Singer-Songwriter Will Wins Gold Award in the Freedom Category at 2023 Mid-Atlantic Song Contest

Singer-songwriter Will has won the Gold Award in the Freedom Category at the 39th Mid-Atlantic Song Contest, presented by the Songwriters’ Association of Washington (SAW). The award recognizes Will’s exceptional talent and dedication to songwriting and is a testament to his unique ability to create songs that resonate with audiences across various genres.

The Mid-Atlantic Song Contest is a prestigious competition that aims to support and promote songwriters and their work. The contest provides opportunities for songwriters to receive recognition and win prizes, including recording credits, performance opportunities, and monetary awards. With over 39 years of history, the contest has become a platform for emerging and established songwriters to showcase their talents and advance their careers.

Will’s award-winning single, “Sunflowers,” is a testament to his diverse range of styles and musical influences. The song reflects his signature blend of Americana, alternative, rock, and blues-rock. In addition, “Sunflowers” is a song in support of the Ukrainian people, and Will has set up a fundraiser via his website at http://www.willdiehl.com to support the cause. The song features the beautiful backup vocals of Ukrainian singer Natashee Niaero, who recorded her parts in Odessa, Ukraine. Vitaliy Tkachuk (via Musiversal) recorded the guitars and oud in Odessa, Ukraine as well.

Alongside his award-winning single, his collaboration with Anders Wihk and Andrew Rollins, “Springtime In My Heart,” also won Honorable Mention in the Adult Contemporary category.

Will’s success in the Mid-Atlantic Song Contest is not the first recognition he has received for his work. He has won two Billboard songwriting awards and has collaborated with Jeff Franzel on “Every Day” and Michael R. Gardner on “Christmas Comes To California Too.” On December 23, 2022, he released two singles, “New Year Tomorrow,” a collaboration with Anders Wihk, and “Good To Be Back Home,” a collaboration with Magpie 16. He followed up with a songwriting co-write with Canadian artist Ashley Barlow on January 20, 2023.

Will’s fans can look forward to more exciting releases in the coming months, including a full album in 2023. His upcoming work promises to showcase his exceptional talent and further cement his place as a prominent figure in the world of songwriting.

For more information and updates, follow Will on his social media channels or visit his website at http://www.willdiehl.com. Will Diehl’s music can be found on all online music sites including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube at https://youtu.be/1aZzgimsrVE.

Additional info:

Sunflowers 
words and music by Will Diehl – copyright 2022 William C. Diehl 

in the quiet of the night 
the horizon flashed with light 
soon the sound arrived 
then fire, smoke, and sirens wailing 

Take these seeds 
and put them in your pockets 
so when we lay you down 
sunflowers will grow 

 Take these seeds 
and put them in your pockets 
so when we lay you down 
sunflowers will grow 

you heard what we said at Snake Island 
and what our hero did at Henichesky Bridge 
we will rebuild again 
and freedom will be the future 

Take these seeds 
and put them in your pockets 
so when we lay you down 
sunflowers will grow 

I will take another walk 
and I’ll buy flowers on the street 
I’ll stop and see some friends 
at the cafe where we always meet 

Take these seeds 
take these seeds 
and put them in your pockets 
so when we lay you down 
sunflowers will grow 
Take these seeds 
and put them in your pockets 
so when we lay you down 
sunflowers will grow 

Take these seeds 
and put them in your pockets 
so when we lay you down 
sunflowers will grow… 

Musicians:

Lead vocals & Piano: Will Diehl (songwriter)

Backup Vocals: Natashee Niaero (recorded in Odessa, Ukraine)

Acoustic Guitars, Electric Guitars, Oud: Vitaliy Tkachuk (via Musiversal) (recorded in Odessa, Ukraine)

 Bass: Itaiguera Brandao (via Musiversal)

Gaita: Josh Platner (via Musiversal)

Chris Barber (via Musiversal)

Mixing:

Henrique Vilhena (via Musiversal)