Recording opportunity for young songwriters

Auckland Libraries is running an exciting competition called Launch Your Lyrics for budding songwriters and musicians to celebrate NZ Music Month.

The competition, to be judged during NZ Music Month (May), is open to Auckland Libraries members between the ages of 11 and 18 and gives first prize winners the opportunity to record their winning song.

There are two categories, 11-14 years and 15-18 years, and prizes include:

* First prize: a recording session at Zeal Music Studios to record the winning song * Runner up: $200 music voucher * Two highly commended prizes: $100 music voucher.

"Song writing can be pretty hard sometimes," says competition judge Rodney Fisher. "It's a really personal thing to do; this project is a cool way to encourage young people to give it a go."

An internationally successful singer-songwriter himself, the Goodshirt front man will be on the lookout for original lyrics and emerging musical talent.

"I can't wait to see what sort of stuff people come up with!" he says.

Auckland Libraries Youth Service Development Team Leader Pip Henderson says there is plenty to inspire young songwriters in the region's 55 libraries.

"Local libraries have a fantastic range of books, CDs and e-resources to spark songwriting ideas and help get the creative juices flowing," says Pip. "For us, this competition brings NZ Music Month to life in our libraries and is an opportunity to showcase our vast collections of books, CDs and sheet music."

Go to www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz for competition details and an entry form.

Entries close on 16 May 2012. Launch Your Lyrics competition winners will be announced on May 31 at a special prizegiving ceremony at Zeal Music Studios in Henderson.

Last year's competition winner was Rita Laing with her winning song My Best Friend and the 2010 winner was Jana Nee with her song, I Carry You.