Meet the winners
Of the Perfect Stranger Songwriting Contest
Left to right: Syante, Michael Shepard, and Vivian Yu.
thank you to all who entered
The judges were truly blown away by the incredible songs you submitted. Your creativity and passion inspired us greatly, and we thank you for trusting us with your music.
Congratulations
1st Place Winner
Syante
Syante is an emerging pop artist, singer-songwriter, and producer known for blending hook-driven storytelling with genre-defying soundscapes. Though she holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, she ultimately chose to follow her passion for music, driven by a deep belief in its power to inspire and connect. Her sound spans the pop spectrum, from intimate acoustic ballads to high-energy pop-rock and electropop anthems, all grounded in authentic, personal narratives drawn from both her own experiences, and the characters she creates. Syante crafts songs that resonate deep within the heart, offering inspiration and comfort to emotionally connected listeners and dreamers alike.
Her winning song "A Little Sunshine" was inspired by a “suspiciously nice” stranger offering her a ride after she found herself stranded in LA with a dead phone battery. “That experience made me reflect on how rare it is to trust strangers, and I wrote this song as a reflection of that moment, and [as] a wish for a world where we can feel connected to, and trust, even those we don’t know,” says Syante.
Instagram: @say_aunty
2nd Place Winner
Michael shepard
Michael grew up between Florida and Michigan, with music playing a central role in his life from an early age. His musical journey began in middle school, and he has continued to develop his craft ever since. Over the years, he has mastered a diverse range of instruments, from unique ethnic sounds like the didgeridoo and jaw harp to classical staples such as the guitar and clarinet. For the past two years, Michael has been enrolled in the Music Production Technology program at Daytona State College and is preparing to graduate at the end of this year.
Michael earned second place with his inspirational original song “Strange New Age.”
Instagram: @mjay.shepard
3rd Place Winner
Vivian yu
Vivian Yu is an 18-year-old singer-songwriter and self-taught music producer from Los Angeles, California. Combining heartfelt melodies with clever lyrics, she crafts stories that resonate deeply with her audience. Vivian seamlessly blends genres like pop, indie, and folk, while drawing on her classical piano background to create a unique sound.Having recently graduated from high school, she plans to continue her musical journey by majoring in music production and technology. Vivian has already released five original singles across all major streaming platforms, with more on the way. You can find her on YouTube at @vivianyaur or listen to her music on Spotify under Vivian Yu.
Her playful original song “me & u right here” won her third place.
Instagram: @vivianyaur