All locations are open today from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
All locations are open today from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
All locations are open today from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
All locations are open today from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
All locations are open today from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
All locations are open today from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
All locations are closed today.
"Thank you to all of the participants and those who have submitted. I understand, from a very personal space, how much of yourself is required to create and develop an artistic piece of work. It takes insurmountable courage to be vulnerable and show yourself. I commend you all for exposing pieces of your true artistic human self."
-- Ian Smith, Songwriting Judge, 2021 Dorothy Shoemaker Awards
Nardos Felefele | Winner: Best Song
There is a truth and honesty between the melodic spaces of 'Skin + Bone'. With honesty and innocence 'Skin + Bone' creates thought provoking trust and strength with the listener. The story that unfolds with 'Skin + Bone' creates a warmth that is undeniable.
-- Ian Smith, Songwriting Judge, 2021 Dorothy Shoemaker Awards
Saski Gjelsvil | Winner: Best Beat
In the song 'Old Me', each instrument has an individual personality that comes together as a holistic composition. The lean of bass and drums is enhanced by the symbiotic relationship of the vocal. It is evident that the artist of 'Old Me' knows the value of teamwork.
-- Ian Smith, Songwriting Judge, 2021 Dorothy Shoemaker Awards
Amanda Braam | Winner: Best Instrumental
You are taken on a visceral reminder through the soundscape of 'Why do the Good Ones Go?' The connection of sound and visual memory is created through a calculated, mathematical and lyrical imagination of the artist. It is evident the consideration of time and place while 'Why Do the Good Ones Go?' was created.
-- Ian Smith, Songwriting Judge, 2021 Dorothy Shoemaker Awards
Duncan Nicholls | Winner: Best Lyrics
'They Could be Birds' develops iambic pentameter and poetic devices with contemporary technology creating relatable and consumable music and melody. The reference of a classic punk rock heart beat with the juxtaposition of common literary devices allows the audience to ease into what could be, without such symbiosis, a much too complex creation.
-- Ian Smith, Songwriting Judge, 2021 Dorothy Shoemaker Awards
Danny Haile | Winner: Best Under 18
Lyrically focused with a solid rhyming scheme, 'Potential' is an iceberg. While the listener is privy to the lyrical rhythm, there is a depth of devotion that has gone into this work. A piece of work that comes with this amount of ease can only be appreciated for its complexities by relistening, re-engaging over time.
-- Ian Smith, Songwriting Judge, 2021 Dorothy Shoemaker Awards
Bridget Coleman | Honourable Mention
The pure honesty of 'The Last Straw' intrigues by turning the chords around within the first lines. The messaging of the work is conveyed through a genuine voice that shows true potential. 'The Last Straw' leaves you wondering where all the Aces are hiding?
-- Ian Smith, Songwriting Judge, 2021 Dorothy Shoemaker Awards
Ryan Valentine | Honourable Mention
'Under a Spell' creates an environment for the audience to keep asking, what is next? I want to hear more from the lazy telly and shifty fender. A true example of using what you have to create a song that invites potential to create a body of work.
-- Ian Smith, Songwriting Judge, 2021 Dorothy Shoemaker Awards
Ian Smith is an internationally recognized songwriter and producer based in Kitchener, Ontario. He has spearheaded and collaborated on numerous projects, both in Canada and abroad, with songs published by EMI (Canada), Peer Music (L.A. and Spain), Audio Freaks (U.K.), Elements (Finland), and Scandinavian Songs (Sweden).
Beginning with his early work in the successful Canadian band The Miniatures, Smith was eager to expand his musical prowess and formed a new trio called Spirits, with an electro-pop infused catalogue. Spirits produced their 2009 self-titled album for Sonic Unyon Records, and went on to tour high-profile global shows with The Pixies, Happy Mondays, and The Psychedelic Furs.
Smith’s songwriting pedigree includes collaborations with top charted artists such as Simon Wilcox (Nick Jonas, Britney Spears), Tim Laws (Gabrielle), Rob Wells (Katy Perry), Todd Clark (Keith Urban), Stephen Kozmeniuk (Kendrick Lamar), American Idol finalist Casey Abrams, The Recklaws and Canadian synth-pop group Trust (Arts & Crafts Records).
Through reputation, years of networking in music hubs such as Nashville, Los Angeles, Toronto, London and building lasting relationships in the Canadian music scene, Smith got involved in a host of exciting projects, such as The Hippy Mafia, as well as collaborating with Marc Costanzo of the band Len. He eventually forged a long-term association with Toronto-based publisher Cymba Music.
Ian’s musical sensibilities are consistently current, cutting-edge and exciting. His ability to draw from a wide sonic palette, while maintaining a melodic foundation, led to collaborations with several major-label signed international artists, including Paula Rojo on her debut single in English, “Good To Be Bad.” Smith’s range and ability also influenced Swedish alt-pop outfit Violet Days, Britain’s Got Talent finalist Ryan O’Shaughnessy, and rising Canadian folk-pop artist Jonathan Roy.
Whether he is co-writing with an established hit maker or producing an up-and-coming new artist at his home studio, affectionately known as The White House, there is an unmistakable sound to everything Ian Smith does and a special care for detail in his craft. Smith’s work is rooted in an insatiable quest to create meaningful studio experiences and music able to stand the test of time.
Kitchener Public Library thanks the Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation for their ongoing financial support of this long-running contest.