As artists look for new opportunities to get their music out there in 2023, we thought it was a good time to check in again with our friends at American Songwriter.
American Songwriter is accepting submissions now for both their Song Contest and Lyric Contest, so we've asked the organisers six questions about this year's competitions to help you out if you're considering entering.
American Songwriter is an international music media company exploring the craft of music by highlighting the world's greatest songwriters and artists. Songwriters, musicians, and music enthusiasts have trusted American Songwriter to be their home for news, education, and music industry information for over 35 years. Launched in 1986 as a magazine, it has grown into an international website. American Songwriter’s mission is to inform, inspire, and educate songwriters, artists, and music enthusiasts globally.
American Songwriter hosts two annual contests - the Lyric Contest (where only the lyrics are judged) and the Song Contest (where the entire composition is considered). Both are OPEN NOW to songwriters from anywhere in the world, including Aussies and Kiwis. Interested artists can use the promo code APRALOVE to get a 25% discount on entries for either contest. Both contests have deadlines soon, so there’s still time to enter.
Contest judges include top artists and songwriters like Rob Thomas (Matchbox 20), Pam Sheyne, Grace Potter, Ross Golan, Kara DioGuardi, Silversun Pickups, Taylor Momsen (The Pretty Reckless), Shelly Peiken, and many more, including influential A&R executives from major record labels like Atlantic, Universal, Warner and more.
The ultimate goal is to find great songs, connect them to influential artists and industry execs, and then award their writers a suite of amazing prizes which includes $10,000 USD (around A$14,500) in cash, gear and promotion across the entire American Songwriter platform - which includes millions of music enthusiasts and professionals.
We highly encourage Aussies and Kiwis to enter our contests. On top of the prizes and recognition that comes with winning, our contests offer a great opportunity to get more visibility in front of US-based music industry decision-makers which can be incredibly difficult for international artists.
What is American Songwriter looking for in their competitions?
Simply put, American Songwriter’s looking for great songs from anywhere in the world in any style of music. If you have a great song or lyric the world needs to know, then our contests are perfect vehicles to get more validation and exposure for your music, especially in the US.
Why did American Songwriter decide to support the Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition?
American Songwriter’s mission is to support and promote music-makers from anywhere in the world. We love the meaningful purpose behind the Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition and we’re happy to help spread the word to more artists who may not be aware. We can’t wait to find out who will take home the new American Songwriter Award in this year’s Vanda & Young competition.
What sets Australian songwriters apart from others?
Australia has a long tradition of producing talented artists that garner international success like Vance Joy, Dean Lewis, Gotye, Guy Sebastian, Amy Shark, The Teskey Brothers, and many more. We’re hoping the partnership with Vanda & Young will help motivate even more Aussies and Kiwis to learn about American Songwriter and the opportunities our platform and contests provide.
What would you say to somebody thinking about entering song competitions?
If you’ve been looking for opportunities to get more exposure outside of your region and to get connected with established artists and industry execs, then American Songwriter’s contests are a perfect place to start.
Last question - when are the deadlines?
The deadlines for American Songwriter's competitions are fast approaching! Entries to the March/ April 2023 Lyric Contest close 4pm AEDT 16 January, and the 2022 Song Contest closes 6pm AEDT 31 January. To learn more visit the American Songwriter website.