March 17th, 2016: A song written by Canadian University Dubai (CUD) professor, Dr. Franziska Apprich, has reached the semifinals of the International Songwriting Competition, an annual song contest judged by some of the world’s most eminent professional musicians.
Dr. Apprich, Assistant Professor in CUD’s School of Media and Communication Studies, and already an award-winning filmmaker, musician and writer, has seen her latest composition, ‘As much as I want you’, shortlisted by a panel that includes modern music sensations such as Lorde, alongside legends of the industry like Tom Waits.
The annual International Songwriting Competition was established to provide an opportunity for both aspiring and established songwriters to have their songs heard in a professional, international arena. It is recognized as having the most prestigious panel of judges of all the world’s songwriting and music contests, offering exposure to some of most influential decision-makers in the industry.
Dr. Apprich describes the style of her entry in this year’s competition as ‘Norah Jones meets Sarah McLachlan’ and says that the inspiration behind it is a valuable lesson for us all.
She revealed, “The song is about making mistakes, struggling with life, but still believing in the good and love of people. We all are lost at some point in our lives and it is important to find our own unique and successful path. Yes we make mistakes, yes we can carry on, yes we should forgive and yes we should find love at the end. I think it is wonderful when people learn from their mistakes, that is what makes us human.”
Speaking about her nomination for the semifinals, Dr. Apprich said, “I am proud to be selected in such a prestigious competition that celebrates the best songwriters/creative talent in the world. A lot of the participants have collaborated with or opened for super-stars such as Taylor Swift, among others.
“More so, to be recognized by judges of such musical stature is an honor. I love Tom Waits for his non-conforming style and Lorde is an amazing, unique, inspirational singer/songwriter who has brought avant-garde and commercial together.”
Dr. Apprich, who last year penned a song for Etienne Cousineau, star of Canada’s talent show La Voix, will now go up against an international field of both professional and amateur songwriters in the final stages of the contest, which culminates in April with the announcement of the competition winners.
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