Ruth Moody and Scott Nolan Land Top Spots in Songwriting Competition

Two Manitoba singer/songwriters have taken top prizes in this year's International Songwriting Competition.

Ruth Moody's  "Storm Comin'", off The Wailin' Jennys JUNO Award-nominated album Bright Morning Stars, took the top spot in the Gospel/Christian Music category. Her song "Cold Outside", off her JUNO-nominated solo release, The Garden, landed a semi-final spot in the Folk/Singer-songwriter category. Bright Morning Stars was also just names Acoustic Ensemble Album of the Year by the Indie Acoustic Project.

Scott Nolan took third prize in the Americana category for his song, "You Rock, We Roll" off his 2011 release on Transistor 66 Record Co., Montgomery Eldorado.

Jaylene Johnson got an honourable mention in the country category for "When It All Goes South," which she co-wrote with Halifax-based sister act The Keats.

The competition received over 16,000 entries from 112 countries, making 2011 the most competitive year ever. The winners were chosen by a prestigious panel of celebrity and industry judges including Tom Waits, Robert Smith (The Cure), Tori Amos, Kelly Clarkson, and Monte Lipman (President, Universal Republic Records). More than $150,000 US in cash and prizes will be shared by the winners.