International Songwriters Day (April 9), would like to invite you to our fifth year of the “International Songwriters Day Song Contest” to once again, help kick off this special day. Have you written the next hit? Well we want to hear it!

Our contest is open to writers all around the world, from all levels of experience. This year’s theme is “Inspiration.” We are looking for songs, music videos and lyrics that inspire, think (new beginnings, second chances, starting over), etc. They can be ballads but they should have an element of hope or redemption in the storyline, to fit the theme.

Production and performance aren’t a consideration. We can hear through a less than stellar performance or production, it’s originality, melody and lyrics –the meat and bones- that we are listening for. It doesn’t mean that production isn’t important but a great song doesn’t need a lot of production and no production can save a less than great song. So don’t worry about that.

Your music will truly be in front of some “golden ears.” We have assembled some of the most respected musical authorities in the business to judge the contest. They have lived, breathed and worked in the industry for many years and have multi-awards to show for it. These highly talented people have one thing in common, they all love and respect a great song.

This year we have a “Indie Music Video” category (open to any artist/band who is not signed to a major label). Theme again is “Inspiration.” We also have a "Lyric/Poem" section, again with any subject that has an inspirational slant.

Our judges are : Mike Gormley, LAPD Mgmt. who helped launch the careers of Rod Stewart, BTO, Rush, The Police, Danny Elfman, the Bangles, Martin Isherwood, Head of Music at Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA), Rick Rose (former staff writer for Sony ATV Nashville & Warner Chappel), Owner of radio station 4680Q and Niagara Institute of Music & Arts, David Eaton, Producer/Engineer for (Polyphonic Spree, Dynamite Hack, Archivist for Warner/Elektra/Atlantic) and Diana Williamson who has written 2x#3 Billboard Hot Club chart songs, is author of “101 Tips and Tricks of Successful Songwriting, and is CEO of Themusiclibrary.org.

Our company’s contests have been voted “Top 10” by Music Connection in the past. We work hard to elevate songwriters and good songwriting. Come join the celebration and submit today! Winners will be announced on April 9, International Songwriters Day!

Sign up for our newsletter on our website page (http://www.internationalsongwritersday.com) and like us on twitter and Facebook (@intlsongwtrday), https://www.facebook.com/internationalsongwritersday, so you can find out about contest updates and any special promotions we may be having.

FEEL FREE TO RETWEET YOUR FilmFreeway ENTRY NOTIFICATON ON TWITTER- SO WE CAN RETWEET YOU! @intlsongwtrday

Awards & Prizes

FIRST PRIZE SONG CATEGORY:

1. AIRPLAY DIRECT
1st Prize Winner: $2,500 - 1 Year AirPlay Direct Gold Pro Artist Membership Package and includes: Full Featured APD Artist Profile Release Page. 3 Artist Profile Release Pages. Allows 15 Songs Per Page - APD Digital Press Kit (DPK) - Radio Download Tracking - APD Global Radio Indicator Charts - AirPlay Direct “Marketing & Awareness” Ad Campaign and includes: - Going for Adds Banners (GFA) - Spotlight Artist Ad (SLA) - Various weekly APD Global Radio E-blast Placements - APD Tutorial Seminar: The APD Tutorial Seminar is an educational tool which is essential for independent artists and labels to continuously grow their global radio distribution footprint and traction globally.

2. GUITAR CENTER FOUNDATION
- $200.00 GIFT CERTIFICATE from the Guitar Center Foundation (offer ONLY valid for redemption in the US) Recipient can use their gift card at one of our US 295+ stores nationwide, online or by calling 866-498-7882

3. THE MUSIC REGISTRY
Your choice of one of The Music Registry’s Annual Directories:
1)Music Publishers — 1 year / 12 pdf issues ($99 value)
2) Film & Television Music Monthly — 12 pdf issues ($99 value)
3) A&R Registry — 1 pdf issue ($75 value)
One of the leading companies who publish contact information for the music industry. The go-to source for contact information when you need to reach music industry professionals. http://www.musicregistry.com

4. THE INDIE BIBLE
Your very own copy of “The Ultimate Indie Bible”: The Indie Bible lists over 2500 magazines, music blogs, 3100 radio stations, 1100 labels and distributors, 1000 promotion, marketing, management and PR services as well as over 400 sites where you can upload your band's MP3s or videos. https://www.indiebible.com

5. BROADJAM
A Broadjam Primo Membership and 5 Free Submissions! Get an annual subscription and the chance to pitch your music to all sorts of opportunities!
Broadjam provides promotional services for independent musicians, the music industry and fans around the world. It’s one of the world’s largest web communities focused on independent music. http://www.broadjam.com ($225 value)

6. 101 TIPS AND TRICKS OF SUCCESSFUL SONGWRITING
A personalized, autographed copy of the book “101 Tips and Tricks of Successful Songwriting” Find out what all hit songwriters have in common.
http://www.101tipsandtricksofsuccessfulsongwriting.com

7. Your name and song on our website and a shout out in our social media promotions. ($Priceless my dear Watson)

SECOND PRIZE SONG CATEGORY:

1. AIRPLAY DIRECT
2nd Prize Winner: $2,000 - 1 Year AirPlay Direct Gold Pro Artist Membership Package and includes: - Full Featured APD Artist Profile Release Page - 3 Artist Profile Release Pages - Allows 15 Songs Per Page - APD Digital Press Kit (DPK) - Radio Download Tracking - APD Global Radio Indicator Charts - AirPlay Direct “Marketing & Awareness” Ad Campaign and includes: - Going for Adds Banners (GFA) - Spotlight Artist Ad (SLA) - Various weekly APD Global Radio E-blast Placements ~ APD Tutorial Seminar: The APD Tutorial Seminar is an educational tool which is essential for independent artists and labels to continuously grow their global radio distribution footprint and traction globally.

2. THE MUSIC REGISTRY
Your choice of one of The Music Registry’s Annual Directories:
1)Music Publishers — 1 year / 12 pdf issues ($99 value)
2) Film & Television Music Monthly — 12 pdf issues ($99 value)
3) A&R Registry — 1 pdf issue ($75 value)
One of the leading companies who publish contact information for the music industry. The go-to source for contact information when you need to reach music industry professionals. http://www.musicregistry.com

3. THE INDIE BIBLE
Your very own copy of “The Ultimate Indie Bible”: The Indie Bible lists over 2500 magazines, music blogs, 3100 radio stations, 1100 labels and distributors, 1000 promotion, marketing, management and PR services as well as over 400 sites where you can upload your band's MP3s or videos. https://www.indiebible.com

4. BROADJAM
Broadjam Film & TV Membership and 3 Free Submissions!
Get an annual subscription and the chance to pitch your music to all sorts of opportunities! Broadjam provides promotional services for independent musicians, the music industry and fans around the world. It’s one of the world’s largest web communities focused on independent music. http://www.broadjam.com ($115 value)

5. 101 TIPS AND TRICKS OF SUCCESSFUL SONGWRITING
A personalized, autographed copy of the book “101 Tips and Tricks of Successful Songwriting” Find out what all hit songwriters have in common.
http://www.101tipsandtricksofsuccessfulsongwriting.com

6. Your name and song on our website and a mention in our social media promotions. ($Priceless my dear)

THIRD PRIZE SONG CATEGORY

1. AIRPLAY DIRECT
3rd Prize Winner: $1,500 - 1 Year AirPlay Direct Gold Pro Artist Membership Package and includes: - Full Featured APD Artist Profile Release Page. 3 Artist Profile Release Pages - Allows 15 Songs Per Page - APD Digital Press Kit (DPK) - Radio Download Tracking - APD Global Radio Indicator Charts - AirPlay Direct “Marketing & Awareness” Ad Campaign and includes: - Going for Adds Banners (GFA) - Spotlight Artist Ad (SLA) - Various weekly APD Global Radio E-blast Placements - APD Tutorial Seminar: The APD Tutorial Seminar is an educational tool which is essential for independent artists and labels to continuously grow their global radio distribution footprint and traction globally.

2. THE MUSIC REGISTRY
1) Your choice of one of The Music Registry’s Annual Directories:
1)Music Publishers — 1 year / 12 pdf issues ($99 value)
2) Film & Television Music Monthly — 12 pdf issues ($99 value)
3) A&R Registry — 1 pdf issue ($75 value)
One of the leading companies who publish contact information for the music industry. The go-to source for contact information when you need to reach music industry professionals. http://www.musicregistry.com

3. THE INDIE BIBLE
Your very own copy of “The Ultimate Indie Bible”: The Indie Bible lists over 2500 magazines, music blogs, 3100 radio stations, 1100 labels and distributors, 1000 promotion, marketing, management and PR services as well as over 400 sites where you can upload your band's MP3s or videos. https://www.indiebible.com

4. BROADJAM
Broadjam MoB Membership and 1 Free Submission!
Get the chance to pitch your music to all sorts of opportunities! Broadjam provides promotional services for independent musicians, the music industry and fans around the world. It’s one of the world’s largest web communities focused on independent music.
http://www.broadjam.com ($55 value)

5. 101 TIPS AND TRICKS OF SUCCESSFUL SONGWRITING
A personalized, autographed copy of the book “101 Tips and Tricks of Successful Songwriting” Find out what all hit songwriters have in common.
http://www.101tipsandtricksofsuccessfulsongwriting.com

6. Your name and song on our website and a mention in our social media promotions. ($Priceless my dear)

HONOURABLE MENTIONS, SONG CATEGORY
We will also have Honourable Mentions (for songs) and they will receive an award certificate and a mention on the website.

MUSIC VIDEO CATEGORY

FIRST PRIZE
1. $150 GIFT CERTIFICATE FROM GUITAR CENTER FOUNDATION (from the Guitar Center Foundation (offer ONLY valid for redemption in the US) Recipient can use their gift card at one of our US 295+ stores nationwide, online or by calling 866-498-7882
2. INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITERS DAY JOURNAL
3. FIRST PRIZE AWARD certificate emailed to you. Mention in social media blasts and link on website.

2. Second and third place music videos will receive an AWARD certificate by email. Mention in social media blasts.

POEM/LYRIC
FIRST PRIZE:
1) $150.00 GIFT CERTIFICATE from the GUITAR CENTER FOUNDATION (from the Guitar Center Foundation (offer ONLY valid for redemption in the US) Recipient can use their gift card at one of our US 295+ stores nationwide, online or by calling 866-498-7882
2) INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITERS DAY JOURNAL
3) AWARD CERTIFICATE sent by email and mention in social media promotions for the 1st place poem or lyric.

HONOURABLE MENTIONS, LYRIC/POEM CATEGORY
We also have an Honourable Mention category (for lyric/poems) and selected poems/lyrics will receive an award certificate and a mention on the website.

Please respond to any Sponsors communications within two months of the deadline to claim your prizes. Sponsors are not responsible for distribution after that, if they don't hear from you. It is your responsibility to act within this time frame to assure that our Sponsors can complete their distribution within a fair time frame. Thank you.

Rules & Terms

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

SONGS
Each entry requires the following elements:
1. One song (mp3 format only)
2. A lyric sheet (optional but preferred)
3. A payment of $25.00 (US)
4. A completed application

MUSIC VIDEOS
Each entry requires the following elements:
1. One video
2. A payment of $25.00 (US)
3. A completed application

LYRIC/POEM
Each entry requires the following elements:
1. One lyric or poem
2. Printed lyric or poem
3. A payment of $25.00 (US)
4. A completed application

Welcome to The International Songwriters Day Song contest! It is open to songwriters of all levels, both amateur and professional (and “indie” music video artists). We are open to all age levels, however entrants under the age of eighteen must have the permission of their parent or legal guardian to enter. Employees of the International Songwriters Day Song Contest are not eligible to enter.

This year’s (2023/24) theme are songs about inspiration think (“new beginnings” “second chances, “fresh starts, looking ahead to the future or making the most of things in the moment!), etc. Any songs that have this theme are acceptable for this contest. The songs do not have to be “happy” but inspirational in some way. Songs do not need to be new, they can be previously recorded or submitted elsewhere.

Entry fees are accepted through our online submission process through FilmFreeway before our entry deadline by credit card or PayPal. Entrant fee is non-refundable and The International Songwriters Day Song contest is not responsible for late, incomplete or misdirected entries. The International Songwriters Day Song contest is not responsible for faulty file uploads accompanying online entries. No responsibility can be accepted for entries not received for whatever reason.

Entrants are allowed to submit more than one entry however each song must be submitted separately with its own entry and entry fee. This contest is void where prohibited or restricted by any Federal, State or Local law.

The songs submitted will be judged on the quality of the melody and lyrics, and originality. Production quality or performance is helpful but will not sway our judges. All entries will be declared final and no changes will be allowed upon submission. At this stage, we are only accepting “English language” lyrics. Winners will be chosen by a panel of judges of professional songwriters, producers and music industry professionals. Entries will be screened by The International Songwriters Day Song contest listening committee, who will select the finalists, and the finalists will be sent to the judges who will select the winners.

All submissions must be original and the sole work of the creator(s) listed. All prizes will be awarded to the first name as it appears on the entry form, and division of prizes among co-authors is the responsibility of winners. Entrant agrees to accept the final decision of The International Songwriters Day Song contest and its judges.
Please designate just one name only as the main contact. All entries must not be in violation of any copyright laws, intellectual property rights, or trademarks or ethical standards of songwriting. Any entry found to be in violation of the above or proven to be plagiarized in any way will be immediately disqualified. The International Songwriters Day Song contest will in no way be held liable for any such legal action that results from unlawful or restricted submissions.

All creators must be listed in the entry process for each song. Please list the full legal name of all the songwriter(s) - do not use initials. The creator who enters the contest will act as the primary contact for the submission. Upon submitting the entry, all creators listed agree to the terms of the contest.

Prizes are fixed and division of prizes is the responsibility of winners. Decisions regarding the division of awards and prizes are left to the discretion of the individual contestants and their agreements amongst themselves.

Entries uploaded through the online submission system must be in the following formats, for lyrics- they must be uploaded in one of the following file types, DOC, DOCX or PDF. Songs must be in the following formats, mp3 or wav files.

Contest will use its best efforts to announce the winners at the designated time, but will not be held liable for any unforeseen delays. Winners will be notified by email and must, if deemed necessary at the time, sign and return an affidavit of eligibility/recording rights/publicity release within 14 days of notification date. The affidavit will state that the winner’s song is an original work and that she/he holds all rights to the song. Failure to sign and return such affidavit within 14 days or provision of false/inaccurate information therein will result in immediate disqualification and an alternate winner will be selected. Affidavits for winners under 18 years of age at time of award must be countersigned by parent or legal guardian. Affidavits are subject to verification by the International Songwriters Day Song Contest and its agents. Rules are subject to change.

Entrant is responsible for providing up-to-date and a correct email address to the contest. Presenter is not responsible for Entrant’s non-receipt of any Contest emails for any reasons, including but not limited to, server or email malfunctions. Presenter will not pay any winners; taxes or custom fees. Prizes will be sent out within a reasonable amount of time, and Presenter will use its best efforts to send prizes out in a timely fashion. If, after 180 days, any winner hasn’t received any portion of prizes, it is winner’s responsibility to notify Presenter in writing within 30 days, and by certified mail, as to which prizes are outstanding. If winner fails to notify Presenter, Presenter will no longer be responsible for delivery or prizes.

Entry constitutes permission to use winner's names, likenesses, and voices for future advertising and publicity purposes without additional compensation. Songwriters will retain the copyrights to the songs but they will grant The International Songwriters Day Song contest, a non-exclusive right to use the songs on the web and in our print materials for marketing purposes only. Entrant retains all ownership rights to all submitted song(s).

It is acknowledged that similar lyrics, sounds, notes, chord progressions, beats or other song elements may be demonstrated in more than one submission and/or in current or future development by the contest Judges. Any overlap of these or similar elements does not entitle any entrant to any compensation or credit.

By entering this competition, an entrant is indicating his/her agreement to be bound by these terms and conditions. By submitting your work to The International Songwriters Day Song contest you agree to indemnify and hold us, our employees, officers, agents, judges, shareholders, affiliates and partners, harmless from any and all claims, liability, loss, injury or damages to any person or property arising in whole or part, directly or indirectly from participation in the International Songwriters Day Song Contest. All winners agree to release the International Songwriters Day Song contest and sponsors from all liability regarding prizes won.

The International Songwriters Day Song Contest reserves the right to cancel or amend the contest and these terms and conditions without notice in the event of a catastrophe, war, civil or military disturbance, act of God or any actual or anticipated breach of any applicable law or regulation or any other event outside of the International Songwriters Day Song contests control. Any changes to the competition will be notified to entrants as soon as possible by the International Songwriters Day Song contest. The International Songwriters Day Song Contest reserves the right to extend the entry deadline and increase or reduce entry fees for special promotions and/or entry deadline periods.

The International Songwriters Day Song contest shall have the right at its sole discretion and at any time, to change or modify these terms and conditions, such changes will be effective immediately upon posting to this webpage.

The International Songwriters Day Song contest also reserves the right to cancel the competition if circumstances arise outside of its control. We also reserve the right to limit winners due to lack of entrants or quality of submissions.

The International Songwriters Day Song contest is not responsible for inaccurate prize details supplied to any entrant by any third party connected with this competition. The prizes are as stated and no cash or other alternatives will be offered. The prizes are not transferable. Prizes are subject to availability and we reserve the right to substitute any prize with another without giving notice. If the company offering the prizes for whatever reason is not able to distribute the prizes to the winner due to bankruptcy, an Act of God or any other reason, the International Songwriters Day Song Contest will not be held responsible and no cash or other alternatives will be offered.

By entering The International Songwriters Day Song contest, entrant and/or their parents or legal guardian (if such entrant is a minor) agree to accept and be bound by the decisions of The International Songwriters Day Song contest and its judges which are final and binding in all matters. Entrant agrees to be bound by all terms of these official The International Songwriters Day Song contest rules and regulations as established herein.

Winner announcements will be on or prior to April 9, International Songwriters Day. Announcements will be sent to the email address provided by each entrant and will also be posted on the International Songwriters Day website. No other notification will be given.

MUSIC VIDEO RULES

We accept all music videos up to 7 minutes. Must be “Indie” another words not by an artist or band on a major record label (at the time video is made). Digital online submission screeners via FilmFreeway only. Foreign language music videos accepted with English subtitles.

Only individuals that have the right to profit from the win of the music video are eligible to enter. By submitting you agree you have full legal right to enter on behalf of any other contributors and agree to take full legal responsibility and liability with regards to this.

There are no restrictions on age of production, your works premier status, and/or whether your work has been made available online prior or during competition.

Works in progress are not accepted.

By submitting you agree that your music video is original and is not plagiarized.
You also agree that you have full rights to agree to posting of music video on our website and other websites that we see fit and mention in our press releases and social media promotions.

By submitting you give full permission to show your music video and any information about your movie and people involved on http://www.internationalsongwritersday.com and its affiliated websites.

Entry fees are non-refundable.
We do not provide feedback about the selection or not selection.

The International Songwriters Day contest and event is not legally binding to any law suits that may come about or are pending for the film that you are submitting.

By submitting you agree that there can be no legal action taken against the International Songwriters Day contest and event for any reason to what is stated above.

By entering this competition, an entrant is indicating his/her agreement to be bound by these terms and conditions. By submitting your work to The International Songwriters Day Song contest you agree to indemnify and hold us, our employees, officers, agents, judges, shareholders, affiliates and partners, harmless from any and all claims, liability, loss, injury or damages to any person or property arising in whole or part, directly or indirectly from participation in the International Songwriters Day Song Contest. All winners agree to release the International Songwriters Day Song contest and sponsors from all liability regarding prizes won.

The International Songwriters Day Song Contest reserves the right to cancel or amend the contest and these terms and conditions without notice in the event of a catastrophe, war, civil or military disturbance, act of God or any actual or anticipated breach of any applicable law or regulation or any other event outside of the International Songwriters Day Song contests control. Any changes to the competition will be notified to entrants as soon as possible by the International Songwriters Day Song contest. The International Songwriters Day Song Contest reserves the right to extend the entry deadline and increase or reduce entry fees for special promotions and/or entry deadline periods.
The International Songwriters Day Song contest shall have the right at its sole discretion and at any time, to change or modify these terms and conditions, such changes will be effective immediately upon posting to this webpage.

The International Songwriters Day Song contest also reserves the right to cancel the competition if circumstances arise outside of its control. We also reserve the right to limit winners due to lack of entrants or quality of submissions.

The International Songwriters Day Song contest is not responsible for inaccurate prize details supplied to any entrant by any third party connected with this competition. The prizes are as stated and no cash or other alternatives will be offered. The prizes are not transferable. Prizes are subject to availability and we reserve the right to substitute any prize with another without giving notice.

By entering The International Songwriters Day Song contest, entrant and/or their parents or legal guardian (if such entrant is a minor) agree to accept and be bound by the decisions of The International Songwriters Day Song contest and its judges which are final and binding in all matters. Entrant agrees to be bound by all terms of these official The International Songwriters Day Song contest rules and regulations as established herein.

Winner announcements will be on or prior to April 9, International Songwriters Day. Announcements will be sent to the email address provided by each entrant and will also be posted on the International Songwriters Day website. No other notification will be given.

7 Reviews
Overall Rating
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  • Diane Kaufman

    Thank you so much, International Songwriters Day Contest, for awarding “For You My Lovely” Best Lyric. I was inspired to write the poem/lyric in December 2023 after reading the obituary of singer-songwriter Essra Mohawk who wrote “Stronger Than The Wind” which was brought to fame by Tina Turner who also died in 2023. I had also been reading an article of quotes from artists who died that year including Sinead O’Connor who spoke of the enormous power of the spoken word. All this led to “For You My Lovely,” a forever love song. I am a child psychiatrist and the founder/director of the Hold On Campaign for Suicide Prevention Learn more at www.holdoncampaign.org.

    April 2024
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    Response from festival:

    An important and inspired song!

  • Bryan Huynh

    Absolutely one of the best festivals. Thank you for 2nd place of SUNRISE original song, for the short film I DRUM TO A DIFFERENT PUZZLE

    April 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much Bryan. Wonderful song!

  • Ruth Garnes

    It is always an honor to be selected but to be named the winner of the best music video was a tremendous accomplishment and one that I sincerely appreciated.

    April 2022
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Ruth! Your song is extremely catchy and the effort and energy of everyone combined was inspirational!

  • Laion Roberto Santana

    I am so happy about it!! One of the most valuable contests! Awesome judges and musicians !

    September 2021
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    Response from festival:

    Great artist! Thank you. Keep on rocking in the free world!

  • Michael McNeil

    A great opportunity to keep your song writing skills sharp.

    April 2021
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you very much for your input and good songwriting!!!