NZ Songwriters Taking On The World

MEDIA RELEASE 10 February 2003

NZ Songwriters Taking On The World

Auckland songwriter Moana Maniapoto last week received the overall Grand Prize in The International Songwriting Competition (ISC) for 2003.

Called "the songwriting competition to take note of" by the New York Times, ISC received over 11,000 entries from 60 countries.

In the month that NZ is waiting to see how many Oscars are received for Lord Of The Rings, including Frances Walsh’s Best Song nomination for “Into The West”, another songwriter has taken the songwriting world by storm.

Moana won the Grand Prize for her song "Moko". It is the first time a top honor has been awarded to any songwriter from outside the USA.

“This is a serious competition and judged by a panel of judges with unparalleled experience in the international music industry. For Moana to take out a supreme award like this is outstanding. Her achievements are inspirational for the industry here and for all New Zealand both artistically and culturally”, said Anthony Healey, APRA Director Of NZ Operations.
Moana Maniapoto has developed a unique sound with her unique blend of traditional Maori musical elements and contemporary western grooves.

Her band Moana and the Tribe tour throughout the world and are one of the most successful indigenous bands to emerge from New Zealand. The winning song "Moko," was described as a “compelling fusion of smooth world music and an urban sound with earthy, international beats.”

The ISC panel of judges included many of the music industry's top executives, songwriters, and producers including Rob Thomas (Matchbox 20), B.B. King, jazz icon Pat Methany, pop singer Vanessa Carlton, Monte Lipman (President of Universal Records) and Michael Gudinski (Chairman, Mushroom Group Of Companies).

For more information, as well as a list of runners-up and semi-finalists, please go to http://www.songwritingcompetition.com

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