Open call: American Songwriter Song Contest 2024

How to enter

• An entry fee of $25 payable digitally to American Songwriter is required with each song entry.
• By entering, entrants agree that this entry fee is necessary to cover the processing and administration of the contest.
• Entrants may enter as many songs as they would like into any available category. Each entry requires a $25 fee.
• All songs entered must be original compositions with all song authors credited. Only valid streaming URL links will be accepted (e.g. YouTube, SoundCloud, Spotify, etc.).
• Entrants should double-check URL links before entering. American Songwriter is not responsible for issuing refunds based on broken, private or otherwise invalid links.
• MP3 files are not accepted. Entrants may enter a variety of recording styles, including demos, worktapes and finished masters.
• The contest requires the song to be clearly audible in the recording. This is a song contest based on the musical elements present in the composition, not a singing contest.
• Songs will be evaluated based on lyrics, melody, likability, overall composition, and various other musical considerations. Songs will not be evaluated on recording quality, vocal prowess, or other similar values. We simply require that the recording clearly presents the song in its fullest light.
• Entrants may enter online only via americansongwriter.com. Refunds will not be issued under any circumstances. No feedback will be provided on the songs entered into the contest.

Eligibility

• The contest is open to any songwriter, artist, musician, and/or band from anywhere in the world.
• The following parties are not eligible: (i) Employees, independent contractors, and/or affiliates of American Songwriter, or any of their immediate family members, (ii) contributors to the contest (including judges and other contributors as we may determine on a case-by-case basis) and (iii) employees of sponsors.
• By submitting, entrants agree that they (and all associated co-writers on your submission) are not employed by or affiliated with American Songwriter, or any of its affiliates, entrants are not a contributor in any way to the contest, and you are not employed by or affiliated with any of the contest sponsors and entrants have not been at any time during the previous two years.
• Entrants represent and warrant that (a) all registration information they submit is truthful and accurate; (b) they will maintain the accuracy of such information; and (c) their entry to the contest does not violate any applicable law or regulation.
• Entrants are under 18 years of age, must have permission and clearance to enter the contest from their parents or legal guardian.
• Entry of the contest is void where prohibited.
• All contest winners are notified by email address or phone number. If the chosen winners do not respond to American Songwriter’s notifications within seven days, American Songwriter reserves the right to contact runner-ups for the receipt of the prizes. International winners must pay any and all customs fees for delivery of prizes.

Artists can apply in any of the below categories:

• Americana
• Blues
• Children’s music
• Christian
• Country
• EDM (Electronic Dance Music)
• Folk/Singer-Songwriter
• Hip Hop/Rap
• Indie
• Instrumental
• Jazz
• Latin music
• Pop
• R&B/Soul
• Rock
• Teen
• World Music

Prize deliveries

Prize delivery of all prizes will be coordinated via email. Video consultation calls with selected mentors will take place in 2024. If any prize is not fulfilled within 180 days of the official winner announcement, it is the responsibility of the winner to notify American Songwriter in writing. If the winner fails to notify the American Songwriter of any outstanding prizes within 180 days, American Songwriter can no longer guarantee prize fulfilment.

Interested artists should apply here before 24 December 2024.

View the original call here.