Welcome to the The Womens Freedom Song Contest! We are looking for the next “Female Anthem.” Do you have an inspiring song, music video or lyric about women to share? Got one kicking around, sitting on a shelf ready to be polished or already up your sleeve? Well send it in!

Are you an amazing “undiscovered” songwriter or perhaps already a song pro with tons of experience? This contest is open to everyone who writes songs, (all genders too!), even your pet canary if he (or she) writes songs (though you may have to submit on their behalf)! We value artistry and it’s not necessarily the most commercial song we are looking for. If it touches a nerve, you’ll hook us. *It doesn't have to be "happy"- it can be sad, angry -whatever emotion talks about issues important to women.

If your song celebrates the power of a woman in one (or all) aspects of her glory, send it in. We are not looking for production and performance. Originality, melody and lyrics are our main judging criteria. We have some neat prizes for songwriters and our winners will be promoted on our websites and social media blasts.

We have a music video category welcoming all “indie” music videos" (not signed to a label) with female inspired themes and a Lyric/Poem category. Please note lyrics and poems must presently be in the English language but foreign music videos are accepted with English subtitles.

We have some highly skilled judges this year, with some golden ears. Your music will be in front of Brent Backhus (recording engineer for The Whispers, John Lee Hooker, Solomon Burke), Ruth McCartney - a highly skilled, new media entrepreneur (& step sista' to you know who of the legendary McCartneys!), Karen Bliss - Canadian Music journalist (Zoomer, UK trade Music Week, SOCAN), David Eaton (producer/engineer for Polyphonic Spree, Dynamite Hack, Archivist for top tier record label) and Diana Williamson (2 x #3 Billboard Hot Club Chart Writer, Author 101 Tips and Tricks of Successful Songwriting, and CEO of Themusiclibrary.org) .

We have created 4 other international contests in the past and received entries from over 23 countries. One was voted “Top 10” by Music Connection Magazine. We are a group of hard working music professionals who want to hear, promote and discover some great music.

We think it’s time for a little female celebration! So let’s hear your songs! Winners will be announced on International Womens Day, March 8.

Sign up for our newsletter on our website page or social media for contest updates (http://www.womensfreedomsong.com) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/womensfreedomsong) so you can find out about contest updates and any special promotions we may be having.

*Please note we are waiting on Twitter to unlock our account!

Awards & Prizes

FIRST PRIZE SONG CATEGORY:

1. AIRPLAY DIRECT
1st Prize Winner: Value: $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 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. 2 hr Photo shoot with Award winning photographer Mark Maryanovich - $900 Value (Valid only on location in Los Angeles) - winner certificate is valid for one year from day of contest announcement April 9. Photographer for music legends Chris Cornell, Bob Rock, Billy Gibbons, etc.. www.markmaryanovich.com

8. Your name and song/link 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: Value: $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 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/link on our website and a mention in our social media promotions. ($Priceless my dear)

THIRD PRIZE SONG CATEGORY

1. AIRPLAY DIRECT
3rd Prize Winner: Value: $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 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/link 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 selected songs) and they will receive a certificate and a mention on the website and social media blasts.

MUSIC VIDEO CATEGORY

FIRST PRIZE
1. GUITAR CENTER FOUNDATION
- $150 GIFT CERTIFICATE FROM 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 https://www.guitarcenter.com
2. WOMENS FREEDOM SONGWRITERS DAY JOURNAL,
3. FIRST PRIZE AWARD certificate. Mention in social media blasts and link on website.

2. Second and third place music videos will receive an AWARD certificate, video link on our website and mention in social media blasts.

POEM/LYRIC
FIRST PRIZE:
1) GUITAR CENTER FOUNDATION
- $150.00 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 https://www.guitarcenter.com
2) WOMENS FREEDOM SONG CONTEST JOURNAL
3) AWARD CERTIFICATE and mention in social media promotions for the 1st place poem or lyric. Name and title of poem will be listed on website for one year. (with link when applicable)

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

SONGS
Each entry requires the following elements:
1. One song (MP3's ONLY)
2. A lyric sheet (optional but preferred)
3. A payment of $25.00 (US)
4. 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

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

Rules and Regulations

Welcome to The Womens Freedom Song Day Song contest! It is open to songwriters of all levels, (and genders), both amateur and professional. 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 The Womens Freedom Song Day Song Contest are not eligible to enter.

This year’s contest is looking for a “Female Anthem.” Any songs that have this theme are acceptable for this contest. Songs do not need to be new, they can be previously recorded or submitted elsewhere. We have added a poem/lyric category as well.

We are also inviting “indie music videos” (not by artist or band signed to major record label at time of release). Both should have themes that have strong female roles or themes. (Male fronted bands are eligible but the song should have a female slant) in theme.

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 Womens Freedom Song Day Song contest is not responsible for late, incomplete or misdirected entries. The Womens Freedom Song 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 Womens Freedom Song 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 Womens Freedom Song 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 Womens Freedom Song 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 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 mp4.

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 sign (if deemed necessary) and return an affidavit of eligibility/recording rights/publicity release within 2 weeks (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 Womens Freedom Song Day Song contest and its agents.

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 Womens Freedom Song 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 Womens Freedom Song 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 Womens Freedom Song Day Song contest. All winners agree to release The Womens Freedom Song Day Song contest and sponsors from all liability regarding prizes won.

The Womens Freedom Song 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 Womens Freedom Song Day Song contest control. Any changes to the competition will be notified to entrants as soon as possible by The Womens Freedom Song Day Song contest. The Womens Freedom Song 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 Womens Freedom Song Day Song contest shall have the right at its sole discretion and at any time, to change or modify these terms and conditions, such change will be effective immediately upon posting to this webpage.

The Womens Freedom Song Day Song contest also reserves the right to cancel the competition if circumstances arise outside of its control.

The Womens Freedom Song 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 Womens Freedom Song 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 Womens Freedom Song 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 Womens Freedom Song Day Song contest rules and regulations as established herein.

Winner announcements will be on or prior to March 8, The Womens Freedom Song Day Song contest. Announcements will be sent to the email address provided by each entrant and will also be posted on The Womens Freedom Song Day Song contest website. No other notification will be given.

MUSIC VIDEO RULES

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

Digital online submission screeners via FilmFreeway only.

Only individuals that have the right to profit from the win of the music video or documentary short 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 or documentary short is original and is not plagiarized. All content, photos, videos, music, performers and contributors must be fully cleared.

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.womensfreedomsong.com and its affiliated websites.

Entry fees are non-refundable. We do not provide feedback.

The Womens Freedom Song 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 The Womens Freedom Song 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 Womens Freedom 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 Womens Freedom Song contest. All winners agree to release The Womens Freedom Song contest and sponsors from all liability regarding prizes won.

The Womens Freedom 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 Womens Freedom Song contest’s control. Any changes to the competition will be notified to entrants as soon as possible by The Womens Freedom Song contest. The Womens Freedom 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 Womens Freedom 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 Womens Freedom 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 Womens Freedom 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 a company offering 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 Womens Freedom 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 Womens Freedom 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 Womens Freedom Song contest rules and regulations as established herein.

Winner announcements will be on or prior to March 8, International Womens Day. Announcements will be sent to the email address provided by each entrant and will also be posted on the The Womens Freedom Song contest website. No other notification will be given. Please note winners have until May 20 after deadline to claim their prizes from the Sponsors. Please follow up once the Sponsors contact you directly, or they are no longer obligated after May 20, after deadline. The contest will not be responsible to any winning entrants who are notified of their placement in the contest once it closes, who do not reply within 30 days to supply us with their full contact details for their prize distribution.

8 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Natalie Jean

    Fantastic song contest!! Great event.

    April 2025
    Helpful
  • Ashleigh Somerville

    I really enjoyed my experience with the Women's Freedom Song Contest! The contest itself is a brilliant idea, highlighting the contributions of women - a subject I'm passionate about! The organizers were communicative and very responsive with communication, and I was so honoured to have my song receive an Honourable Mention! This is the first year I've entered, and I look forward to entering again next year with a new song. Huge congratulations to all of this year's winners!!!

    April 2025
    Helpful
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    So happy you joined us with your inspirational song. Thank you so much for the kind words. Keep up the good work!

  • Rita Weyls

    This is a wonderful festival. The organizers were so kind and responsive.
    They kept me informed throughout the entire process. I will definitely enter next year with a new song.
    Rita Weyls

    March 2025
    Helpful
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much Rita! And for your great song!

  • Meg Pfeiffer

    Amazin Contest. Wonderful experience. Musicians are being heard and respected. Would recommend this festival to every songwriter and artist out there. Congratulations to all the winners.

    April 2024
    Helpful
  • Christie Forde

    Such an awesome contest and on a topic I am very passionate about! This is the second year I’ve entered. I love that they include lyricists and I’m excited to have won first place in the Lyric category this year :)

    March 2024
    Helpful