Mt Roskill-bred Bruce Conlon has won US$18,000 worth of studio gear, coming first place in the USA West Coast Songwriters Competition.

The former Eight frontman entered the contest with his rock song Two Worlds Colliding, and says he was surprised when he first heard of the win.

“I was blown away and just stoked... to have this sort of recognition, from people who know music, is ace.”

Currently based in London, Conlon says the state-of-the-art studio prize, with recording, mixing and mastering equipment, has come at the right time.

“The timing is slightly perfect. I’m in the middle of getting songs together for a new album, and was trying to figure out the ‘how’ part of it. As you can guess, recording in London is not the cheapest place in the world, so this will really help.”

The studio package includes high-end microphones, a 20” high resolution flat screen, low distortion pre-amps, headphones and Redbook mastering equipment.

Conlon says making music in London has its trials and tribulations.

“It’s the small things, like trying to get your gear around in the Tube, or finding a rehearsal room where the room doesn’t smell like you’re playing inside a cigar!

“But I do love the place, I live pretty close to the heart of town and there’s always something happening. The best part is having my wife here with me to enjoy it.”

Conlon has been songwriting for 20 years, and made his musical debut in 1996 with Eight.

Before disbanding in 2005, Eight picked up a strong local following, playing the Big Day Out, supporting Incubus and Creed, and releasing their debut album Moving in 2003 through Sony BMG records.

Bruce Conlon released his self-funded album, Audience of One on April 28, which took two years to make.

Two Worlds Colliding was the album’s first single; receiving nationwide radio play, it was also nominated in the Vodafone Juice TV Awards in 2007.

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