VILI V Makes Semi-Finals in U.K. Songwriting Contest
Hamilton Singer Makes Semi-Finals in U.K. Songwriting Contest
– Competition is one of longest running songwriting contests in world –
– Two songs recorded in Hamilton’s acclaimed Grant Avenue Studios –
– Judges include Grammy and Emmy winning producers and artists –
HAMILTON (Dec. 14, 2016) – Hamilton-born musician Vili Verhovsek is receiving international acclaim for two songs he wrote and recorded in his hometown, at the legendary Grant Avenue Studios.
“Find Your Way to Me” and “Indigo Blue”, both on his 2002 album “Indigo Blue”, earned spots in the semi-finals of the 2016 The UK Songwriting Contest. Three other songs “Sunset Bay”, “Mama’s Hands” and “Good Things Always End” were also recognized as Commended Entries.
“I entered the contest on a lark.” says Verhovsek. “I’ve been writing a lot of material over the past three years, music I haven’t recorded yet. In the process, I dug up some of my favourite songs from years ago and thought, what do I have to lose?”
He added: “I’m so grateful that my music has been able to not only touch my fans but also be honoured by top professionals in the industry.”
Judged by top Grammy, Emmy and BRIT Award winning producers and artists, The UK Songwriting Contest (UKSC) is one of the longest running ones of its kind in the world. Less than 20 per cent of songs reach the semi-finals.
Said a UKSC spokesperson: “There were more than 6,500 entries in the 2016 contest and we are pleased that Vili Verhovsek has achieved such an impressive result in this year’s event and wish him every success in the future.”
Verhovsek, who also goes by the name Vili V, is an easy-listening artist with a nostalgic yet modern sensibility. His album “Indigo Blue” was released in 2003 through Sextant / EMI music Canada, and the tracks “Find Your Way to Me” and “Indigo Blue” were co-written with former Grant Avenue Studios producer Paul Riemens.
“His type of music is timeless – I don’t think it can ever be out of style,” Riemens has said. “His voice is unique. I can’t compare him to anyone else.”
Verhovsek is a velvet-voiced performer who has released six albums since breaking into the music industry at the age of 21. He has performed with comedy superstar Russell Peters, Canadian rock ‘n’ roller Ronnie Hawkins, Alan Frew of ‘80s rock band Glass Tiger, and crooner Matt Dusk.
“His type of music is timeless – I don’t think it can ever be out of style,” Riemens has said. “His voice is unique. I can’t compare him to anyone else.”
He has also toured in Europe and the United States, becoming known for dynamic versions of well-loved songs recorded by greats such as Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra and Roy Orbison. But it’s his original music that he feels most passionate about.
“I plan on recording a full album of my original material in the next couple years. I am determined to record something I feel will benefit humanity to bring inspiration and healing to those who need it” says Verhovsek.
“Our world is very divided right now on many issues, particularly race. I wrote a song last year about the tragedy in South Carolina. It poured out of me – it practically wrote itself. I know that through this music I can in my small way bring about positive and peaceful vibes.”
Vili will be performing a special pre-Mother’s Day concert at La Grotta Blue in Hamilton on May 13, 2017. For info: 905 525-7811 or email sal@capriristorante.ca.
Audio of Semi-Finalist Songs: https://viliverhovsek.com/albums/indigo-blue/
Video of Semi-Finalist song “Indigo Blue”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZmAyj3Oz9I
FOR MORE ABOUT VILI VERHOVSEK, INCLUDING COMPLETE BIO, UPCOMING PERFORMANCES, ALBUMS AND MORE, VISIT HIS WEBSITE: http://viliverhovsek.com or email info@vilimusic.com
ABOUT THE UK SONGWRITING CONTEST
The UK Songwriting Contest was launched in London in 2002 in association with The BRIT Trust, The BRIT School, The BRIT Studio, Music Aid International, and The Guild of International Songwriters and Composers. The UKSC is one of the longest running songwriting contests in the world. Since its launch in 2002 over 70,000 songs have taken part and over £1,000,000 has been awarded in prizes. The contest is a favourite with both beginners and with experienced songwriters internationally and it is highly respected in the music industry. Judges include top Grammy, Emmy and BRIT Award winning producers and artists who have worked closely with musicians including Christina Aguilera, Sting, Paul McCartney, Elton John and Britney Spears. For more information: www.songwritingcontest.co.uk.