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.
Songwriting competitions, for example, tend to push contestants far beyond their comfort zone. Judges promote songwriters to go above and beyond through consideration of such things as novelty, lyrical weight, melody and arrangements. That focus on quality makes sure the songs commemorated by these celebrations hit the mark with the industry and public alike. The structured commentary from professional judges, which often points out what is working and what can be improved, has been a learning curve for people.
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.
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 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.
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.