Young songwriters in focus with new competition launched by SOCAN Foundation

TORONTO – Aspiring young Canadian songwriters are being offered a chance to get their work on the radar of the music industry and win some cash along the way.

The SOCAN Foundation — a wing of the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada — says it’s launching the inaugural Young Canadian Songwriter Awards this year.

The national competition, in partnership with SiriusXM Canada, will give five $5,000 prizes to Canadian songwriters who are 21 years old or younger.

The songwriters must be members of SOCAN and have their competing work registered with the organization to qualify. Submissions must be made by Aug. 20.

Winners will be chosen by a jury of songwriters and music industry professionals.

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Note to readers: This is a corrected story. A previous version stated the award is being handed out by SOCAN, instead of the SOCAN Foundation.