The songwriting contest's winners and finalists from each of the ten categories will have their material sent to record labels, publishers, management companies, promoters and many other music industry insiders for further consideration. The winners will also receive over $80,000 of cash and prizes. Submit your material online using 3 Easy Steps. International entries are accepted.
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Judges include individuals from various independent labels, all of the major labels and publishers, Grammy winners and nominees, individuals from Clear Channel radio stations and many other leaders in the music industry. A few of the judges featured in the current contest include:
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Labels & Publishers
The winners & finalists from each of the 10 categories (50 total) will be forwarded on to record labels, music publishers, management companies and more for further consideration! $80,000 Cash & Prizes
Over $80,000 of cash and prizes will be awarded to the top songwriters! The 1st place winner will be awarded $30,000 cash for his/her winning submission! (More Info)
Songwriting Sessions
Chris O'Hara & Stacey Rogers impressed the Song of the Year resources. They were given the opportunity to have multiple songwriting sessions with some of the biggest names in country music. Chris & Stacey placed as lyric winners in a past contest.Band For A Day
The Song of the Year judges selected Laura Woods for the "My Band for a Day" opportunity. She had the privilege of having a personal songwriting session with Jon Bon Jovi's hit making band members. Laura was a previous 'Finalist' in the song writing contest.Success Story
"Song of the Year has been a tremendous help in our careers. They helped us get our lyrics to a published musician who only had instrumental music but needed catchy lyrics for commercial ads. We were given an advance payment and have our song coming out on a Verizon commercial."
Samantha Stewart and Kate CallanSuccess Story
"After years of looking for a way to get my music to someone who could help me, I finally found Song of the Year! I now have a deal with EMI Publishing. You guys ROCK!"
Jim Graham
Featured Artist - Chris Sernel
Past "Rock Winner" Chris Sernel has been featured in a commercial that aired on MTV during primetime 10-spot programming. Sernel's diverse songwriting skills and production expertise has landed him with Warner Music Group. "Great contest! Great people!! It's been a big help to my career and my band!" Chris Sernel Featured Artist - Jenna Drey
Jenna was awarded Song of the Year's "Most Prolific Songwriting Award". Jenna's music has reached #11 on the Billboard dance charts and is sure to have another hit with her latest release of "Summer Night In Seattle".
Featured Artist - Latino Saint
Latino Saint (previous Hip-Hop winner) has signed a digital distribution deal with "Experimental Division Nashville".
"I think Song Of The Year is providing a honest professional service. One that artists can gauge themselves amongst their peers and have some credible celebrity judges give feedback on our songs." Latino SaintFeatured Artist - Dhani Marhsall
Dhani Marshall was a Rock Category Winner in a previous contest. He has signed a distribution deal with Universal Music, who distributed his EP "Dandelion". Dhani has also signed a licensing deal with MTV Networks as well as Cherry Lane Publishing who handles some of the biggest names in the industry. Songwriting Categories
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How It Works
The songwriting entries are reviewed and judged by the songwriting merits alone. Production quality is not taken into consideration. We are looking for great songwriters, not great producers. A simple home or live recording of a song has the same chance of winning the songwriting contest as a professional recording has of winning. Many of the past winners have placed with simple vocal/guitar or vocal/piano recordings. Vocal ability is 'not' taken into consideration. Only the "songwriting" elements of the songs are considered when determining the winners. "Lyric Only" category entries have the same chance of winning the competition as do any of the other categories. Once all of the material is judged, there will be one winning song representing each of the ten categories. During the second round of judging, those top ten songs then compete against each other to determine the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. It will be these winners who will be awarded the cash and prizes.
Chris & Stacey with Brad Paisley
Chris with Lee Ann Womack
Chris with Taylor Swift
Laura with Richie Sambora
Laura with Tico and David
My Band for a Day Winner
