Bermuda has been put on the map not once but twice in the Great American Song Contest thanks to Billy Byron and Mathew Joseph, each of whom won recognition for their work.

Both won ?Outstanding Achievement? awards, Mr. Byron in the Country category for his ?Texas Campfire Song? which he co-wrote with American Sammy Lee, and Dr. Joseph in the instrumental category for his composition, ?Kaliyug?.

Mr. Byron also placed in the ?Honor Award? winners list for his socio-political song, ?Hey, Dr. King!?

?I?m so excited,? the songwriter said of his successes.

Seventeen hundred songwriters from around the world competed in the annual contest, which is designed to offer songwriters a positive alternative to the ?big cash prize corporate contests?. All work must be in English, and there are nine songwriting categories in which to compete, including pop/adult contemporary, country, contemporary acoustic/folk, instrumental, R&B/hip-hop/rap, Christian/Gospel.

In addition to emphasising networking and educational benefits, multiple awards and practical prizes for songwriters, the Great American Song contest also ensures that all participants get a fair and thorough review from knowledgeable music-industry pros. Its multiple awards/practical prizes philosophy also helps songwriters to open doors in the music business.

Mr. Byron is a veteran entrant in many similar competitions, and has previously won recognition for his work.

Born William Watlington and raised in Bermuda, Mr. Byron ? who holds degrees in psychology and occupational therapy ? was a well-known figure on the local entertainment scene before moving to Cambridge, Massachusetts. As a professional entertainer/singer-songwriter and band leader, he performed in hotels, pubs, and at sea, both in Bermuda and abroad.

Today, he runs his own health service company, People Love Music, in Cambridge, Massachusetts which combines music and occupational therapies, among other related activities.

In addition, Mr. Byron continues to actively pursue his singer/songwriter career, performing in a broad range of venues, and also regularly competes in songwriting contests, which continue to earn him recognition and awards.

Dr. Joseph, a surgical officer at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, was raised in south western India, and first began playing the guitar and writing songs in his teens. In Bermuda he studies at the Bermuda School of Music with Steven Crawford, whom he describes as his ?guide and friend?.

Dr. Joseph?s first album, ?Firefly?, is an all-acoustic album which was recorded in 2004 and released to critical acclaim, including interviews on BBC radio and Power 95.

His Great American Song contest award is the latest in a series of awards for ?Kaliyug?, a track from the ?Firefly? album. Earlier this year it also won the Billboard songwriting contest, and will be featured on the Billboard compilation CD which is circulated throughout the entire industry.

??Kaliyug? refers to the ?age of destruction? we live in, and was written as an explosive instrumental track, featuring some fiery solos by Alex Coke on steel flute, Oliver Rajamani on tabla and dumbek, and Harry Miller on piano. It?s my favourite track from the ?Firefly? album because it really showcases their brilliant musicianship,? Dr. Joseph says.

Of his award in the Great American Songwriting contest, the musician says: ?Success in a contest of this stature is always gratifying. It also provides exposure to the music industry because the judges are professionals actively involved in (it).?

Dr. Joseph scored and performed the music for Waterspout Theatre?s production of ?The Tempest?, staged at Fort Hamilton last summer, and his composition, ?Need to Rest?, performed with Bermudian singer Joy Barnum, opened the final night of the tenth annual Bermuda Music Festival. The guitarist/songwriter is currently producing and recording his next album, ?Mathew Joseph and Friends?, to be released at this year?s local Guitar Festival in May.

For further information on the contest and awardees, see the following web sites: www.greatamericansong.com www.bermudabillbyronhotmail.com and www.mathewjoseph.com.