The USA Songwriting Competition is back for its 28th annual event and is currently accepting entries until May 31st, 2023. As one of the most prestigious songwriting competitions in the world, this Competition has helped launch the careers of some of today’s biggest artists. With a panel of judges consisting of industry professionals and established artists, the competition offers an unparalleled opportunity for songwriters to showcase their talents.
From Pop to Folk, Rock to R&B, and everything in between, the competition welcomes entries from all genres and is open to songwriters from around the world. If you have a great song that you’re ready to share with the world, submit your entry to the USA Songwriting Competition 2023 today.
The USA Songwriting Competition at a Glance
| Name of the Competition | The USA Songwriting Competition |
| Edition | 28th |
| Year | 2023 |
| Skill Required | Song Writing |
| 1st Prize | Prize Worth US $50,000 |
| Deadline | 31st May 2023 |
| Language of Songs | Any |
Entry Deadline/ Last Date
The deadline for the USA Songwriting competition is May 31, 2023. All entries must be submitted on or before this date.
| Note: Attention all songwriters! The USA Songwriting Competition has an exciting early entry bonus for the first 1,000 entrants. Each of these lucky entrants will receive a free annual subscription to Acoustic Guitar Magazine worth $23.97. |
Steps to Enter the USA Songwriting Competition
Entering the USA Songwriting Competition is easy and can be done either online or offline. Check out the steps below.
Online Entry
- If you have decided to enter online then you must fill out the online entry form with your complete contact details and credit card on songwriting.net.
- Once your card gets processed, you will see the second page.
- Here, you must upload your mp3 or enter with your song on Soundcloud, Reverbnation, and Soundcloud.
Entry by Mail
- Those who want to enter the competition by mail need to submit the following things.
- A completed entry form or photocopy.
- CD or Audio Cassette
- Lyric sheet (please include English translation if the song is in another language, not applicable for the instrumental category)
- Check or money order for US$35.00
- Mail the envelope to the following address –
USA Songwriting Competition
2881 E. Oakland Park Blvd, Suite 414
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306, USA.
Entry Fees
The USA Songwriting Competition 2023 requires a fee of $35 for each song entry. This fee is separate for each song submitted.
It is important to note that this fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether or not the song is selected as a winner.
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Rules and Regulations
The USA Songwriting Competition has established a set of rules and regulations that must be followed by all participants.
- If you are sending a CD or audio cassette then only one song of 5 minutes or less in length is allowed.
- The lyrics-only category does not require an audio CD or cassette.
- For the instrumental category, a lyric sheet is not required.
- It is important to note that no entry will be accepted without an entry fee.
- For online entry, only an MP3 of 10 MB or less in size is allowed.
- All the submitted songs should be original.
- Contestants may enter as many songs in as many categories as they want. However, they will have to pay separate entry fees. Plus, each entry requires a separate CD or cassette, entry form, and lyric sheet.
- This competition is open to writers of all nationalities. However, employees of the USA Songwriting Competition, their families, subsidiaries and affiliates are not eligible to participate.
- CDs, Cassettes, and Lyrics of participants will not be returned.
Judges of the Competition
The songwriting competition will be judged by a Blue Ribbon Judging Committee made up of music industry professionals. This committee has been carefully selected to ensure that only the best and most deserving songs are chosen as winners. The members of the Blue Ribbon Judging Committee include publishers, Producers, and A&R managers from record labels.
These judges bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table and will judge every song on originality, melody, lyrics, and composition. Remember, the committee will not consider the quality of performance and production.
Prizes
The USA Songwriting Competition offers a range of prizes for winners including the biggest grand prize ever awarded in any songwriting competition.
| Grand Prize | $50,000 in merchandise, cash and more from the competition’s sponsors. |
| Second Prize | $9,000 in merchandise |
| Third Prize | $7,000 in merchandise |
| 15 Category Prizes | $2,500 in merchandise each |
| 20 Honorable Mention Prizes | $700 in merchandise each |
Results and Winners
The USA Songwriting Competition is set to announce its winners on November 15, 2023. However, to get their prize, winners must sign and return an affidavit. This affidavit confirms that their song is original and they hold the rights to the song.
The committee will award the prize jointly to all authors of any song. The division of prizes is the responsibility of the winners. Additionally, winners release sponsors from all liability regarding prizes won. It is important to note that taxes are the responsibility of the winners.
Competition Sponsors
| Platinum Sponsors | ||
| New Music Weekly | Loggins Promotion | Airplay Access |
| Michael Kelly Guitar | Samson | PreSonus |
| FL Studio | HAL Leonard Corporation | Disc Makers |
| Berklee College of Music | Acoustic Guitar | Hartke |
| Songcraft | Newbrini Audio | Singer Express |
| School of Rock | Sonicbids | Klevgr |
| Melda Production | Music Gateway | |
| Premier Partners | ||
| Live 2 Play | The Music Business Registry | Kali Audio |
| Folk Alliance | Ascap | Acoustic Café |
| Songu.com | Sirius Satellite Radio |
Frequently Asked Questions
The competition is open to all songwriters, regardless of nationality or age.
All genres of music are accepted, including pop, rock, country, hip-hop, R&B, jazz, and more.
The prizes for the winners include cash and merchandise as well as the opportunity to get noticed by music industry professionals.
Yes, you can enter as many songs as you like.
