this post in Blogthis post in Blog
Back

August 17, 20244 mins read

Songwriting Competitions: How to Prepare Your Entry

By Bri Clark

Songwriting competitions are an excellent way to get your music heard, gain industry recognition, and even win some impressive prizes. With so many songwriting competitions out there, there’s never been a better time to perfect your submissions and showcase your talent to the world. Here’s how you can ensure your song is ready for any competition.

1. Understand Songwriting Competitions’ Rules and Prizes

Before you even think about submitting, familiarize yourself with the rules and prizes of the songwriting competition you’re entering. Each contest has its own set of guidelines, and it’s crucial to know the specifics:

  • Prize Pool: Competitions vary widely in their prize offerings, so check what’s up for grabs. Whether it’s cash prizes, recording contracts, or industry mentorships, understanding the stakes will help you strategize your submissions.
  • Submission Fee: Many competitions require an entry fee per song. Make sure you budget accordingly.
  • Submission Purpose: Some competitions support charitable causes or music education programs. Knowing where your entry fees are going can add extra motivation.

Understanding these details will help you decide how many songs to submit and when to do so, maximizing your chances.

2. Choose Your Best Work

With prestigious panels of judges often featuring well-known artists and industry heavyweights, it’s important to select your strongest material. Consider the following when choosing your songs:

  • Originality: Does your song offer something unique? Judges are looking for fresh, innovative material that stands out.
  • Emotional Impact: How does your song connect with listeners? Songs that evoke strong emotions are often more memorable.
  • Production Quality: Even if the competition isn’t explicitly about production, a well-produced track can significantly impact the judges’ perception.

3. Polish Your Submission

Once you’ve selected your songs, it’s time to polish them:

  • Lyrics: Review your lyrics for clarity, coherence, and impact. Strong, evocative lyrics can make a lasting impression.
  • Melody and Harmony: Ensure your melody is catchy and complements the harmony. A strong melodic hook can be a game-changer.
  • Mixing and Mastering: Even if your submission is a demo, make sure it’s mixed and mastered to a high standard. Poor sound quality can detract from an otherwise great song.

4. Prepare Your Materials

Most songwriting competitions require more than just the song itself. Be prepared to submit:

  • Song Title and Description: Craft a compelling title and a short description that encapsulates the essence of your song.
  • Lyrics Sheet: Prepare a clean, well-formatted lyrics sheet to accompany your submission.
  • Bio and Contact Info: Include a concise artist bio and ensure your contact information is up to date.

5. Take Advantage of Songwriting Competitions’ Early Bird Entries

Many songwriting competitions offer early bird entry incentives, such as discounted fees or additional submissions for a lower price. This is a fantastic opportunity to increase your chances of winning without breaking the bank.

6. Submit Thoughtfully

Once everything is prepared, submit your song thoughtfully:

  • Double-Check Everything: Ensure all your materials are correct and formatted properly before submitting.
  • Submit Early: Don’t wait until the last minute. Early submissions can show you’re serious and might also give you a psychological edge.

7. Promote Your Entry

Once you’ve submitted your song, promote it! Share your entry on social media, encourage your fans to support you, and engage with the contest community.

8. Stay Informed and Connected

Follow the competition and related platforms on social media to stay updated on the contest. Engage with other participants and the music community to expand your network and gain inspiration.

Preparing for a songwriting contest requires careful attention to detail and a strategic approach. By following these steps, you’ll give yourself the best chance to shine among the global pool of talent.

Good luck, and may your music resonate with the judges!

Remember, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Let’s make this the year your songwriting talent gets the recognition it deserves.

About Vampr

Vampr is the ultimate music networking app designed to help you connect with musicians and grow your career. As a leading music industry network, Vampr makes it easy to find music collaborators, join a band, or even find a jam partner. Whether you’re searching for band members or looking to expand your music community platform, this app for musicians streamlines music collaboration like never before. Ready to take your music to the next level? Start networking and create something amazing today!

Vampr makes online music collaboration effortless, helping you find a beatmaker, hire a music arranger, or work with a sound engineer all in one place. Whether you’re looking to find a composer, collaborate with EDM producers, or find a hip hop producer, this platform connects you with the right talent for remote music production. Need professional mixing? Vampr also helps you find a mixing and mastering service and find musicians for recording—so you can bring your music to life with ease.

Vampr is the go-to platform to get work as a musician and find paid music gigs—whether you’re looking for music jobs near me or remote music jobs you can do from anywhere. From landing paid gigs as a musician to securing opportunities to work as a session musician, Vampr connects you with the right people. Need industry support? You can also find a music manager or hire a music manager to help grow your career. Plus, if you’re looking to find a band to join, Vampr makes it easy to connect and start making music today!

Vampr is the ultimate indie musician networking platform, making it easy to find rock musicians, connect with EDM producers, or collaborate on pop music. Whether you’re looking to find hip-hop artists, connect with country songwriters, or find jazz musicians, Vampr helps you build the right creative team. Need to hire classical musicians, find metal band members, or work with electronic music producers?

Vampr is the place to discover and collaborate with talented artists across all genres!

See why Vampr is the #1 app for music industry collaboration and networking

Share this article

Keep Reading

View All

Breaking Into Sync Licensing: Get Your Music in Film, TV, and Ads

An overview of the sync licensing process and how to pitch your music for placements. Sync licensing is one of the most lucrative opportunities for musicians, offering not only income but also incredible exposure. Hearing your track in a film, TV show, or ad can elevate your career to new heights. But breaking into this […]

Share this article

May 16, 2025

IMPORTANT: Vampr Distribution is Shutting Down

We’ve made the difficult decision to wind down Vampr Distribution. This service has helped many of you get your music on major streaming platforms, and we’re incredibly proud of the artists who’ve released work through it. However, to better focus on Vampr’s core mission — helping creatives connect and collaborate — we’ve decided to sunset […]

Share this article

May 13, 2025

Mastering Music Visuals: Tips for Stunning Cover Art and Graphics

How to create or commission eye-catching visuals that represent your brand and grab attention. Your music deserves visuals that capture its essence and make a lasting impression. Whether it’s album covers, single artwork, or promotional graphics, high-quality visuals are key to establishing your brand and grabbing attention in a crowded music landscape. In this guide, […]

Share this article

May 9, 2025

How to Hire a Music Producer and Bring Your Sound to Life

If you’re an artist looking to take your music to the next level, you might be wondering how to hire a music producer who can help shape your sound. A skilled producer can elevate your tracks, refine your style, and ensure your songs have the professional polish they need to stand out. Whether you’re recording […]

Share this article

May 2, 2025

ForeverFan: Marketing Tools for Emerging Artists

Let’s get one thing straight: making great music is only half the battle. If no one hears it, it doesn’t matter how fire your tracks are. That’s where marketing comes in – and for emerging artists trying to build a career from scratch, smart marketing can be the difference between staying underground and selling out […]

Share this article

May 1, 2025