Songwriter in line for top award

BERWICK businessman and songwriter Michael Tierney has been named a finalist in the international Song of the Year contest.

Mr Tierney was recognised for his exceptional songwriting ability for the song Bloody Lie, a powerful and emotional commentary on the 9/11 terrorist attack on New York.

Competing against songwriters from all over the world, he said 9/11 was a diabolical event that changed our world forever.

I remember staying up most of the night watching television as the story unfolded.

I just had to write down my feelings on this monstrous act of violence.

It is still hard to believe that this terrorist attack really happened, Mr Tierney said.

A major benefit of Mr Tierneys success is that Song of the Year will circulate his music among their music resources including labels, publishers, promoters, and management companies.

He said the news was really exciting.

I have been trying to find a friendly ear in the Australian music publishing industry, but I dont understand how the Australian music publishing industry works.

I have tried to get publishing companies interested but the standard response is we dont accept unsolicited demos.

It seems to be a Catch 22 situation where no one will listen until you are wellknown.

I am still determined to penetrate the Australian industry

Perhaps my namesake from Human Nature will listen to my songs when he comes to Melbourne in September, he said.

Other songs written by the Berwick businessman include Madeba, a song about the life of Nelson Mandela, Path to Peace, a condemnation of the London bombings, and You cry a lot these days, a ballad about loneliness.