Call for entries: Song contest in the US

The competition is open to amateur songwriters or bands around the world seeking exposure, and participants stand a chance of winning $10 000, a publishing deal and a global music distribution package.

Eligibility

• The contest is open to any amateur songwriter or band. American Songwriter broadly defines an amateur songwriter or band as an individual or entity whose personal income is not primarily from music-related sources (i.e. songwriting royalties, artist royalties, merchandise sales, live performances, synchronisation licenses, record label advances, etc.). 
• Employees of and independent contractors of American Songwriter and their immediate families or employees of sponsors are not eligible.
• Applicants must be 13 years of age or older. Applicants who are under 18 years of age must have permission and clearance to enter the contest from a parent or legal guardian. 

How to enter

• Applicants may enter as many songs as they would like.
• An entry fee of $25 payable digitally to American Songwriter is required with each entry. 
• Only valid and public URL links will be accepted. 
• The competition does not accept MP3 files. 
• Applicants may enter a variety of recording styles, including demos, work tapes and finished masters. 
• Songs must be clearly audible in the recording. 
• Songs will be evaluated based on lyrics, melody and various other musical considerations. Songs will not be evaluated on recording quality, vocal prowess or other similar values. 
• There must be a musical accompaniment to the lyrics and melody. A cappella recordings are prohibited. 

Interested participants can apply here. 

Judging process and winners’ announcements

• All entries are judged based on the merit of the overall songs (lyric and melody). 
• All entries will be first screened by multiple professional songwriters contracted by American Songwriter, in conjunction with employees of American Songwriter. 
• All contest entrants will stay informed of the selection process via AmericanSongwriter.com site updates and via the daily e-newsletter, The Daily Co-Write. 
• The Top 25 finalists will be announced on AmericanSongwriter.com and via e-news on 10 December. 
• The Top 25 finalists are turned over to a group of top music industry professionals and accomplished songwriting peers (see judges panel) who then narrow the finalists down to the Top 3 winners and 10 honourable mentions. 
• The Top 3 will be notified via e-mail and phone. Honourable mentions will be notified via email, and all results will be posted on AmericanSongwriter.com and announced via The Daily Co-Write on 15 December. 
• If the chosen winners do not respond to American Songwriter’s notifications within seven days, American Songwriter reserves the right to contact runners-up and/or honourable mentions for the receipt of the first-place prize. 
• International winners must pay any and all customs fees for the delivery of prizes. 
• Entrants who did not place in the Top 3 or 10 honourable mentions will not receive individual notifications but will be notified via e-newsletter. 
• The always popular annual Holiday Bonus: ‘100+ More Songs We Absolutely Love’ from the Song Contest will roll out on 20 December.

Prizes

1st Place

• $10 000 cash prize.
• LiveXLive publishing deal. 
• Career consultation with a reputable record label.
• Two-page spread in the January/February 2022 American Songwriter issue.
• A lifetime American Songwriter membership.

2nd Place

• $1 000 cash.
• One-page feature in March/April 2022 issue.
• A lifetime American Songwriter membership.

3rd Place

• $500 cash.
• A one-page feature in March/April 2022 issue.
• Lifetime American Songwriter membership.

View the original call here.