Songwriting contests have become the perfect opportunity for any aspiring musician to express their creativity and have a chance at being discovered and rewarded. These are also where new songwriters go to get their name out there, in a friendly but competitive format. They are also a great way to get industry feedback which can be useful to polish the craft. Not only are they great for the recognition and awards, but contests create networks that can bring collaborations, mentorship, and other possibilities you wouldn’t otherwise have.
Songwriting contests are as varied as musical styles. Be it pop, folk, rock, classical or other specialized genres such as experimental or fusion, these contests are open to every sort of creative expression. This inclusivity allows all songwriters – and singers from all walks of life – to have a voice, and be acknowledged for their contribution to the art. The niche nature of some contests also helps entrants tailor their work to meet the needs of specific audiences or subsets of industries.
What makes songwriting competitions exciting is the possibility of discovery. A lot of the famous singers and musicians got their start in such occasions, their skill was discovered in early. And the exposure a top-tier competition or an individual place in can give them access to record deals, publishing contracts, and offers to play at a great venue or festival. Even if you don’t go on to win, these competitions can be a learning curve and also a good way to network in the industry.
Songwriting competitions are important, too, in building the cultural value of music. Many contests have specific themes or genres that prompt songwriters to take on specific topics or to take on classic shapes in different ways. This not only retains musical history but incentivises creativity by intermixing old and new. Such competitions speak to how music can and does adapt to society, as well as to each individual.
Songwriting contests are now spread across the world and they can now be done on-line with incredible growth. Digital entry and online selection had decentralised geography so songwriters who reside far flung could enter as much as those in big cities. This inclusivity has made the talent pool bigger and the voices a little wider. Voting online and social media campaigning for a lot of these competitions have also made them more interactive and communal in nature.
To win or place in a songwriting competition opens access to a professional network that you otherwise couldn’t reach. They’re often introduced to producers, managers and other music business people. Even if you don’t go home with a trophy, getting ready for and competing in these contests generally leaves you with tidy portfolios and increased self-confidence. Connective opportunities for songwriters at events that coincide with these contests are abundant — songwriters get to know fellow songwriters and mentors who care about the same stuff as you.
Technology made songwriting competitions much more global, with participation via the internet open to anyone in the world. This digital revolution has made it more democratised, with those from the fringes playing on equal footing with those in the major music centres. The competition also has been modified with virtual entry and livestreaming, which emphasise adaptability and digitality as much as songwriting.
Songwriting contests are a place of competition and resilience. You’ve got to accept and reject, and get into a mindset that values hard work and commitment. These qualities are needed in the music industry, where things happen fast and winning is never guaranteed. The lessons they teach songwriters are invaluable, which is what will prepare them for the future.
It is also another main result of songwriting competitions. Most events allow or encourage contestants to collaborate on works that are original in style and outlook. Such alliances are usually more than the match, and result in long-term relationships and businesses. What’s often done is the shared experience of attending such contests, and songwriters become a kind of community where it’s all about supporting each other.
We can see the history of songwriting competitions from the triumph stories of past winners who have achieved extraordinary feats. These parties have helped to kickstart the careers of many top artists, and prove that they’re a true talent factory. By incentivising creativity and rewarding hard work, songwriting competitions continue to sculpt music’s future and to encourage generations of writers to dream big and sing loud. Their longevity speaks to their place as an institution in the evolving history of music.