The Durbulence, a Louisiana musician and 17-year-old phenomenon, is taking part in the prestigious John Lennon Songwriting Contest, where only 12 artists receive an award.

Brewster Durbin, known on stage as The Durbulence, wrote the qualifying song “$1” at the age of 16 for his pseudo-concept album about Huey P. Long, entitled The Kingfish. He’s a singer-songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist, and rapper from Lafayette, Louisiana. He was born in 2001 in New Orleans, where he lived until Hurricane Katrina pushed his family and him up to Lafayette. The artist presently attends Lafayette High School where he is the President of the Student Council, participates in the Mighty Lion Marching Band, and creates music 24/7 under the moniker The Durbulence. The Durbulence has taken the stage at Fest International, various live performances, and just played a sold-out show at Gasa Gasa with One South Lark.

Beginning in 1997, the John Lennon Songwriting Contest has gained fame for being one of the more legitimate songwriting contests to date. The JLSC takes place year-round and features two different sessions- with 72 Finalists, 24 Grand Prize Winners, 12 Lennon Awards, and one “Song of the Year.” Judged on originality, melody, composition, and lyrics, the artists competing are top musicians. The categories of music being judged include Rock, Country, Jazz, Pop, World, Rhythm & Blues, Hip-Hop, Gospel, Latin, Electronic, Folk, and Childrens.

The Durbulence has earned his spot in not only the finalists, but was one of the 24 Grand Prize Winners in Session I. He won in the Hip-Hop category for “$1” and has proven himself to be a real competitor. The young artist will now go head to head with the winner in the Hip-Hop category from session II, both competing to get their hands on one of the rare Lennon Awards. Voting for that begins on April 1, when this link goes live. For more information regarding that competition, visit here.

If that wasn’t enough, The Durbulence is a finalist in the International Songwriting Competition and The Great American Songwriting Contest.