Cape Breton born singer songwriter Carmel Mikol has been announced winner of the 12th annual Great American Song Contest in the Acoustic/Folk category for her song “In My Bones”. “The song ‘In My Bones’ largely defines what my new album is all about – learning from our past, living with loss and grappling with love,” Mikol says of the win. “It’s really an honor to have this song recognized by the Great American Song Contest and to join the great list of East Coast winners David Myles, Dave Carroll and Joel Plaskett.” Her upcoming album of the same name will be released on the 30th of March and is a collection of ten original songs produced by Fred Lavery at Lakewind Sound Studio and Scott Ferguson at Ferguson Music Productions.
The Great American Song Contest is an annual event designed for amateur and semi-pro songwriters and music composers everywhere. Many songwriters enter the contest to get their songs heard and get feedback from knowledgeable music-industry professionals as all participants receive written evaluations of their songs. Judges base their evaluations on the universal hallmarks of songwriting excellence: engaging lyrics, creative use of language, effective and memorable melodies, and overall songwriting technique. Judges are asked to focus on the quality of the song and ignore the performance or quality of the recording.
Judges include internationally respected and Grammy nominated authors, teachers, producers, lyricists and publishers who’ve worked with artists like Elton John, Paul McCartney, Pink Floyd, Queen, Bob Dylan, and the Rolling Stones.
Winners in each of nine different categories receive promotional and educational services valued at over $1500. Winners also benefit from numerous press interviews and new connections with hundreds of music industry professionals.
The timing couldn’t be better for Mikol who is preparing to embark on a cross-Canada and international release tour in support of In My Bones.
WGO’s own Wanda Earhart said of the album, “From the first lyrics of the opening title track, to the very last note, these first rate original songs showcase one of the most promising Cape Breton born singer songwriters, to hit any stage in years.”
2009 was also a successful year for Mikol as she released the Lost Lives EP and crossed Canada on the Guess Who’s Driving Tour with fellow Halifax singer/songwriter and 2010 ECMA winner Kim Wempe, playing over 50 shows from Newfoundland to British Columbia.
Catch Mikol at one of two local CD release shows: Thursday April 8th at the Masonic Hall in Baddeck and Friday, April 9th at Wentworth Perk Coffeehouse in Sydney.
For more information visit carmenmikol.com
