If you find yourself at a loose end this Bank Holiday then why not sit down and write a song? You never know, it might be good enough to win a competition.
Of course, you might already have a great song that you think is a cut above the rest. If that’s the case, then why not enter it into one of the following songwriting competitions?
“The UK Songwriting Contest does what it says on the tin! This is a real chance for new songwriters to break into the music business.” (Channel Four Television)
There are ten song categories in this national competition, including Folk/Country, Pop, Rock/Indie, Jazz/Blues, and Instrumental.
The prizes for the category winners include a place on the Best of 2009 CD, an honorary Diploma in Music, professional website to showcase your songs, free membership of the Guild of International Songwriters & Composers, free song copyright registration, and promotion and media support.
What’s the catch? Well, there is a cost of £15 per entry, but if you’ve got a great song then isn’t it worth the investment? Hmm?
The closing date for entries is 30th June 2009, so if you haven’t written the winning song yet you’d better get cracking!
Full details from songwritingcontest.co.uk
If you fancy your chances on the international stage then you might want to consider the International Songwriting Competition.
Judges for last year’s competition included Tom Waits, Chaka Khan, Neil Finn, Ray Davies, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ricky Martin, and KT Tunstall! This year’s judges are yet to be announced (“they haven’t asked me yet..” Graham).
There’s over $150,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs, and the deadline for entries isn’t until 7th October.
There are 21 categories in total, and each entry is $30 per song. However, before 15th July any extra song will cost $20.
Full details can be found at songwritingcompetition.com
Make It, Break It (MIBI) is a unique songwriting contest for young UK based musicians to showcase and develop their music to get to the next step.
Judges include Chris Martin (Coldplay), EMI record label & music publisher, Radio 2 presenter Mark Radcliffe, music producer Steve Levine.
There are two categories – 14-16 years, and 17-19 years (What? No ‘oldies’ allowed?)
Previous winners from Liverpool include Marc Kenny (2003), Natalie McCool (2007), and Lee Broderick (2008).
There are fantastic prizes to be won, including an all expenses paid 5 day music academy, a private consultation at EMI and a full session in their recording studios.
The deadline for entries is Monday 8th June.
Full details from makeitbreakit.org