Winners

2006 Great Lakes Songwritng Contest Header Graphic

Congratulations to the Winners
of the
2008 Great Lakes Songwriting Contest

Grand Prize Winner

"Theme Song " - by Tim Mahoney

This Minneapolis-based artist is racking up awards and fans for his 2007 CD, “Stay/Leave.” He recently won Ray-Ban 'Never Hide' music contest, which led to a performance at the Rolling Stone magazine 40th Anniversary party at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas . He’ll be featured in a “Never Hide’ photo spread and article in the magazine’s November 14 issue. Combining a catchy pop/rock sound, bittersweet lyrics and a comfortably raspy voice, Tim plays about 150 shows per year across the Upper Midwest and beyond, with a mix of solo and full-band gigs. His CD sales have reached the six-figure mark and his songs have been played thousands of times on Twin Cities radio stations. Learn more at www.timmahoney.com

First Place Winner

"What a Day"

(Justin Gray mix)

by Allister Bradley

"The Great Beyond"

by Jacob Moon

He may have more in common with Dilbert than with Dylan, but Allister Bradley will astound you with insight and emotion as he shares his view of the world in which we live. A few short years ago, this resident of Kitchener , Ontario , left behind a senior corporate job to devote himself full-time to music. Two albums and many accolades later, he’s definitely not looking back. His latest release, “Too,” was released in May 2008. Bradley describes the album as "Sting having cocktails with Norah Jones, while Billy Joel and Bruce Hornsby argue over the check." Piano-dominated arrangements play in and out of various styles, from ‘70s R&B through emotional ballads and cheeky jazz-inspired pop, underneath lyrics ripe with emotion, social consciousness and occasionally a sense of humour. Add to all this, his work as producer/engineer, session musician, web developer, film composer and songwriting mentor, and it’s plain to see his corporate career is truly a thing of the past. More at www.allisterbradley.com

When audiences first hear Jacob Moon in concert, often their first question is "Why isn't this guy famous?" To see and hear this Hamilton, Ontario-based singer-songwriter in action is to be filled with wonder, and more questions, like: "How does he make the guitar sound like an entire orchestra?" For the past few years, Jacob has been busy recording CDs for the Signpost label, and touring all over Canada and into the US . He has played hundreds of venues in his quest to reach new audiences with his songs and stagecraft. He has taken the grassroots approach to marketing and promotions over the past decade, and it has rewarded him with a following that is passionate and loyal. His CDs have been played on radio stations across Canada , and have sold in the tens of thousands. More at www.JacobMoon.com

Second Place Winner

"All That Matters "

by Allison Downey

"Sunshine and Roses "

by Greg Hobbs

Allison has been described as a “masterful performer with a commanding, yet genuine and open, stage presence,” her voice reminiscent of the stylistic range and quality of Natalie Merchant. This native of Washington , DC , honed her craft in Austin , TX , before bringing her style of music to her current home of Kalamazoo , MI . Since 2004, Allison has been performing with her partner in music and life, John Austin. Songs from Allison’s newest recording, Across the Sea (2008), produced by Michael Crittenden, have already won accolades, including the People’s Choice Award for Texas ’ 2007 Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival Performing Songwriter Contest. The album has received airplay across the US and four other countries. “Please Help” was aired on XM Radio’s “2008 Music to Life Top 40,” a contest honoring songs for social justice. This recording, as well as Allison's 2002 debut CD, Wind at Your Back, are available at a variety of stores, on itunes, CDBaby.com and on her website, www.allisondowney.com

For information on this Toronto singer-songwriter,
go to www.GregHobbs.com

Second Place Winner

"Savannah"

by Rob Taube & Hugh Colocott

"Is It Gonna Be Funky?"

by Mark Croft

Illinois-born Rob Taube (above) is a busy independent singer, songwriter and professional musician with an incredible network of talented friends and colleagues in New York , Nashville , Michigan , and California . His winning song, “Savannah ,” was co-written with Hugh Colocott, (below), the English-born songwriter, guitarist and bandleader. The pair also wrote “Natural,” which was picked up last year by Nashville publisher Faverett Music Group. In 2001 Rob wrote and produced "Busy Being Born," on Avid Records, and in 2005, he won the Michigan Songwriting contest for "My Little Love," written for his daughter Amanda. Both Rob and Hugh currently live in New York City . Find out more at www.robtaube.com and www.myspace.com/hughcolocott.

Mark Croft is a Madison , WI, based singer/songwriter, whose talents as a writer, performer, and acoustic guitarist have garnered him critical praise and public attention, quickly gaining him recognition as one of the rising stars of the Midwest music scene. Known for his unforgettable melodies and infectious grooves, Croft breaks the genre barriers to create a mainstream sound from the heart of a folk musician. Find out more at www.markcroftmusic.com

Third Place Winner

"Try the Beginning Again"

by Dan Hazlett

"Whiskey on My Breath "

by Julianne

With subject matters ranging from carpet stains and the demolition of Barbies to life with his schizophrenic brother, solo acoustic performer Dan Hazlett (pronounced HAZE-LETT) writes songs that roam from the outlandish to the sublime. His rich, warm voice and skillful acoustic guitar work make his performances touching, humorous and uplifting. During a career spanning more than 30 years, Dan has been nominated for several Detroit Music Awards and was a finalist in both The KRCL Performing Songwriter Showcase in Park City Utah and the Big Top Chatauqua Songwriting Contest. Dan has received both second place and an honorable mention in past years of the Great Lakes Songwriting Contest, and an honorable mention in The Billboard Songwriting Competition. He has been a guest on the nationally syndicated radio shows “Albom In The Afternoon” (Mitch Albom) and “River City Folk” (Tom May). One of Dan’s songs was featured on the NPR’s “Car Talk.” A prolific songwriter, Dan Hazlett has recently released his seventh full length CD, “Just a Guitar,” while doubling as a producer, engineer and session musician for many local artists. He lives in Waterford, MI. More at www.danshazlett.com

The Detroit area’s Julianne hails from a musical family whose roots extend down from the famous Tubbs family of Tennessee . "Nearly everyone in my family played an instrument, from piano to fiddle, guitar, accordion, mandolin, and banjo,” says Julianne. “Every night when my dad would come home from work, he'd spend the first ten to fifteen minutes playing the piano to unwind. My family's love of music was very influential to my career." Julianne is the lead vocalist for the country band REDHILL, which won the 2007 Detroit Music Award for Outstanding Country Album and has received ten DMA nominations over the last three years, including Outstanding Country Vocalist two years running. T he upcoming REDHILL sophomore CD (due to be released this fall) will feature four of Julianne’s songs, including “Whiskey On My Breath.” "'Whiskey' was one of those songs that was a gift to me -- it just came to me while driving one day, and I wrote the whole song in ten minutes.” More at www.RedhillRocks.com

Third Place Winner

"Origami Heart "

by Andy Baker

"Movin' On "

by Mischa Suemnig

West Michigan songsmith Andy Baker revels in subjects less traveled. His second studio album, “Down,” features finely crafted songs ranging from a reconciliatory mountain climb to a Greek mythology inspired lust-gone-bad saga to a tongue-in-cheek poke at self-help books. Described as “folk-pop with a groove,” one can easily hear the influences of such luminaries as John Mayer and David Wilcox. His live shows are memorable events, blending equal parts of thought provoking melodies with laugh-out-loud parodies played on a variety of instruments including guitar, dobro, banjo, bass, and even bouzouki. A veterinarian by day, Andy’s patients are rarely the subjects of his songs (the hilarious “Laborador Blues” being the exception). Between Midwestern gigs and dog spays, Andy is putting the finishing touches on a live CD to be released in November 2008. More at www.northwindsound.com

Mischa Suemnig (far left in photo below) plays guitar, sings, and writes all the songs for the Minneapolis quartet Mighty Fairly, a melody driven rock band with a sound that’s been likened to “The Pixies meets The New Pornographers.” Pop sensible indie rock that is engaging, hook laden and (as the name alludes to) pokes fun at themselves as well. Their melodic hooks, insightful lyrics and eclectic mix of instrumentation on their current release, including African Marimba and Keytar, has created a mounting buzz. "Full of hooks, bright harmonies and irresistible synthesizer fills, Suemnig writes songs that lodge themselves in the listener’s brain and beg to be played again and again," said The Pulse of the Twin Cities. Mischa also won and honorable mention in the Mid-Atlantic Song Contest. Find out more at www.MightyFairly.com

Finalists

(In alphabetical order by songwriter's last name. These songwriters received high marks from our judges, but missed the winning slots by just a few points. Highlighted names are linked to songwriters' websites.)

3:6west - “O My Maker” - Lewis Center , OH

Emily Asen - “Treading Water” - New York , NY

bignic - “Inexplicable(v4)" - Penetanguishene, ONT

John Boyd - “The Things We Said” - Niagara Falls , ONT

Cory Cole - “Hole in the Ground” - Stanton, MI

Jimmy DeHeno - “I Think She Likes Me” - Marine City , MI

Hugh Fader - “Female Troubles” - Royal Oak , MI

Joel Frankel - “Bagels and Cream Cheese” - Chicago , IL

Zach Friedhof - “Distracted (Saturn Mix)” - Akron , OH

Joe Hash - “Stay” - Toronto , ONT

David Hein - “Subway Sparrow” - Toronto , ONT

Bruce Holmes - “The Old King’s Reel” - Chicago , IL

Judy Insley - “Mother Earth” - Waterford , MI

Shoot the Messenger - “This is Why Life Sucks” - New York , NY

Erin Smith - “Misery Bay ” - Keweenaw Peninsula , MI

Bruce Smith - “Snow Shovel Boogie Blues” - Boyne Falls, MI

David Strahan - “Beholden” - Minneapolis , MN

Rupert Wates - “After the Rains” - New York , NY

Kevin Wong - “Beautifully Flawed” - Markham, ONT

Honorable Mentions

(in alphabetical order by last name)

Matt Abell – “Little Habits” – Stroudsburg, PA

Comatose In2 Addiction – “Blown Away” – Chicago , IL

Matthew Francis Andersen – “Newborn Surprise” – Oak Park , IL

Linda Queen Andrews – “Truly” – Massillon , OH

Andy Baker – September Mind” – Gobles , MI

Andy Baker – Icarus Knows” – Gobles , MI

Andy Baker – “Don’t Know Why” – Gobles , MI

Karen Benedetto – My Biggest Claim to Fame” – New York , NY

Karen Benedetto – “One” – New York , NY

Carl Bishop/Michael Goodenow – “Lay Down Your Head” – New York , NY

Jory & Karen Brown – “Huron” – Cedar Lake , IN

Nick Brown – “Factory Farms” – Madison , WI

calicoDrifters – “I Like a Little Fire” – Madison , WI

Uniit Carruyo & Rich DePaolo – “Anything is Possible” – Ithaca , NY

hillary chapman – “How do I say Goodbye?” – New York , NY

Tim Clairmont – “Wasted Hearts” – Chelsea, MI

Kayle Clements – “Simple Pleasures” – Rockford , MI

Jagger Cook – “The Light of Mississippi ”

Jim Corrao – “ Golden Gate Rag” – Brookfield , WI

John Cozolino – “You Take Me Higher” – Beacon, NY

Jon Crumm – “Punkin Pie” – St. Louis Park , MN

Sonja Dass – “Ave Maria” – Mississauga , ONT

Steve Deasy/Lester Dore’ – “Let Me Make Peace” – Detroit , MI / Madison , WI

Jimmy DeHeno/Ron McPhail – “Cheap Guitars” – Marine City, MI

Amy Dixon-Kolar – “Child of Three Mothers” – Fox River Grove, IL

Patti Ecker – “Indifferent Love” – Des Plaines , IL

Patti Ecker – “Elsie” – Des Plaines , IL

Tim Fast – “The Ghost” – Stillwater , MN

Atom Fellows – “American Family (Born to Breed)” – New York , NY

Denise Jordan Finley & Daniel Pagdon – “Little Secrets”

Alex Freeman – “Drive” – Northfield , MN

Terry Gomes – “I Dream of Boats” – Ottawa , ONT

Chris Good & Seth Hendricks

of Mutual Kumquat – “Looking Through These Pages” – Ann Arbor , MI

Salvatore Guido – “Trap Door (in the Ceiling) – Mohawk, NY

Isobelle Gunn – “Emily” – London , ONT

Julia Hare – “All I Got” – Racine , WI

Scott Hlavenka – “Thank you Everyday” – Milwaukee , WI

Bruce Holmes – “Fields of Wheat” – Chicago, IL

The Hummingbirds – “ Vancouver ” – Ypsilanti , MI

Emily Hurd – “Just in Case” – Chicago , IL

Emily Hurd – “Heaven This Way” – Chicago, IL

Dave Jay – Diving Board” – New York , NY

Wade Johnston – “Jane” – Batavia , OH

Brian Johnston – “Hole in My Pocket” – South Bend , IN

Nathan Jonker – “Why’d the Backdoor Slam When I Came In?” – Grand Rapids , MI

George Karidis – “It Must Take a Lot of Brainpower” – Farmington Hills , MI

Billy King – “Lead the Way” – Brooklyn , MI

Chandra LaPointe & Dave Runyan – “Not Anymore” – Bellaire, MI

Tina Lear – “Ancestor” – Floral Park , NY

Emilie Lewandowski – “Come Back to Me” – Croswell, MI

Lisa Jane Lipkin – “To Begin Again With You” – Millwood. NY

Linda M & Lindsay Boughton – “She’s Got Nothin’” – Toronto , ONT

Michael “Max” McGee/Jeff Moxcey – “Between Dreams” – Lock Haven, PA

Michael Mercatante/Jenna Reed – “Only Now” – Wales , MI/ Fort Gratiot , MI

Greg Michaels – “My Shotgun Baby” – Eden Valley, MN

Adam Miller – “Work & Law & Politics” – Chicago, IL

Rev. John J. Murphy – “Fire Angel” – Cassville, WI

Natalie Myziuk – “Then I Made a Wish” – Auburn Hills , MI

Chris Nelson & Sunil Iyengar – “Circles” – Ann Arbor , MI

Jennifer Noble – “Paint (Dare to be Free)” – Toronto , ONT

Mason Oakes – “Brighter Later (A Song for Nick) – Madison , WI

Pauline Pisano – “In the Middle (In the Heart of Cold)” – Brooklyn , NY

Jeremy Porter (The OffRamps) – “Short of Suicide” – Detroit , MI

Thaddeus Rex – “Don’t Know What This Song is About” – Chicago , IL

Adam Rose – “Here are the Days” – Madison , WI

Rachel Sage – “Wishbone” – New York , NY

Rachel Sage – Hunger in John” – New York , NY

Rachel Sage – “Corinne” – New York , NY

Nora B. Salyer – “Housewife on Strike” – Stockbridge, MI

Luke Sayers & The Last to Know – “The Letter” – Chicago , IL

healing sixes – “The Fool in Love” – Indianapolis , IN

Chad Shank & Lucas Doppler – “Sweet Corn” – Minneapolis , MN

Bruce Smith – “Livin’ Free” – Boyne Falls , MI

Erin Smith – “ Calumet ” – Keweenaw Peninsula ,MI

Erin Smith – “Around This Place” – Keweenaw Peninsula , MI

Erin Smith – “A Little Too Late” – Keweenaw Peninsula ,MI

William Sotnikow – “Stay” – Toronto , ONT

Jordan E. Spivack – “Portugese Bakery” – Nanuet, NY

Jeff Steele – “Choose Between” – Grand Haven, MI

The STICKFIGURE Band – Like a Father” – Jamestown , NY

David Strahan – “Picture of Me” – Minneapolis , MN

Rob Taube – “Strangers in the Rain” – New York , NY

Rachel Wearsch – “When it Comes to You” – Elyria , OH

Josh Weinstein – “She Rolls Jaunty” – Brooklyn , NY

The West Side Winders – “Keep It In The Family” – Chicago , IL

Chris White – “Some Understanding” – Chicago, IL

Alex White and Friends – Please Don’t Go” – Columbus , OH

Tom Wynbrandt – “Places in the Heart” – New York , NY