Alexandria native and former Lafayette resident Derek Toomey has been chosen as the Listener’s Choice Grand Prize winner in the 15th Annual Nashville Songwriters Association International Song Contest presented by CMT for his contemporary country song “Drink It In,” which he made along with longtime co-writer Jeff Silver.
The contest featured a rigorous judging process with a panel of industry professionals that selected 10 finalists out of more than 2,000 entries, which appeared on the contest website for the public to vote on back in February. And after the final votes were tallied, the song “Drink It In” was selected as the Grand Prize winner.
"To be given these opportunities to meet with some of Nashville's most influential music professionals is a crazy dream come true,” says Toomey. “I'm excited about what this could mean down the road for my songwriting career."
The Grand Prize package includes a coveted mentoring session with Warner Music Nashville recording artist Charlie Worsham. Additional prizes include a one-year single song contract with Little Louder Music Publishing, publishing meetings with professional music publishers, live performances at The Bluebird Café and Musicians Corner and a three day trip to Nashville.
To find out more about Toomey and to listen to his winning song “Drink It In,” visit www.luckysoulmusic.com.