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 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.
