New EP for local artist.
Sydney teenager made it to finals of songwriting contest
SYDNEY — He may not have won that international songwriting contest but that hasn't stopped Sydney's Cruz Wilson from moving ahead with the next step of his music career.
“It was Saturday around 7 when I found out the news,” said Wilson. “I found out I did not win, but I am still absolutely thrilled that I made it all the way to the top 12 globally and top four in the youth category.”
Wilson was chosen as one of 25 semifinalists in the international Rootstech contest sponsored by Kwai, a musical instruments company. Then, through public voting, he was chosen as one of four youth finalists and one of 12 finalists from among 1,500 applicants.
Over the weekend, the winner in the youth category, Daniella Vega, was named along with the other winners including the overall winner Daisy Chute.
Although he didn't win, his song may have been exposed to more than 500,000 viewers through the contest.
“I am absolutely thrilled with how far I got,” said Wilson. “It's been so fun competing against everybody. I knew going into it there was a lot of tough competition but I am very proud that my song made it all the way to top 12 and I'd also like to say a huge thank you to everyone that shared and voted for my song.
“I really couldn't haven gotten as far as I got without everybody's help and support.”
RELEASE EP TODAY
The Grade 12 student at Riverview High School in Coxheath is moving ahead.
Wilson, 17, is releasing his first EP today. It's called “Saffron” and will feature four of his own songs, including a new version of “Getting By,” the song that took him all the way to the finals of the Rootstech contest.
Wilson was working at the Membertou Tim Hortons last spring when he asked a customer at the drive-thru window how they were doing. The person told him he had just lost his job and with a family to support, he was having some tough times but still getting by.
The conversation inspired Wilson to write the song, “Getting By,” about how someone copes with that experience. The song can be heard at https://rootstechsongcontest.org/gettingby-2/.
Wilson has been interested in music all his life and plays a variety of instruments including keyboard and guitar. “Getting By” is just one example of his songwriting.
“I have a lot of other songs in the works and this is certainly just the beginning of my music career. I am going to push really hard to make sure I get new stuff out and keep on rolling with music here,” he said. “I did shoot a music video there and I had so much fun doing that. I did it for the song contest but I am also going to post it on YouTube. I have a lot of big things planned.
“I've been working very hard day and night writing and recording new songs.”
“Saffron” will be available on all the usual music platforms beginning today.
He's also busy trying to maintain good grades in his final year at Riverview. While he's still determining his career plans, he remain determined to forge ahead with his music career.
“I'm really happy with how music is going for me.”