NZ Online Songwriting Competition Announces 2011 Peace Song
The 2011 Peace Song focuses the theme “The Right to Nationality”
The Facebook page offers information about terms and condition of the competition: https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=490288653274
NZ Online Songwriting Competitions ‘PEACE SONG’ is an online songwriting competition aimed at supporting songwriters worldwide to be influenced by New Zealand’s humanitarian values and to be inspired to a greater freedom of expression in songwriting. When you visit the website you find a lot of information about the award winners of the year 2010. There were three categories were people could win:
Overall & International winner: Ellen Buskel & Nick Annis with their song “By My Silence”
Link to the clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yn_Apis4_tc
It’s a deeply poignant, emotionally charged song about the regret of keeping silent to protect ourselves while others around us are suffering. While inspired by the famous poem “First they came…” written in 1946 about the Holocaust by German anti-Nazi theologian und Lutheran pastor Martin Niemoller, Bukstel and Annis’ song has a universal, timeless appeal that transcends any specific historical time and place. It’s hard-hitting, heartfelt lyrics speak just as powerfully about silence in the face of oppression to the world we live in today.
Runner up & New Zealand winner: Poppy Dust with their song “Jelly Beans”
Link to the clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdOBTkBKuco
Poppy Dust is a Wellington based band. The multi-coloured brain behind the band is popular musical theatre singer Waylon Edwards who composes all of the music.
People’s Choice award: Frances for her song “Be a little happy”
Link to the clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNqGsDAB3yw&feature=player_embedded
Statement from Frances: “A long time ago I was in an op-shop and saw a $5 guitar that I grabbed straight away. It sat for years and I plucked at it now and then with the intention to learn to play it one day, a day that is still on its way!” Frances' inspirations include Maxwell, India Irie, Alicia Keys, Tracy Chapman and many, many more from a variety of genres. Her vision for a future in music reflects the same aspirations of another world renowned artist, whose heart similarly takes her to soaring heights of success by "making the connection with people I don't even know, but we know each other through similar experiences, and give each other hope," Alicia Keys.
Link to the website: http://www.nzsingersongwriters.co.nz/Site/About.html
