by Scott Turner

Contest time is here again

For many years, I've been one of several judges in the Songwriters of Wisconsin Song Contest. Under the guidance of Tony Ansems, I've seen this well-run contest blossom into a flower from the original seeds that Tony planted and the songs have become stronger and stronger with each passing year.

Thankfully, the songs are divided into various categories with knowledgeable people judging songs that fit into their field and further, there are no names attached to the songs so as to eliminate favoritism, meaning the most competitive songs rise to the top because they are well-constructed. Granted, if you play five songs for five different people, you may get five different opinions, but as it's been said before, "A great song doesn't care who sings it".

You're too late for this year's contest but you can contact Tony Ansems at the Songwriters of Wisconsin International mailing address which is PO Box 1027, Neenah, WI 54957-1027, and join their group. You don't have to be from Wisconsin to join and the fees/dues are nominal. They also send out a great newsletter that is crammed with information. I had the pleasure of meeting these nice people when I did a seminar there two years ago and they are a very pleasant group. So join up and enter your best efforts in next year's contest. You'll be glad you did.