NASHVILLE — Each year, The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), along with presenting partners Martin Guitars and Strings and CMT hold an annual song contest inviting aspiring songwriters around the world to enter their songs and/or lyrics into one of two categories for a chance to win several incredible prizes including up to $5,000 cash and mentor sessions with some of today’s greatest songwriters.
Mark Giufre, of Burnt Hills, won the 20th annual contest’s Lyric-Only category with his entry “Cast Away.” As contest winner, Giufre was awarded a mentor session with legendary songwriter Tom Douglas, $2,000 cash, and Martin OME Cherry guitar.
With nearly 3,000 entries, each of the total 21 placing songs advanced through several levels of judging with the final judging event taking place Spring 2020, where the Grand Prize-winning song was determined by a panel of elite judges. In the Fall of 2020, each of the winners connected via Zoom with their mentors, receiving valuable insight and inspiration to propel them into the new year.
Mark Giufre is an educator from the small town of Burnt Hills. He began his career teaching Kindergarten and currently works at a private school for students with autism and special needs. Mark’s love of country music and lyrics is rooted in his love of early country music from the fourth generation up to the great storytellers of today. Mark’s motivation for writing is to tell a story. He says, “The power of song lies in its ability, in only a couple of minutes, to tell a story that may span many years and evoke the strongest of emotions in the listener.” His winning song Cast Away does just that. It tells the story of the life and evolution of the relationship between a Father and a Son, but it goes far beyond that. It includes memories so many of us can relate to. Mark’s ultimate goal is to draw out memories that the listener may have forgotten about and give them something to relate to as they navigate life’s ups and downs. Another song he is currently working on titled “Pixiedust and Whiskey” alludes to life’s highs and lows and how we get through it all with a little bit of faith. His latest work, “If I Could Write A Country Song,” tells a story of fate, life and love that many may relate to.
Established in 1967, NSAI is the world’s largest not-for-profit songwriters trade organization with more than 5,000 members spanning the United States and several foreign countries. Consisting of a body of creative minds, including songwriters from all genres of music, professional and aspiring, for over 52 years, NSAI has been committed to protecting the rights and future of the profession of songwriting, as well as carrying a commitment to educate, elevate and celebrate the songwriter, acting as a unifying force within the music community and the community at large. For more information, visit nashvillesongwriters.com.
