New York, NY (Top40 Charts/ ICMP) The
Institute of Contemporary
Music Performance and Shure are delighted to announce the launch of the 2012 Shure Songwriting Award (www.ShureSongwritingAward.com). Also for the first time this year the competition will be supported by Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI). Previously judged by Amy McDonald, K.T. Tunstall,
Paloma Faith and
Everything Everything, this year's competition will be judged by Anna Calvi.
Singer-songwriter and guitarist Anna Calvi's music accomplishments include being selected for the BBC's Sound of 2011 list as well as gaining critical acclaim for her poetic filled album A
Velvet Wall of Sound. This ultimately led to her Mercury
Music Award and BRIT Award nominations. Her musicianship has been compared to the likes of Nick Cave and PJ Harvey. Inspired by the films of
David Lynch and Gus Van Sant, her music encompasses elements of mystery and cinematic effects which blends the sounds of flamenco, blues, rock and country music.
If you are a songwriter looking to make a career out of your talent, why not take part in this year's award competition? First prize is a unique opportunity to attend, free of charge, the fantastic one-year Cert HE in Songwriting course at the
Institute worth over £5,000! Studying at the Institute, you will be able to take part in regular live showcase events, professionally develop your talent and have direct access to leading industry professionals.
Institute director Paul Kirkham had this to say about the award:
"We are delighted to once again be launching the Shure Songwriting Award supported by BMI. For many years now we have been committed to offering scholarships to the most talented and deserving musicians. This competition, and the course of study that the winners attend, has a fantastic reputation for developing successful songwriters and we know this year will be no different."
To enter, all you have to do is upload an original song to the award website before 16th March 2012. You will then have four weeks to try and gain as many public votes as possible. Finally a combination of an expert panel of judges will select a top 8 and then Anna Calvi will be making her selection for this year's winner!
This could be your chance - it could be your song chosen this year! For further details on entry guidelines, terms and conditions or for further information visit the award website www.ShureSongwritingAward.com, or contact the
Institute directly on:
https://www.ShureSongwritingAward.com
www.icmp.co.uk
[email protected] 
