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 contests are usually organised by explicit rules of submission: subject matter, limit of length, or minimum instrumentation. These criteria motivate people to go outside their comfort zones but to work within a set of frameworks. It is only by learning to operate within these boundaries that a songwriter will be better able to marry creativity with control. Also, a lot of contests need a quality song or edgy lyrics, so that encourages people to up their production and presentation.
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.
Songwriting contest money can also aid artists immensely. Almost all contests provide cash prizes, recording gear or studio time, so it is really an affordable way to afford music. These tools let songwriters get back to what they do best when limited resources aren’t an issue. Such prizes often become a source of support for new artists, a way of living.
Songwriting competitions help not just the individual artists but the music industry. They foster creativity because they celebrate creativity and outside the boundaries of standard songwriting. These are competitions that sometimes flag upcoming genres or movements in the industry. Songwriting competitions keep music fresh and inclusive by showcasing all kinds of voices.
Songwriting competitions don’t just impact music. They also tend to be socially symbolic because so many contests are all about narrative and emotional connection. The participants often take material from their lives, from the news or from the human spirit, making songs that resonate with audiences. It is this music’s capacity for communication that speaks to the longstanding influence of songwriting as an art.
Songwriting contests, after all, are about more than fame – they are about experimentation and the development of the artist. They enable musicians to risk their careers, be themselves, and work on their craft under an unpredictable environment. These contests are still part of the joys of music for anyone – new or old — who wants to be a songwriter, for what they’re worth and for the pure satisfaction of writing something worthwhile.