The submissions deadline for the 2008 International Songwriting Competition has been extended to Dec. 1.  Entries must be postmarked or uploaded online on or before that date. 

More than $150,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded to 62 winners in 20 categories (including AAA, Americana and Folk/Singer-Songwriter) in the competition that is open to amateur and professional songwriters worldwide.  Entries will be judged on the basis of creativity, originality, lyrics, melody and composition, without consideration for production value.  Judges include such notable recording artists as Chris Hillman (best known for his work with The Byrds), Angelique Kidjo, Loretta Lynn, KT Tunstall and Tom Waits, as well as executives from such independent labels as Alligator Records, Lost Highway, New West, Putumayo World Music and Universal Records.

As previously reported on AcousticMusicScene.com, last year’s first place winners included Jen Foster of Nashville, Tennessee for “Closer to Nowhere” (AAA); Ben Kyle (Romantica) of Belfast, Northern Ireland for “The National Side” (Americana); and Wally De Backer (Gotye) of Australia for “Hearts A Mess” (Folk/Singer-Songwriter). 

For entry forms and more information, visit www.songwritingcompetition.com.