Songwriters take centre stage

by Greg MacDonald, Special To The Times

Arts & Entertainment

Feb 26, 2009

At the first annual Cambridge songwriting competition, the focus won’t be on performers – it will be on the songs.

Songwriters across southwestern Ontario will compete for a $1,500 grand prize at Mulligan’s sports grill on Beverly Street.

But unlike music competitions such as Canadian Idol, which focus on performance and stage presence more than songs, this competition will be centred around original compositions.

“A lot of competitions get really into the performance side, but we just want to hear great songs,” said event organizer Robbie Hancock.

“We’re open to all sorts of genres. It can be solo or with a full band. It doesn’t matter how many people are on stage, it all comes down to the song.”

Hancock is modelling the competition after one he ran when he lived out west in Red Deer, Alta.

That event was a big success and Hancock, who now is based in Guelph, figured it would translate well to Ontario.

“The idea that the song is the star was a big hit and the event drew a lot of interest. I’m hoping it will be the same here,” he said.

The competition will be a multi-week elimination, with performers being whittled down every week.

The songwriters will be judged by people in the music industry – from local singers to special big-name guests.

Every judge will be looking for the same thing: a great song.

“We’re looking for song structure, melody, lyrics and overall composition,” he said.

Hancock has already had interest from songwriters in cities across the region and the surrounding area.

He’s had inquiries from Brantford, Guelph and as far as Owen Sound.

Craig McNair, a Waterloo songwriter, has already signed up. He decided to participate because he figured it would be a good way to gain experience on stage.

“I’m sort of just getting started in this (music world). I only really started playing guitar in my 30s, ” he said.

“I never really meant to start writing songs, but here I am. This competition seemed like it would be kind of fun and it was something I’d never done before.”

McNair will use existing songs that he’s recorded and hopes to make it far in the contest.

To enter the songwriting competition, visit rjentertainment.ca . There is an entrance fee of $20 that goes toward the grand prize.

The competition will begin on April 8. It is open to all ages and residents of Ontario.