Call for applications: 2020 International Acoustic Music Awards

Interested artists can submit their entries here or via mail by using this printable form.  

Mail entries should be sent to:

IAMA
2881 E. Oakland Park Blvd
Suite 414
Ft Lauderdale
FL 33306
US.

The deadline for submissions is 15 September.

Rules and regulations

• Each entry must include: Completed entry form (or photocopy. All signatures must be original), CD containing one song only, lyric sheet (please include English translation if applicable (lyrics are not required for instrumental category), optional press kit (artist bio with a photograph) and cheque or money order for $35 (US currency only. If paying by credit card, $35 will be charged to your account. Note: If you enter online, you do not need to mail in a CD, only MP3 files (or Soundcloud or YouTube videos) are needed. All entries must be postmarked on 8 November or earlier.
• All songs submitted must be original. There must be at least an acoustic instrument (voice) in any song. Electric and electronic instruments, along with loops, is allowed but acoustic instruments (or voice) must be clearly heard in all songs submitted.
• Contestants may enter as many songs in as many categories as desired but each entry requires a separate CD, entry form, lyric sheet and entry fee (e.g.: Seven song entries would cost $245). One cheque for multiple entries/categories is permitted. If you enter online, you do not need to mail in a CD. Entry fee is non-refundable. IAMA is not responsible for late, lost or damaged, misdirected, postage due, stolen or misappropriated entries.
• This competition is open to all amateur and professional musicians and songwriters and anyone regardless of nationality or origin. Employees of IAMA, their families, subsidiaries and affiliates are not eligible. CDs and lyrics will not be returned.
• Winners will be chosen by a blue-ribbon judging committee comprised of music industry professionals including A&R managers from record labels, publishers and producers. Entries are judged equally on music performance, production, originality, lyrics, melody and composition. Songs may be in any language. Prizes will be awarded jointly to all performers and writers of the song. Division of prizes is responsibility of winners. The winners release sponsors from all liability regarding prizes won. Taxes are winners’ responsibility. Entrants and their collaborators will retain full rights to all work submitted for the competition.
• Winners will be notified by email and must sign and return an affidavit confirming that winner’s song is original and he/she holds rights to the song. Failure to sign and return the form within 30 days will result in immediate disqualification and an alternative winner will be selected. Entry constitutes permission to use winners’ names, likeness and voices for future publicity and advertising purposes without additional compensation. Winners will be determined on 31 January, after which each entrant will receive a winners list by email.  
• IAMA reserves the right to extend the deadline of the competition. By submitting an application form to IAMA, the entrant agrees to be bound by IAMA’s entry rules and regulations.

Prizes

The overall grand prize winner will receive $11 000 worth of merchandise, first prizes in all categories are worth $900 of merchandise and services, and runners-up in all categories receive $600 worth of merchandise and services. All first prizes and runner-up winners will get a track on the IAMA compilation CD, which will go out to radio stations.

Judging will be based on excellence in music performance, songwriting, composition, song choice, music production, and originality or artistry.

Artists can submit entries in any of the below categories:

• Instrumental
• Open
• AAA/Alternative
• Folk/Americana/Roots
• Best Group/Duo
• Best Male Artist
• Best Female Artist
• Country/Bluegrass

View the original call here.