We recently concluded the Fourth Annual Songs for Social Change Songwriting Competition. Out of the more than 350 entries, Mary Lou Fulton’s song Not Going Back (I Don’t Think So) was chosen as the winner of the $500 cash prize. Her song and those of eight runners-up in the contest are included in a compilation CD and digital album.
The CD is available for sale in our online store and is also being sent to radio stations and news media. Below is the press release announcing the contest and the compilation album and for a download of the original document suitable for submission to media with complete contact information click here.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
February 24, 2020 Don Nelson
NEW COMPILATION HONORS SONGS FOR SOCIAL CHANGE
New original songs from diverse genres selected through RAWA’s fourth annual contest
Renaissance Artists and Writers Association (RAWA) announces the release of Songs for Social Change Volume 4, a compilation of winning entries from the organization’s fourth annual contest to find the best new music that addresses the issues confronting society today.
“Songs for Social Change shines a light on music we hope will inspire people to build a world where there is social and economic justice for all people,” said RAWA spokesperson Ed Glassman. “We received over 350 entries this year,” Glassman added.
The winner of the 2019 contest, Mary Lou Fulton, is a new singer-songwriter and former journalist. Her prize-winning song Not Going Back (I Don’t Think So) is a social justice anthem that challenges the idea that America’s problems would be solved by going back to the “good old days.”
“Music has always played a powerful role in social movements,” said Fulton, whose contest award was featured in the Arizona Daily Star. “I’m honored to be included in the Songs for Social Change compilation alongside fellow artists whose music is inspiring a more just world.”
The contest finalists whose songs are also on the multi-genre CD are:
Jason Baker, whose song Something That’s Never Been Done Before asks us and society to “make a brand-new day.” Jason, a songwriter and performer from Burlington, Vermont, writes songs influenced by the deep roots of old-time and acoustic music, yet modern in lyrical perspective. http://jbakervt.com/
Blue Alien Mystic contributes Wake Up, a reggae call for humanity to “Stand as One.” Blue Alien Mystic combines elements from classic rock bands like Queen, The Police, and The Who, with “the vibe of the seventies, the energy of the eighties, and the grit of the nineties.” http://www.blueaienmystic.com/
Rebecca Lang Fiorentino, whose Give Me Your Tired is a folk ballad echoing the Statue of Liberty’s welcoming message to people searching for refuge and freedom. www.rebeccalangfiorentino.com
Shawn Gallaway, whose song Power to the Peaceful is a rousing folk-rock anthem urging us to create “the new earth.” Shawn is an award-winning singer/songwriter, visual artist, author, workshop facilitator and energetic healer. He has traveled the world over sharing his message. http://www.shawngallaway.com/
Kelea (aka Kelly Gardner), a versatile West Australian music artist, is an acoustic singer/songwriter who plays piano whilst harmonizing and looping. She is also an emerging electro-pop artist and formidable session rock vocalist. Her finalist entry in the contest was Dear Sir/Madam. http://www.kelea.com.au/
Abigayle Rose is a Las Vegas singer-songwriter, now residing in Nashville where she attends Belmont University and performs locally. Her song Good Morning America is a wake-up call for a world that desperately needs love. https://www.abigaylerosemusic.com/
Nicholas Jarrell Hasty, better known by the artist name Soul Glitch, is an American multi-instrumentalist, singer and producer. His song, Tribe of Gods, is a song of unity proclaiming, “we are all from the same star.” http://soulglitch.com/
Wayne Willingham is a singer-songwriter who recently came out of retirement to record two albums, “with more to come.” His song All That Matters is Love closes out the compilation CD. http://waynewillingham.com/
Copies of the 2019 compilation CD, and those from prior years, can be purchased for $10 at http://www.rawa.net/shop.
ABOUT RAWA
Formed in 1958, RAWA is a worldwide movement of artists, writers and musicians working to restore art to its role as an instrument for social change and awakening. RAWA’s annual songwriting competition looks for songs “with lyrics addressing the social issues confronting society today.” RAWA is now accepting entries in its fifth consecutive songwriting competition at https://rawa.net/songs-for-social-change/ and through http://www.Sonicbids.com