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#513857 - 04/23/02 06:56 PM Songwriting Contests
good morning
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Registered: 06/22/00
Posts: 205
Loc: Arlington,VA,UNITED STATES

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There's a songwriter's contest being advertised lately in the music mags. I think it's even called "Songwriter's Contest." Anyway, there's THAT contest, and there's another one that uses John Lennon's name. They come out every year.

Has anybody here ever participated? What's been your experience -- do you see any pros/cons to them?

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#513858 - 04/24/02 12:45 AM Re: Songwriting Contests
Anifa
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Registered: 03/26/02
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Loc: Kansas City, Mo

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Supposedly in the past "Star Search" has given a start to a few big names, also Hall & Oates found their fame through a song writing contest... but, I myself steer clear of them. I entered one many years ago and I never even received results as to who the winners were, news of the judging panel or anything to ascertain that it was a legitimate contest. If the song competitions are offered through an established and recognized organization throughout the music business, then they should be able to provide references as to what names have gained exposure through their exposure. Don't hesitate to check up on the references... Just keep in mind that you're swimming in shark infested waters when you dive into the music business.

In my own opinion, you would be better off to join a reputable Songwriting association and participate in some of their showcasing of talent events. If you are going to exhaust money, you need to do it in a place that is capable of guidance; there will be industry opportunities presented, in the least, they can lead you to the information you need to grow. I have a list songwriting organizations on my site, and if you happen to be near one of the Songwriter's Guild locations, it could be advantageous to stop by and check out what they might have to offer.
Songwriting Organizations
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#513859 - 04/24/02 04:47 AM Re: Songwriting Contests
fantasticsound
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Registered: 04/07/01
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Loc: Madison,TN, UNITED STATES

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Funny you should ask! A friend of mine is the Grand Prize Winner of the 2002 John Lennon Songwriting Contest. She emailed me a note saying she entered wondering if anyone really "won" these things. Read more here:

Lisa Carver wins the John Lennon Songwriting Contest

Lisa is a wonderful songwriter, but personally I prefer several of her other songs to the winning entry. :rolleyes: Check out Georgia, 1864 on her website.

I don't see why you wouldn't enter songwriting contests unless you were already an established, professional writer. What do you have to lose but the entry fee. Of course, be sure you have proper copyright filed with the gov't. It will save you a lot of hassle should a contest not be on the up and up.
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#513860 - 04/24/02 12:46 PM Re: Songwriting Contests
good morning
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Registered: 06/22/00
Posts: 205
Loc: Arlington,VA,UNITED STATES

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Thanks, ani, fantastic.

The strongest appeal for me is that with the contests I've mentioned, recording quality is supposedly not a factor. That's just excellent (!), I say. The more I record myself, the more I hear (and dissastisfied I become).

All of this subsumes the songs are "quality" in the first place.

I had wondered about copyright protection. I'm paranoid though. So with my songs, if they waft through the air, I already registered a copyright with the Copyright office. I'm often downtown and will just walk there.

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