Well done to everyone who entered the contest.
I entered 9 songs in total. Fortunately I didn't pay for them all, as the guys from my band insisted on sharing the costs (Thanks guys, fantastic mates!) My songs were a mixed bag, entered across most of the different genres, including Jazz. This resulted in 5 commended entries and 4 semifinalist places. I was really surprised to find that the songs that I considered to be my best, didn't do as well as others that I had written and preferred. I've entered this contest for five consecutive years and to be honest I'd love to win one of the categories. I wish I knew what the judges were looking for, then I would tailor my writing accordingly to be in with a better chance. (I don't believe that's selling out either, because it takes skill to write to order and also satisfy your own songwriting standards.) I'd also enjoy the challenge. I once had a finalist placing but don't consider it to be a good deal better than my lower placed songs. So, once again, I'm disappointed but I can't say that my results are any different to what I was expecting. I'll try hard to improve my writing for next year. A few years ago, Karine Polwart was awarded a semifinalist position, with a wonderful song called 'Daisy.' I was amazed that it wasn't placed higher (that's not to say I think my songs are as good because in my opinion, they're not.) This does however, leave me scratching my head, not really knowing what the judges are looking for. Anyway, well done to the songwriters on this forum who entered the contest and also the lucky winners. May good things come their way!
Paul
Paul