The WLSC2008 Comes to an End!

And the winner of the $4,000 grand prize of the 5th Annual Williamsburg Live Songwriter Competition is Mr. Matthew Dorrien (pictured, middle)! In second place with a cool $750 is Ms. Rosi Golan (pictured, left). And in third place with $250 is Ms. Becca Stevens (pictured, right).

From 700 submissions, 150 were chosen to perform live over 8 nights at alternating venues in Williamsburg to an audience of fans, friends, and industry judges. From these 150, 18 advanced to the Semi-Finals on Friday night. From these 18, 9 advanced to the Finals last night. And from these 9, 3 were awarded with a cash prize.

If you’re turned off by “competition,” “cash prize,” or “first place,” let’s rewind: 700 people submitted a song to Jezebel Music, and 150 of them (149, minus the kid who was kicked out for drunken disorderly conduct on the opening night) came together to showcase their talent and make new friends and fans. It cannot be said enough: there is only one grand prize winner of the WLSC. Although it is an entertaining and appealing aspect of the event, the WLSC is best enjoyed when “prize” and “winning” and “competition” are stricken from our mindset. These things are simply a noble ploy to gather inordinately talented songwriters together under one metaphorically collective roof.

What happens when you get 150 musicians together in one place? Friendships, fans, collaborations, networks, and a damn good time are imminent. As Michael Grubbs – our esteemed host – has humorously reminded us, $4,000 can pay your rent in Williamsburg for only a month. Exaggeration aside, money is temporary, but the contestants who have performed live in the WLSC2008 have directly participated in the making of an absolutely incredible week of music in one of the most diverse, talented music communities in the entire world. If just one person heard their song, one person went to their MySpace the next day, one person asked to join their mailing list, one person said “hey, you sounded great!” – they won. And trust me, there were many winners!

Thank you to all who have submitted, performed, and made possible the 5th Annual Williamsburg Live Songwriter Competition!

We will see you next year!

Go here to see photos from the WLSC2008!

All images copyright Jen McManus 2008