Independent artist Christia Mantzke unleashes her songwriting talent and wins Billboard World Songwriting Contest with song 'Stop Asking'

NEW YORK (www.christiamantzke.com) - It has been announced by The Jim Halsey Company that Christia Mantzke has won second place in the rock/alternative category for the 12th Billboard Song Contest.

Christia has made her mark with her latest CD release "The First" an artful deliverance of visceral energy and intoxicating vocals that explode with melodic passion. She has taken traditional pop and alternative rock blending them into a dominating revivalist in mainstream music. "Stop Asking" is included on "The First".

Christia stated on writing "Stop Asking": "I combine many different influences in my music to make something unique. I feel this song showcases this and is lyrically some of my best work. I wanted to speak to those in abusive relationships and encourage them to get out without coming off as preachy or cliché. I used poetic images and scenes to get that message across, which also enables people who aren't in that situation to get something out of the song as well. I think that is what music does best, melodically and lyrically show you humanity."

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Christia left for New York a scant week after High School Graduation. Shortly after arriving in New York she met the well-known club producer Ivan Salinas and it was their collaboration that produced the instant club hit with the remake of the 70's song "There Go I."

Pleased with her reviews "Christia has powerhouse vocals," she stayed true to her vision of alternative rock music, and continued to write and play out. At one time homeless and living in Hotel Lobbies, she relocated to LA where her writing secured her a record contract with EMI-Europe.
After charting in both France and Germany with her single hit "I'M NOT A BOY," she returned to work on her debut independent release CD appropriately called THE FIRST.

The Jim Halsey Company operates the Billboard World Song Contest in conjunction with Billboard Magazine and is in its 12th year. This years showcase will be held at the Historic Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Saturday, July 24, 2004.