SONGWRITING CONTESTS - A Department of Songwriters Notes

News from Dallas Songwriters Association about songwriting contests.

Monday, June 25, 2012

Ronnie Milsap’s “Country Cut” Contest


“I don’t think Ronnie Milsap’s ever gonna record this song,” but there’s a very good chance he will because the country music legend, along with American Songwriter, have announced Ronnie Milsap’s “Country Cut” Contest, starting June 18. The quote is John Hiatt’s lyric from his 1987 song “Memphis in the Meantime” and it sets the tone for an opportunity that will give one aspiring songwriter a track, recorded by Milsap, and placed on his upcoming album to be released Fall 2012.
American Songwriter and a panel of industry professionals (listed below) will listen to every song submitted and present Ronnie Milsap with 25 finalists. Milsap and producer Ron Galbraith will select the winning song.
Ken Madson, President of Average Joes Management says, “Knowing the American Songwriter audience, we should be able to find some fantastic songs. We have a great group of judges who will help narrow the field of hits for Ronnie to pick from.”
With over 26 albums, 62 singles, 40 No.1′s, 6 Grammy’s and over 35 millions albums sold, Ronnie Milsap is giving one lucky songwriter their chance to win a piece of the business. To enter your song, visit American Songspace.
JUDGES:
John Ritchie, Creative Director, American Songspace
Caine O’Rear, Editor, American Songwriter Magazine
Ken Madson, Manager, Average Joes Manangement
Noah Gordan, Head of A&R, Average Joes Entertainment
Matt Bjorke, Editor, Roughstock.com
Craig Shelburne, Writer, CMT.com
Clay Hunnicutt, Sr.VP Country Programming and Community Engagement, Clear Channel
Colt Ford, Artist, Average Joes Entertainment
Caitlin Rose, Artist, ATO Records
Bradley Collins, Director Writer and Publisher Relations, BMI
Shannan Hatch, Senior Director Writer/Publisher Relations, SESAC
THE FINAL DECISION MAKERS:
Ronnie Milsap, along with producer Rob Galbraith

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Folk and Bluegrass Festival - Salt Lake City


CALL FOR ENTRIES


Come one, come all – it’s the annual Susanne Millsaps Performing Songwriter Showcase.  Previous finalists have called it “a complete honor”, “a total blast”, and “the best songwriting contest around.”  We’re welcoming entries from solo singer-songwriters (sorry, no duos, trios, etc.) performing their own original music.  Finalists will be selected by a blind judging panel, with scoring based on vocal ability, instrumental ability, and songwriting.  Last year’s winner was Peter Danzig.

Ten finalists will be invited to perform Saturday, July 21, 2012 on the main stage of the 4th IAMA Free Folk and Bluegrass Festival at the magnificent Gallivan Center in downtown Salt Lake City!   A new panel of judges composed of acoustic music professionals will be in the audience and will select the winners.  Their judging criteria will be the same as for the initial round, plus the added element of performance quality.  All performances must be solo, and instruments will be limited to what you can carry on stage; no piano will be provided.

Festival admission for main stage performances is free again this year.  The first-place winner this year will have the opportunity to perform a 30-minute-paid set on the main stage directly after the winners are announced.  (There’ll be other prizes, too; not to worry!)



More info at: http://sm-contest-entry.eventbrite.com/