SONG, "NO HIDING PLACE"

“Lucia Comnes is a singer, songwriter, fiddler & guitarist with a ‘singular voice’ (SF Chronicle) and ‘a powerful imagination’ (C. Poling) whose atmospheric roots music crosses genres of Americana, folk, Celtic, bluegrass & alternative.”

Drawing from the past but refreshingly contemporary, Lucia demonstrates that she isn't afraid of taking chances. Her crystal clear voice with a hint of mystery was decried by the San Francisco Chronicle as "singular…. embedded with soul and spirit."  Her fiddling is powerful and full of emotional expression. All these talents and imagination have conbined to create the grand prize winning song, "No Hiding Place." Her imagination breathes vivid imagery into the lyrics of her songs and infuses her fiddling with the spirit of the ancient tones, be they from Kilkenny, Kentucky, or Kosovo. Grand Prize Judge, Roy Elkins, describes what makes "No Hiding Place" the winning song; "While the song has about a 5 note range, I gave it high marks for melody.  The melody is so easy to remember, I found myself humming this over and over again and really wanting to learn the lyric. Sometimes great melodies are really simple, that is the case here. The lyric is captivating, thought provoking and if we were only hearing the melody and lyric, one can visualize exactly who would be singing it, what kind of band would be playing and even the clothes they would be wearing. It creates a vision beyond the content of the lyric.  Another thing that caught my attention was that this song is dead center of the Americana genre with many lyrical & visual overtones. One listener might feel “religious,” one might hear “relationship”, one might simply see "a bird" and another might experience something completely different. Songwriting contests come down to the opinion of the judge, but there is no denying that this song nails the genre, with or without the music. With that said, it really isn’t my cup of tea, but the fans of this genre will eat it up." The song also won 1st place in the Americana category.


Lucia has recorded three albums, with the fourth, "Love, Hope and Tyranny", soon to be released this year. It features 11 of Lucia’s original songs and an impressive list of contributors. It was recorded at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley and produced by Gawain Matthews and Jeff Wood.

As a solo performer Lucia recently accompanied Joan Baez in concert, and was selected to perform ‘America The Beautiful’ on solo violin at the Oakland Coliseum to open the Raiders/Steelers Football game. She also opened for Paul Brady (an Irish legend whose songs are hits for Bonnie Raitt, Tina Turner and Cher), and she collaborates with Irish artist, Liam Ó Maonlaí (Hothouse Flowers) and modern dance pioneer, Anna Halprin.

 Born in San Francisco, Lucia Comnes started her professional career in 2002 as a vocalist with Kitka – the Oakland-based women’s a cappella vocal ensemble specializing in Balkan/Eastern European folk music. At the same time, she began delving deep into Irish music and studied with many fiddle masters (Martin Hayes, Kevin Burke, Oisín MacDiarmada) in the U.S. and Ireland. She also attended the Traditional Irish Music Program at University College, Cork, to study spoken Gaelic and sean-nos, or “old-style,” singing. Today she delivers new takes on the old songs with her band, Lucia and Her Rockin' Irish Band who are well-know in Northern California.

Lucia attended UC Berkeley and graduated from Long Island University’s Global Studies program in 2006 with a self-designed interdisciplinary degree called Music, Culture and Nature, following her research in Ireland, Greece, Turkey, and Bulgaria. An avid traveler throughout her life, Lucia has studied, visited, and performed in more than 20 countries, including remote parts of Siberia. Today Lucia is studying and performing in Italy through the winter. See more at: http://www.luciacomnes.com

Grand Prize winner receives a PX-350 Pirvia Casio keyboard, recording time at Beaird Music in Nashville, a one year Broadjam Primo MOB membership, and a one year membership in the Dallas Songwriters Association. First place winners in each category receive $100 cash, a one year Broadjam MOB membership and a one year membership in the Dallas Songwriters Association.

GRACIE LOTT WAS SECOND PLACE GRAND PRIZE WINNER, WITH  "SAY THAT YOU LOVE ME"

A DeSoto, Tx native, Gracie Lott is in her second year at the University of North Texas. She's been singing as long as she can remember, and discovered theater in high school. As a senior she wrote, "Found" for a national competition and was honored with performing it before thousands, where she won Best Female Vocalist.  She also won Best Actress three consecutive years in the Texas UL One Act Play Competition. In spring of 2013 she debuted her song, "Alaska Someday" at the infamous Bluebird Cafe in Nashville.

Grand Prize Judge, Roy Elkins, explains what makes "Say That You Love Me" a strong winner; "Very strong lyric, melody and hook.  Clearly written from the heart by a very good writer. The melody and lyric are so strongly connected, it feels as if the singer is “begging” throughout the song.  Obviously, relationship songs are a dime a dozen and it’s hard to create something unique that no one has done before.  This is unique and I believe it’s one of those songs that would make a life playlist of a 15 year old girl. She will probably remember this song when she is 50, as it is very memorable and speaks loudly to a specific audience."  The song also won 2nd place in the Singer Songwriter category.

Gracie recently recorded her debut EP with Paul Osborn at Audio Dallas and it is now available on ITunes. More about Gracie at:http://www.gracielott.com

1st Runner Up received one Day of high quality recording on one song,  and a night in
Merlin's Cabin at RIVER SOUNDS on the Llano River in the Texas Hill Country and a one year membership in the Dallas Songwriters Association. Second place winners in each category receive $50 cash, a one year Broadjam MOB membership and a one year membership in the Dallas Songwriters Association.

JAMES BENNETT WINS 3RD PLACE WITH "SOMETHING JUST CLICKS"

A songwriter from Tulsa, OK who generally writes songs that fall within the genres: Contemporary Country, Adult Contemporary or Contemporary Christian, Jim Bennett has been a winner in a number of song contests, including, UK Song Contest, American Songwriting Awards, Song Of The Year and John Lennon Song Contest. He says, "Sometimes I sing vocals on the songs that I write. More often than not, I find someone else who sings better than me."

Grand Prize Judge, Roy Elkins says, "Something Just Clicks is another unique and different relationship song.  Simple melody with a strong lyric.  The hook is unforgettable and the melody of the backing vocals actually becomes one of the memorable parts of the song. The production doesn’t help the song as I believe it has so much more potential. But it is a song that I will remember for a long time and believe that it has opportunity in the rock, pop and r & b markets.  Although this singer is very good, it could be interpreted in many different ways.  In my eyes, that’s what makes it good."

Jim drove in from Tulsa to perform his song at our awards dinner on December 9. The song also won 2nd place in the Love Songs/ Easy Listening category. See more about the Awards Dinner on this page: http://dsasongcontest.blogspot.com/p/awards-dinner-tuesday-december-9-at.html

Second Runner Up receives recording time at Joe Musik Studio, a song critique from Barbara McMillen, Associate Professor of Songwriting at Collin College and a one year membership in the Dallas Songwriters Association. Second place winners in each category receive $50 cash, a one year Broadjam MOB membership and a one year membership in the Dallas Songwriters Association.

View a complete list of winners at the DSA Song Contest Website: http://dsasongcontest.blogspot.com/2014_12_01_archive.html

Sponsors providing our prizes include Beaird Music Group, Casio, River Sounds, JoMusik, Barbara McMillen, Bobby Montgomery and Broadjam. Submission partners are Broadjam.com and Sonicbids.com.  Music industry partners are Dallas International Guitar Festival, Arlington Guitar Show, Texas Music Group, Bar-b Music Marketing Consultants, Musemuse.com, and Austin Songwriters Group.  

Dallas Songwriters Assoc. is a 501c3 non-profit educational organization dedicated to providing information about the craft and business of songwriting. All styles of music are welcome in the DSA, and membership includes writers of all ages. DSA monthly activities include meetings with guest speakers, song critiques and performance showcases that are open to the public. In addition, the DSA supports and promotes workshops and contests and publishes a monthly newsletter. For more information, visit www.dallassongwriters.org.

2012 DSA Song Contest Winners

Macy Medford 2012 Grand Prize Winner in Songwriters Song Contest

Houston's Macy Medford wins Grand Prize 

by Roger Russell


After winning 2nd place in the Singer Songwriter category in Dallas Songwriters Association international song contest, Medford’s “Just Me and You” (co-written with Jonathan George) won out over the top three winners from each of the contest’s eight categories.

“One song, ‘Just Me and You’ caught my ear throughout the process” said Roy Elkins, grand prize judge and CEO of Broadjam.com, an online community and resource for musicians.

DSA President Roger Russell had a chance to talk with Macy and her mother, Stacy.

Roger: How old are you?

Macy: I am 15 years old now.

Roger: Are you attending high school now?

Macy: I am a sophomore at Seven Lakes High School in Katy, Texas.

Roger: What instruments do you play?

Macy: Guitar and Piano.

Roger: Did you take lessons?

Macy: Piano for 4 to 5 years while I was in elementary school and I am taking guitar lessons in high school.

Roger: What was the first time you performed?

Macy: I played Annie in the musical production the summer before fourth grade, however, the first time I performed on stage was the school Talent Show in 2nd Grade.

Roger: What inspired you to write the song “Just Me and You”?

Macy: Jason Mraz inspired me. I wanted a song with ukelele in it. The song is a combination of songs I have written. Jonathan George was the cowriter and helped to decide how the song was written.

Roger: Do you currently perform?

Macy: I perform in the Houston area and in Los Angeles.

Roger: Is the song available for people to purchase?

Macy: My whole CD is available on iTunes. I also have a website: macymedford.com where I have music and videos. The video on the first page was recorded at Marilyn Monroe’s house in Los Angeles.

Roger: Have you done other performances?

Macy: I played Tinkerbell in a school play and I am currently playing Janet in the school production of the musical “The Drowsy Chaperone”.

Roger: What was the first song you wrote?

Macy: “Bye Bye” was written when I was 13.

Roger: Do you aspire to be a singer/songwriter?

Macy: Yes, in the future. I have wanted this since the 5th or 6th grade. I always liked English and Poetry and singing songs.

Roger: Did you know who Beth Nielsen Chapman was before you won the guitar she had signed?

Macy: Yes, and I was proud to win the guitar she signed. I was on the Fox Morning Show when the guitar arrived and talked about it during my interview.

Roger: Stacy, how do you feel?

Stacy: I am so proud of her.

Roger: Jonathan George is your cowriter. How does he influence your songs.

Macy: Sometimes he can change a word or two that takes the song in a whole new direction.

Roger: What can you tell people about the music business?

Macy: People don’t realize what it takes to put out a CD until they have actually done it.

Roger: How many songs have you written and recorded?

Macy: I have written 8 songs. I wrote all of them with Jonathan as cowriter.

Roger: Do you have a manager or agent?

Macy: Jonathan George is my manager.

Roger: How do you feel about winning the guitar?

Macy: I am so honored to be recognized for my songwriting from the Dallas Songwriters Association. I am very proud to be a part of this wonderful organization.

In conclusion, I am proud of Macy’s accomplishments. She has a bright future ahead of her as a songwriter and performer. At 15, she has already accomplished so much. Winning an international songwriting contest is something that some people spend a lifetime working toward. Her talent is a gift that she shares with the world and the Dallas Songwriters Association and I wish her the best in her songwriting. I see all kinds of possibilities for a talent like Macy, and I feel that one day I will see Macy as a star, and have the memory of the interview I did when she won our songwriting contest.

GRAND PRIZE WINNER

Just Me and You by Macy Medford, Jonathan George, Houston, TX

1ST RUNNER UP

That Old Shirt by Steve Chizmadia, Peekskill, NY

2ND RUNNER UP

You'll Be Back by Debra M. Gussin, Jonathan Bluth, LA, CA

Category Winners

AMERICANA
1. That Old Shirt by Steve Chizmadia, Peekskill, NY
2. Kids These Days by Andy Hill, Renee Safier and Hardrain, Redondo Beach, CA
3. Find My Way by Chris Alvarado, Santa Rosa Beach, FL

CHILDREN'S / NOVELTY
1. Bookstore Blues by Eric Colville, The Selkies, Ipswich, MA
2. Our Gumtree Home by Glen Naylor, Bright, Victoria, Australia
3. The Monster Masher by Lanny Sherwin, Santa Barbara, CA

CHRISTIAN
1. Blue Room by Keeton Coffman, Sping,TX
2. Is That You? by Debra M. Gussin, Rik Howard, LA, CA
3. Holy Water by Spencer Clark, Saint Helena, CA

COUNTRY
1. Abilene From Abilene by Kevin Reardon, Riverside, CT
2. Liar by Daniel Sumber, Josh Patton, Brandon Sparks, (Patton Sparks Band), Austin, Tx
3. I Love It When You Call by by Andy Taylor, Alpharetta, GA

INSTRUMENTAL
1. Dolphins In Love by Gavin R. Potter, Simons Town, S. Africa
2. I Need You by V. Padla Gootee, Arlington, VA
3. The Struggles Within by Diane Lekven, Jordan Perez, Rancho Sante Fe, CA

LOVE SONGS
1. I Like The Way You Look At Me by Belle Schneiderman, NY, NY
2. Believe In Love by Robert Graham, Toronto, Ont, CAN
3. Do U Miss The Heat by Debra M. Gussin, Stacy Hogan, LA, CA

POP/ROCK/RNB/ALT
1. Fade To Grey by Chris O'Neil, Heathmont, Victoria, Australia
2. Those Were The Days by Chase Thompson, Pasco, WA
3, Julie by Philip Creamer, Daniel Creamer, Tucker Cauble, Dallas, TX
HM: So Confused by Nestor Cora, Brooklyn, NY
HM: You'll Be Back by Debra M Gussin, Jonathan Bluth, LA, CA

SINGER SONGWRITER
1. I Am Not James Taylor by Gordon Lustig, Napa, CA
2. Just Me and You by Macy Medford, Jonathan George, Houston, TX
3. Sing Your Song by Susie McLean, Mississauga, Ontario, CAN
HM I Gave You Away by Becky Wright, Tahlequah, OK

Sponsors providing our prizes include Beaird Music Group, Roger Russell, River Sounds, JoMusik, Barbara McMillen, Broadjam, and Sonicbids. Additional sponsors include Crystal Clear Sound, Patrick McGuire Recording and WM Sales/Cam Audio. Submission partners are Broadjam.com and Sonicbids.com.  Music industry partners are Dallas International Guitar Festival, Arlington Guitar Show, Tradition Guitars, Texas Music Group, Bar-b Music Marketing Consultants, Musemuse.com, Austin Songwriters Group and Jo-Musik.  

Dallas Songwriters Assoc. is a 501c3 non-profit educational organization dedicated to providing information about the craft and business of songwriting. All styles of music are welcome in the DSA, and membership includes writers of all ages. DSA monthly activities include meetings with guest speakers, song critiques and performance showcases that are open to the public. In addition, the DSA supports and promotes workshops and contests and publishes a monthly newsletter. For more information, visit www.dallassongwriters.org.