Global songwriting competitions: What you need to know

As the deadline nears for the Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition (this Thursday 2 May, y’all!), it got us thinking about the world of songwriting comps. Because these competitions can be a very worthwhile avenue for getting your songs heard by key industry tastemakers, getting international exposure, and in some cases you’ll get feedback on your work, and, of course there are prizes to be won!

So, here is a round-up of songwriting competition both global and local.

Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition

It’s the aforementioned comp with its HQ right here in Australia. V & Y offers the biggest first-place cash prize in the world. And $20k in various other cash prizes.

Last year, Mallrat won the new $5k Unpublished prize! A decade in, the competition has achieved a lot: career-changing wins for the likes of Megan Washington, Kimbra, Isabella Manfredi of The Preatures, Gretta Ray, and Amy Shark (to name a few). And all this winning has benefited the incredible work of Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia to the tune of more than $1million.

Kimbra

The full $50 entry fee goes to the charity, with the cash prizes coming from the sponsors Alberts, APRA AMCOS, BMG Australia/NZ, AMPAL (AMPAL, Australasian Music Publishers Association Limited), and Aon.

International Songwriting Competition (ISC)

This is a biggie and the Aussies and Kiwis always over-index on the honours lists. The Nashville-based annual comp brings in entries far and wide.

The competition’s rep Shane Whalen described it for us: “Open to amateur and professional songwriters, the International Songwriting Competition (ISC) is the largest songwriting competition in the world providing the opportunity for songs to be heard by celebrity artists and industry executives. ISC also gives away over $150,000 in cash and prizes shared by 71 winners from 23 music categories. Past winners include include Vance Joy, Illenium, Gotye, Gin Wigmore, The Band Perry, Passenger, Gregory Porter, Kehlani, Kimbra, For King and Country, and more.” This year’s finalists are awaiting their fate.

Unsigned Only

Run by the team at ISC, this comp is exactly what it claims to be. Whalen told us, “Unsigned Only Music Competition is designed for all indie artists (including solo artists, bands, and singers) who are unsigned to a major record label. The goal is to give indie artists exposure, recognition, and validation for their artistry. Unsigned Only gives away over $150,000 in cash and prizes shared by 38 winners from 18 music categories.”

It’s an excellent competition for nudging your way a bit more into the biz, Whalen explains, “Five Grand Prize winners have been signed to record label deals, making Unsigned Only a leading source for transitioning new talent into record deals.

“Judges include high-profile recording artists, journalists, talent buyers, music licensing execs, and artist managers. Past winners include Faouzia, Jared Porter, Kaylee Bell, Ingrid Andress, Goodbye June, and more.”

Last year boasted some locals you may already know.

Jared Porter

The John Lennon Songwriting Contest

It’s really only fitting to have a songwriting contest named for one of the all-time greats. This competition is run on a year-round basis, with pretty incredible cash prizes to be won. Entry fees help support the non-profit John Lennon Educational Tour Bus mobile recording studio and judges include Flea and George Clinton.

SongDoor

This US-based contest is for the emerging and the professional but you must be 16 or older to enter. Also, they offer feedback on your songs, which is pretty special.

Back on Aussie and NZ soil, these comps help boost songwriters both locally and nationally. Remember, a good song is a good song. If you have one, give it a shot.

The Australian Children’s Music Foundation (ACMF) – National Songwriting Competition

This songwriting competition is open to Australia school children, and encourages them to put their own creative expression into a song and submit their original work. Plus, these kids win cash prizes to help them further their musical endeavours.

On Song (QLD)

This program for young Queenslanders is likely to introduce us to the next great songwriter from the Sunshine State. A competition for singer-songwriters ages 12-18 year old that encourages kids to really develop their songwriting craft with winners receiving mentoring from Jack Carty, studio gear, and a performance opportunity. Entries close 24 May!

Australian Songwriting Contest

It’s the longest running songwriting contest in Australia, dating back to 1979 and they have just opened up 2019 entries. The categories include specialist genres like Australian, Songs for Children and Spiritual, and there are cash prizes to be won.

Melbourne Prize for Music

All music genres are welcome to enter, but this one is for the Victorians only. Cash prizes, music and gear, and airfare vouchers on offer. Sign up for more info on the website.

Play It Strange

Over in NZ, they have the Play It Strange organisation encouraging creativity in young Kiwi songwriters with different competitions on offer. Past winners include Elizabeth Stokes from The Beths and Broods’ Georgia Nott. Check out the site for great advice and inspiration.

This article originally appeared on The Industry Observer, which is now part of The Music Network.