Songwriters in tune
STEPHANIE Rogers, 21 is back to try her luck at the third annual Lismore Young Songwriters Competition, after being runner-up in her category for her solo performance in 2010.
The event, being held during Youth Week, April 13 to April 22 at Lismore City Hall, is open to all Northern Rivers songwriters aged between 12 and 25.
This year Ms Rogers is entering the competition with her seven-piece band called Norman and Louise and is excited to see what the judges think of her three songs Play with fire; Maybe just once; and History.
"I am interested to see how I have developed and how people in the industry will perceive me and the feedback that I will get from the songs," she said.
The event was a great way for young artists to network with other local musicians and to learn from each other, Ms Rogers said.
Lismore City Council youth and community development officer Lizette Twisleton, an organiser of the competition, said the event was a great way to showcase the talents of young musicians on the Northern Rivers.
"It gives young people's voice an opportunity to be heard and song writing is a really good way for young people to do that," Ms Twisleton said.
"It is really good for young songwriters to test out their songs on a wider audience and a panel of experienced musical judges from the area."
This year's event would be judged by Andrea Soler and local musician Darren Bridge.
Ms Twisleton will announce two more judges closer to the date.
She said last year's winner, Jo Loewenthal, from the band Alice Blu, has since recorded at Byron Bay's School of Audio Engineering (SAE), had been "noticed" by Triple J and was involved in last year's Mullumbimby Music Festival.
Ms Rogers encouraged anyone wanting to enter the competition to stand up and have a go.
"You never know what you can end up with," she said.
Entries close on Saturday, March 31. Anyone interested in entering should submit their work in MP3 format, with their name, age and contact details to lismoreyoungsongwriters@gmail.com.
For more information call Lizette Twisleton on 1300 878 387.
