Slide 1
Winner and Finalists Named in Country Contest

Country hit songwriter judges Steve Wariner, Pam Tillis and Bob Morrison listened to our semifinalists and chose the three best country songs from among the entries. Check out winner, Ray Collier; finalist Sean Magwire; and finalist Ed Silver.

Country hit songwriter judges Steve Wariner, Pam Tillis and Bob Morrison listened to our semifinalists and chose the three best country songs from among the entries. Check out winner, Ray Collier; finalist Sean Magwire; and finalist Ed Silver.

Country hit songwriter judges Steve Wariner, Pam Tillis and Bob Morrison listened to our semifinalists and chose the three best country songs from among the entries. Check out winner, Ray Collier; finalist Sean Magwire; and finalist Ed Silver.

Slide 2
WINNER - SONGWRITER RAY COLLIER

Ray was born and raised in Nashville Tennessee and started writing songs at the age of 15. After earning a master’s degree in Psychology, he became a licensed therapist. But, Ray never stopped writing songs. Throughout his education, he wrote songs daily, something he’ll tell you he could NOT help but do.

Ray was born and raised in Nashville Tennessee and started writing songs at the age of 15. After earning a master’s degree in Psychology, he became a licensed therapist. But, Ray never stopped writing songs. Throughout his education, he wrote songs daily, something he’ll tell you he could NOT help but do.

Ray was born and raised in Nashville Tennessee and started writing songs at the age of 15. After earning a master’s degree in Psychology, he became a licensed therapist. But, Ray never stopped writing songs. Throughout his education, he wrote songs daily, something he’ll tell you he could NOT help but do.

Ray got close to his dreams of being a country songwriter at least once during his life, hanging out at Cedarwood Studio and Publishing Company as a young man, getting to know John Denny, the head of Cedarwood who encouraged Ray to write. Even setting him up to write with the late, great Billy Swann. They wrote several songs, one called “Town Clown By Day, Town Crier By Night,” but Ray was never lucky enough to get it cut.

Ray got close to his dreams of being a country songwriter at least once during his life, hanging out at Cedarwood Studio and Publishing Company as a young man, getting to know John Denny, the head of Cedarwood who encouraged Ray to write. Even setting him up to write with the late, great Billy Swann. They wrote several songs, one called “Town Clown By Day, Town Crier By Night,” but Ray was never lucky enough to get it cut.

Ray got close to his dreams of being a country songwriter at least once during his life, hanging out at Cedarwood Studio and Publishing Company as a young man, getting to know John Denny, the head of Cedarwood who encouraged Ray to write. Even setting him up to write with the late, great Billy Swann. They wrote several songs, one called “Town Clown By Day, Town Crier By Night,” but Ray was never lucky enough to get it cut.

Throughout his life, Ray always kept writing songs. He has hundreds of lyrics, many with melodies. The winning song submitted to the SGA country songwriting contest, “Only Shot I Got” was co-written with Brian White and Chad Chapin, two professional songwriters in their own right.

Throughout his life, Ray always kept writing songs. He has hundreds of lyrics, many with melodies. The winning song submitted to the SGA country songwriting contest, “Only Shot I Got” was co-written with Brian White and Chad Chapin, two professional songwriters in their own right.

Throughout his life, Ray always kept writing songs. He has hundreds of lyrics, many with melodies. The winning song submitted to the SGA country songwriting contest, “Only Shot I Got” was co-written with Brian White and Chad Chapin, two professional songwriters in their own right.

Ray’s most ardent wish is to use the time he has left on this earth to continue writing, hoping that a new co-writer or two approach him to fulfill his dream of getting songs recorded by current country music artists. Ray is grateful for his award from SGA which he says “means the world” to him.

Ray’s most ardent wish is to use the time he has left on this earth to continue writing, hoping that a new co-writer or two approach him to fulfill his dream of getting songs recorded by current country music artists. Ray is grateful for his award from SGA which he says “means the world” to him.

Ray’s most ardent wish is to use the time he has left on this earth to continue writing, hoping that a new co-writer or two approach him to fulfill his dream of getting songs recorded by current country music artists. Ray is grateful for his award from SGA which he says “means the world” to him.

Slide 3
FINALIST - SEAN MAGWIRE

Sean Magwire, a native of Angola, Indiana, grew up in a home where music was as essential as air. His father, a gifted singer-songwriter, filled their home with melodies that ignited Sean’s passion for music at a young age. Inspired by legends like The Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel, Sean picked up the guitar at age 14. But it was Coldplay’s “Yellow," released the following year, that truly convinced him he could create his own songs.

Sean Magwire, a native of Angola, Indiana, grew up in a home where music was as essential as air. His father, a gifted singer-songwriter, filled their home with melodies that ignited Sean’s passion for music at a young age. Inspired by legends like The Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel, Sean picked up the guitar at age 14. But it was Coldplay’s “Yellow," released the following year, that truly convinced him he could create his own songs.

Sean Magwire, a native of Angola, Indiana, grew up in a home where music was as essential as air. His father, a gifted singer-songwriter, filled their home with melodies that ignited Sean’s passion for music at a young age. Inspired by legends like The Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel, Sean picked up the guitar at age 14. But it was Coldplay’s “Yellow," released the following year, that truly convinced him he could create his own songs.

Sean settled in Chicago. From 2012 to 2016, he was the main songwriter and band leader of the award-winning Chicago folk act, The Lulabelles. His song "Between the Cracks" won the Grand Prize for Folk in the 2015 John Lennon Songwriting Contest, marking a significant milestone in his career.

Sean settled in Chicago. From 2012 to 2016, he was the main songwriter and band leader of the award-winning Chicago folk act, The Lulabelles. His song "Between the Cracks" won the Grand Prize for Folk in the 2015 John Lennon Songwriting Contest, marking a significant milestone in his career.

Sean settled in Chicago. From 2012 to 2016, he was the main songwriter and band leader of the award-winning Chicago folk act, The Lulabelles. His song "Between the Cracks" won the Grand Prize for Folk in the 2015 John Lennon Songwriting Contest, marking a significant milestone in his career.

Love eventually took Sean to Massachusetts, where he quickly found a home in the Northeast music community. Balancing his roles as a school adjustment counselor, dedicated singer-songwriter and father, Sean discovered his true purpose: connecting deeply with others through his music.

Love eventually took Sean to Massachusetts, where he quickly found a home in the Northeast music community. Balancing his roles as a school adjustment counselor, dedicated singer-songwriter and father, Sean discovered his true purpose: connecting deeply with others through his music.

Love eventually took Sean to Massachusetts, where he quickly found a home in the Northeast music community. Balancing his roles as a school adjustment counselor, dedicated singer-songwriter and father, Sean discovered his true purpose: connecting deeply with others through his music.

Currently, Sean is working on a new solo album set for release in Fall 2024. Sean’s music can be found featured on prestigious platforms like WGBH’s All Things Considered, The Boston Globe, PBS, NPR and in the feature film Fly Old Birds: Escape to the Ark.

Currently, Sean is working on a new solo album set for release in Fall 2024. Sean’s music can be found featured on prestigious platforms like WGBH’s All Things Considered, The Boston Globe, PBS, NPR and in the feature film Fly Old Birds: Escape to the Ark.

Currently, Sean is working on a new solo album set for release in Fall 2024. Sean’s music can be found featured on prestigious platforms like WGBH’s All Things Considered, The Boston Globe, PBS, NPR and in the feature film Fly Old Birds: Escape to the Ark.

Slide 4
FINALIST - ED SILVER

Edward Alan Silver is a multi-award-winning songwriter from New York City whose compositions have been performed worldwide.

Edward Alan Silver is a multi-award-winning songwriter from New York City whose compositions have been performed worldwide.

Edward Alan Silver is a multi-award-winning songwriter from New York City whose compositions have been performed worldwide.

His music has also been heard on the long-running ABC daytime drama "All My Children."

His music has also been heard on the long-running ABC daytime drama "All My Children."

His music has also been heard on the long-running ABC daytime drama "All My Children."

Ed enjoys working with such notable talents as Adam Cunningham (NBC's "The Voice" semifinalist), Matt Dame (CMT's Next Superstar), Rian Swanepoel (South Africa Idols finalist), and producer/performer Michéal Castaldo (José Feliciano).

Ed enjoys working with such notable talents as Adam Cunningham (NBC's "The Voice" semifinalist), Matt Dame (CMT's Next Superstar), Rian Swanepoel (South Africa Idols finalist), and producer/performer Michéal Castaldo (José Feliciano).

Ed enjoys working with such notable talents as Adam Cunningham (NBC's "The Voice" semifinalist), Matt Dame (CMT's Next Superstar), Rian Swanepoel (South Africa Idols finalist), and producer/performer Michéal Castaldo (José Feliciano).

He is currently developing material for a variety of recording artists around the world.

He is currently developing material for a variety of recording artists around the world.

He is currently developing material for a variety of recording artists around the world.


PROTECTING SONGWRITERS SINCE 1931

Guitarist and bass player on stage

PROFESSIONAL SONGWRITERS


As a professional songwriter (or heir), you need to protect your copyrights, license your music, collect royalties & more. We can help.

Your image

DEVELOPING SONGWRITERS


Not yet published but driven to make music? Members get critiques, consultations with pro writers, discounts &  equipment giveaways.

Capitol Hill with semi transparent guitar in sky above

MUSIC 
ADVOCACY


Our work in Washington helps increase royalty rates, toughen laws against music piracy & help educate Congress about the music business.

 

Get in touch with us

  • 105 Continental Place, Suite 320
    Brentwood, Tennessee 
  • 615.742.9945
  • marketing@songwritersguild.com
  • www.songwritersguild.com