The September 30th, 2008 deadline for submissions to the New York Songwriters’ Circle’s (NYSC) annual Songwriting Contest is quickly approaching.

For over 18 years such notable artists as Vanessa Carlton, Norah Jones, Gavin DeGraw, Jesse Harris, Lisa Loeb, Charlotte Sometimes, Avril Lavigne, John Oates and Chris Barron (of the Spin Doctors) have all been a part of this legendary circle. This year’s grand prize winner will take home over $15,000 in cash and prizes, including a performance spot at the world renowned Madison Square Garden, The Live Nation - Jones Beach Concert Series, recording sessions with Grammy award winning producer Glenn Barett and so much more. The contest winner will also be featured on Jonathan Clarke’s highly rated “Out of the Box” radio show on New York’s most popular classic Rock station, Q104.3. For the first time ever, the NYSC will present two additional awards at the contest finale, an International award to an outstanding songwriter from anywhere outside the US, and a Young Writer award, for songwriters ages 8 to 18.

The New York Songwriters Circle contest annually gives performers the rare opportunity to perform their music live in front of top music industry professionals and excited music fans as part of the New York Songwriters Circle’s ongoing showcases series in Philadelphia (at World Café Live), Boston (at Johnny D’s in Somerville), and the legendary Bitter End in New York’s Greenwich Village. Past contest winners include Kate Voegele, (currently starring in the hit TV Show “One Tree Hill”) and “Company of Thieves,” (recently featured as a breaking artist on Billboard Magazine).

The Live Finale events on November 5th and 6th at the Bitter End in New York will spotlight the twelve contest finalists and include rare special guest appearances by Grammy Award winning Singer/Songwriter Marc Cohn and Indie music sensation Dave Barnes. Aside from his own impressive music catalog, Marc Cohn has worked with such notable artists as Tracy Chapman, Jackson Browne, David Crosby, Shawn Colvin and many more. Currently, Dave Barnes is touring with “Los Lonely Boys” and has achieved both critical and commercial success as an indie recording artist.

The panel of judges includes Grammy-Award winning producer Russ Titelman, 785 Records/Publishing and Denise Rich Songs President Mark Eichner, Rolling Stone and New York Magazine contributor and author John Colapinto and many more. Sponsors include 785 Records, Denise Rich Songs, Ascap, Bmi, Sesac, MorningStar Studios, Broadjam.com, SongU.com, Dubway Studios and Sam Ash Music.

For more information and to submit your music please visit http://www.songwriters-circle.com

FREE EARLY BONUS: First 1,000 entries will each receive a USA Songwriting Competition Compilation CD. Hurry!

The entry form can be found at:

http://www.songwriting.net/entryform.html

Or enter online here with your MP3 and/or lyrics:

http://online.songwriting.net

Or through Sonicbids at:

http://www.sonicbids.com/usasong

After years of hard work and grind… I am happy and proud to see the fruits of my labor result in such a fantastic CD. I hope I don’t sound conceited but I love my new CD “Losing My Faith”.. it was/is a labor of love. I found myself maturing during the process of writing my songs.

Every song has a special meaning to me and deals with subject matters that is pretty personal and yet very much universal.

My Songs:

“Losing My Faith” deals with the fact that no matter how faithful you are… not necessarily in a religious sense but faith in general… there comes a time when you question it. For instance pertaining to religion… the age old question does God exist… and if so why is there so much suffering on earth and why are my prayers not always answered. Something to think about.

“Connie D.” is about my grandmother who past away when I was three years old. Not knowing that she had past away… on the night that it happen I saw a shiny shadow at my bedroom door that looked just like her… I guess she was letting me know she was OK. The song is about celebrating life and the time you have and not to be bogged down with what I should have done or what I’m going to do… the message is to enjoy the moment you have … you never know when your last moment in life might come.

“Kiss My Heart Goodbye” A fun break up song with a Classic Rock flavoring.

“The Other Side” Message: No matter how bad, dark and ugly things are… there is usually another side. Perhaps happier times or the answer can be found on the other side. Take a look at the bright or the positive side of things.

“Drowning” Love song… drowning in love and don’t know what to do. Especially when love didn’t work out the last time… hmmmm

“Awful Truth” Mesage: The world is in a sad state and the awful truth is that people in power and large corporations that control our global affairs are more interested in making more money than preserving / saving the earth… And… that is the awful truth.

“For You” Message: When all hope is gone and God won’t answer your prayers… that special someone in shining armor will be there to help you through it. Maybe listening to this song can help you feel better.

“World Undone” Inspired by what we see on TV. World leaders seeking solutions by choosing war over peace. Bombs falling, bullets flying… people dying… while you and I are watch helplessly…. so let’s all grab a chair and watch the world come undone.

“Fade Away” Inspired by homeless young people on the streets (Squeezie Kids) and many not surviving the streets… as we all tend to walk by and pretend not to notice that it’s a real person in a desparate and distraught situation.

“Loser” Everyone knows a two timing loser. Well this song is a dedication to all those who are or were with one… a Loser that is.

Hope you enjoy my article… you can own my CD “Losing My Faith” by going to https://www.chrisning.com you will be getting some great music and at the same time supporting an artist that wants to make great music. Making great music is a very time consuming and expensive endeavour… your generous support is much appreciated and hope you will become asupporter and a friend.

Peace and Happiness
Chris Ning

www.chrisning.com
www.myspace.com/chrisning
www.sonicbid.com/chrisning