The Summer Singer – Songwriter Competition that got my attention!

Something exciting, yet subtle, is happening on FACEBOOK this Summer! It is the EZDrummer 2 Songwriting Competition sponsored by Toontracks (A software company that makes many musicians use for home studios to make their tunes sound even more amazing!) The contest is one where winner takes home $10,000 and that is a lot of money for many who are competing!

Read the about the competition here.

I ordinarily would have bypassed any contest announcement on FACEBOOK, but this one caught my attention because one of the contestants is my good friend and talented songwriter, Dara Baker (aka Dara On Radio).

Dara has a jazzy, sultry and sassiness quality to her voice. This Floridian mom, entrepreneur and teacher wrote the music and lyrics to I KNOW, in addition to singing it for her entry.

Listen here to I KNOW and vote for Dara!

I took an opportunity to interview Dara for this article.

Here is what I discovered and would love to share with you-

Louise: Dara we know that you want to win the first prize with your amazing song, however, what would be a second thing you wish to accomplish by entering this contest?

Dara: To win second place, of course! LOL! 🙂 If I don’t win, I’m glad people who never heard my music got a chance to listen and to share. Being a music educator, I’m always about spreading the word about the importance of music in all of our lives, be it writing, playing or just listening.

Louise: How did you come up with this song idea and record it?

Dara: The song was written by me. I sing lead and play piano, Ed ( her husband) & I sing background vocals. Ed played guitar and bass, programmed the drums and played the little synth parts in between. We both recorded and mixed the song in our home studio.

Louise: This is usually a blog that discusses educational matters. Do you think this contest may help motivate people to keep music programs in schools instead of cutting performing arts programs.

Dara: It’s (the contest) not really geared towards the educational community, however, it is open worldwide to people starting at age 13. If you look at the number of entrants, it’s obvious to see just how many people feel the burning desire to be a part of the music industry. Kids younger & younger are becoming songwriters every day with the ever increasing availability of some AWESOME computer software out there. It’s becoming less and less expensive and easier to use with every passing day. Also with social media, the desire to “be a star” is more approachable as well.Louise: How can readers and our friends vote for you?

Dara: Go to Facebook to vote via the “EZ Drummer 2 Songwriting Competition”. Each voter is allowed to vote on FB once per day, so yeah, it would be great if EVERYONE voted EVERY day till the contest is closed and share the link!!! 🙂