WILSN Tops The 2024 Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition

It’s a big day for songwriters, both at home and abroad, with songwriters the world over being named as the big winners of this year’s Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition.

First launched in 2009, the comp sees to celebrate and award the world’s most exceptional songwriting talent, with entry fees going on to support Noro Music Therapy, an organisation dedicated to transforming lives through music.

It’s been a big deal since its launch, with names such as Megan Washington, Amy Shark, Genesis Owusu, Thelma Plum, Kimbra, and more taking out the first prize.

This year, a massive 3,500 entries from 52 countries submitted songs, with a total prize pool of $85,000 being given away in the process. $50,000 of that went to its first prize winner, which this year was Shannon Busch (aka WILSN) for her song Give You Love, performed by Jessica Mauboy and Jason Derulo.

The track had been in the works for a while, being born in a Nashville studio when a chance meeting between Bush and her husband, Stephen Mowat, resulted in a songwriting session with Blessing Offor, and resulted in a song about the struggle to make it in the music industry. Years later, it found its way to Mauboy, who worked with Derulo to craft a huge duet which has since gone Gold following its 2023 release.

“Hearing Jess sing the words I wrote brought me to tears,” said Busch. “It was a real ‘if my 10-year-old self could see me now’ moment. It’s surreal that my biggest musical success so far has come from a song about struggling to succeed in music.”

Louis Schoorl took home the $10,000 second prize with 12 Minute Walk. Performed by UK singer Bow Anderson, the track was co-written with Anderson and Nick Bradley, and was inspired by Anderson’s late-night walk to the Tube station after a songwriting session.

The third prize of $5,000 went out to Aon (aka Cam Nacson), for the track Forever Thing, while the Unpublished Australasian Songwriter Award (and $5,000 prize) went to Charley for Timebomb. It’s the second time in a row that Charley has won the award, taking it home for Worst Taste In Girls last year.

"Winning this award again feels surreal. Timebomb captured the heartache of long-distance love, and knowing it resonates with so many means the world to me,” said Charley. “This recognition makes pursuing music a little easier - it’s not easy, especially early on. Right now, I’m in London writing my debut album, and I can’t wait to share it with you."

Ten other artists were also recognised with $1,000 prizes as part of the Emerging Songwriter Prize, with the likes of Kita Alexander, Lotte Gallagher, Karina Savage, Nathan May, Lucy Sugerman, and more being named in the category.

“The incredible talent showcased in this year's Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition has done more than impress – it has directly funded vital music therapy services for thousands in need,” said Noro Music Therapy CEO, Belinda Leonard.

“Noro's programs serve 2,500 weekly clients of all ages – from young children to centenarians – improving clinical outcomes and community engagement. A huge thanks to all the songwriters, sponsors and supporters for making these vital services accessible."

Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition Announces 2024 Winners

1st Prize

Song: Give You Love
Recipient (Songwriter): Shannon Busch aka WILSN (AU)
Performers: Jessica Mauboy (AU) & Jason Derulo (US)
Co-Writers: Shannon Busch (AU), Blessing Offor (US), Stephen Mowat (AU), Styalz Fuego (AU)
Producers: Styalz Fuego (AU), Rudy Sandapa (AU), Stephen Mowat (AU)
Publisher: Concord Music Publishing

2nd Prize

Song: 12 Minute Walk
Recipient (Songwriter): Louis Schoorl (AU & UK)
Performer: Bow Anderson (UK)
Co-Writers: Louis Schoorl (AU & UK), Nick Bradley (UK), Bow Anderson (UK)
Producer: Louis Schoorl (AU & UK) and Nick Bradley (UK)
Publisher: Phrased Differently

3rd Prize

Song: Forever Thing
Recipient (Songwriter): Cam Nacson (AU)
Songwriter: Cam Nacson (AU)
Producer: Cam Nacson (AU)

4th Prize, Unpublished Australasian Songwriter Award

Song: Timebomb
Recipient (Songwriter): Charley (AU)
Co-Writers: Charley (AU), Anton Engdahl (SE), Kristin Carpenter (SE)
Producer: Anton Engdahl (SE)

American Songwriter Spotlight Award

Emma Hughes (UK) – Without You

Emerging Songwriter Prizes

Kita Alexander – Date Night
Lotte Gallagher – Adam
Karina Savage – Landslide
Lucy Sugerman – he loves me, he loves me not
OKENYO – PIXEL
Chris Lanzon – Lilo (with Ber)
tiffi – chemtrails
Chelsea Berman – Where Does That Leave Me
Daniella Marchio – Sweet
Nathan May – It’s Gotta Start Somewhere