Caleb Hawley

I’m pleased to announce that I took second place in the Telluride Troubadour Songwriting Contest this past week! For most of you who don’t know, this is a nationally recognized songwriter competition for anyone who writes and performs original music and who is not currently signed to a major recording or publishing deal. Ah, the advantages of being unsigned! I knew there was some reason for that! With over 500 entries, it was an honor to just be a part of everything. Not to mention I got to see some amazing musicians like Lyle Lovett and Jerry Douglas.

Songwriting contests will always be subjective. Imagine comparing “Let it Be” to “Superstition” – both are amazing songs in their own right, but basically apples and oranges. That being said, all the songwriters I met and heard out there were very talented and would be worth your time to check out. If you have a minute, you can go to http://www.bluegrass.com/telluride/contests.html to find the top 10 finalists.

Got the great news today that I’m a finalist in the Telluride Troubadour Songwriting Contest. This kind of performance opportunity is always fun, though they take away a year of my life due to an increased heart rate and shattered nerves. I can’t imagine what it’s like to be a figure skater, being judged night after night on subjective dance moves… they must be able to block it out somehow.

In case you’re wondering what this contest is all about, it’s a nationally recognized songwriter competition for people who aren’t famous. In other words, John Mayer wasn’t allowed to sign up. (more…)

I am pleased to say that “Other Side of it All” was selected as a Finalist in the Pop Category of the 2009 John Lennon Songwriting Contest. Some of the judges include Natasha Bedingfield, Fergie, and The Bacon Brothers, so maybe one of them can hook me up : )

My thoughts on songwriting competitions? They are ALWAYS subjective… that is, until you win one. Then they become totally fair (sarcasm alert). This is the second competition that has given “Other Side of it All” high praise, which is very gratifying. I wrote the song for our country, and it’s humbly fulfilling to see it connect. Thank you all.

Well, so far keeping regular updates on my website has been easy for me. In the past two weeks, so much has been going on. Plus, talking about myself has always been simple.

On Monday, my song “Other Side of it All” was selected as one of 12 songs (out of over 5,000) to be performed in the 2009 New York Songwriter’s Circle Songwriting Contest. (more…)