For over 25 years, the American Songwriter Amateur Lyric Contest has helped thousands of songwriters become involved in our community. Established in 1984, America Songwriter magazine sponsors six (6) contests per year that run in conjunction with each issue published. Entrants should send lyric sheet only, no cassettes or musical direction. The winning lyric, along with three (3) additional runners-up and ten (10) honorable mentions from each contest, will be published in the issue of American Songwriter that follows the deadline of each contest.

For more information about the current contest, visit: http://www.americansongwriter.com/lyric-contest/

The 2010 John Lennon Songwriting Contest Session I is now Open.

The John Lennon Songwriting Contest is an international songwriting contest that began in 1997. The Contest is open to amateur and professional songwriters who submit entries in any one of 12 categories. The JLSC is open year-round and features two Sessions -- with 72 Finalists, 24 Grand Prize Winners, 12 Lennon Award Winners and 1 Maxell Song of the Year.

You don't need a professional recording. Entries will be judged on originality, melody, composition, and lyrics (when applicable). Your songs may be entered in any of the following categories: Rock, Country, Jazz, Pop, World, Rhythm & Blues, Hip Hop, Gospel/Inspirational, Latin, Electronic, Folk, and Children's. Instrumental compositions are encouraged.

Bob Weir, Jesse Harris, Teairra Mari, The Black Eyed Peas, The Bacon Brothers, Ken Komisar and The Veronicas are some of the members on the Executive Committee of Judges.

For more information, visit http://www.jlsc.com

For 79 years, the Annual Writer’s Digest Competition has rewarded writers for their finest work. They continue the tradition by giving away more than $30,000 in cash and prizes!  Win a trip to New York City !

GRAND PRIZE: $3,000 cash and a trip to New York City to meet with editors or agents. Writer's Digest will fly you and a guest to The Big Apple, where you'll spend three days and two nights in the publishing capital of the world. While you're there, a Writer's Digest editor will escort you to meet and share your work with four editors or agents!

Entry Deadline:  May 14, 2010.
Add $5 per manuscript or poem to Entry Fee(s) on all entries submitted after May 14.

Compete and Win in 10 Categories!
•Inspirational Writing (Spiritual/Religious)
•Memoirs/Personal Essay
•Magazine Feature Article
•Genre Short Story (Mystery, Romance, etc.)
•Mainstream/Literary Short Story
•Rhyming Poetry
•Non-rhyming Poetry
•Stage Play
•Television/Movie Script
•Children's/Young Adult Fiction

Entry Fee: Poems are $15 for the first entry; $10 for each additional poem submitted in the same online session. All other entries are $20 for the first manuscript; $15 for each additional manuscript submitted in the same online session.

Add $5 per manuscript to all entries submitted after May 14, 2010. Entries submitted after June 01, 2010, will not be accepted.

More information at http://writersdigest.com/annual

SHOWCASE DURING SXSW

USA Songwriting Competition will present a showcase during SXSW 2010 (South By South West) in Austin, TX on Friday,
March 19, 2010, 7pm to 9.30pm.
South By South West is the largest musician's conference in the USA.
Austin Borders, 4477 S. Lamar, Austin, TX, Tel: (512) 891-8974

Artists/Songwriters to appear:
Kyler England (1st Prize, Country, 14th USA Songwriting Competition)  
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA

~There are only 4 slots left for this showcase. If you are interested in performing at this showcase, please e-mail us your website and other information to: info@songwriting.net

BLUEBIRD CAFE SHOWCASE

USA Songwriting Competition will present a showcase at the world renowned "Bluebird Café" in Nashville.
Thursday, May 6, 2010, 6pm to 8pm
Bluebird Café, 4104 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37215-2700, Tel: (615) 383-1461 (alcohol & food are served, reservations are accepted).

Artists/Songwriters to appear:
Jesse Terry (Honorable Mention, 14th USA Songwriting Competition)
Anadara Arnold (Honorable Mention)
Mandee Radford, Alathea (Honorable Mention)
Will Hopkins (Honorable Mention)
Greg Trafidlo (1st Prize - Novelty, 14th USA Songwriting Competition)
Carla Cappa (1st Prize - Rock/Alt, 14th USA Songwriting Competition)
TBA
TBA

~There are only 2 slots left for this showcase. If you are interested in performing at this showcase, please e-mail us your website and other information to: info@songwriting.net

The Baybeats Audition is an initiative to discover and showcase local bands with the potential to perform in Baybeats. Together with like-minded partners, the Audition is a stepping stone for new talents to meet and work with established artists, hone their craft and reach out to a wider audience. The final bands chosen from the Audition by the selection panel will each have an opportunity to perform a 30-minute set in Baybeats 2010. Selected bands are given the chance to develop and be profiled alongside other prominent local and overseas acts in the festival, gain exposure through Baybeats marketing channels and potential sponsorship perks. This will not be a paid performance but bands will each receive an honorarium.

For more information, visit http://www.baybeats.com.sg

The Big Island "Talk Story" Film Festival (BIFF) will celebrate its fifth year May 12-16, 2010 at Mauna Lani Resort, "on location" in two luxury hotels, retail shopping center and restaurants. Acclaimed by MovieMaker Magazine in its 2009 Top 25 "Coolest Film Festivals," BIFF brings a slice of Hollywood life to Hawaii's Kohala Coast, with a full slate of 50+ new narrative films, national celebrities, social events and stellar Hawaiian music.

"We're very pleased," said BIFF Executive Director Leo Sears. "To have the opportunity to showcase 'co-stars' like The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows, The Fairmont Orchid, and The Shops at Mauna Lani—it's like having three leading ladies lined up for your new major motion picture."

BIFF is a movie-lover's nirvana, with back-to-back screenings of short and feature-length films during the day, evening movies in two different locations, awards brunch, a screenwriting workshop with Ron Osborn ("Duckman," "The West Wing," "Moonlighting"), celebrity receptions for an actor and a filmmaker, and "Best of the Fest" concert with audience-choice short and feature films.

Longtime Hawaii Island residents Leo and Jan Sears (Producer) began BIFF in 2006. "It all started during the Maui Film Festival in 2004," said Sears. "We were sitting with Marilyn Killeri (then Big Island Film Commissioner) and asked her 'why don't we have something like this?' and she said 'because we need somebody to do it.' So we did." Sears himself a SAG actor, screenwriter, playwright and teacher, has watched the Festival expand every year, and hopes the new location will help continue the growth process.

Mauna Lani Resort will offer accommodations at two ocean front luxury resorts, The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows and The Fairmont Orchid along with unparalleled shopping at The Shops at Mauna Lani.

For filmmakers world-wide, the final entry deadline is February 1, 2010. Narrative films (not documentaries) are accepted, both "shorts" (30 minutes or less) and feature-length (60 minutes or more), completed after January 1, 2009. Films shot in Hawaii or from filmmakers who live in Hawaii receive a 25% discount on entry fees (verification required).

The Big Island "Talk Story" Film Festival is a celebration of independent filmmaking with movies, special events, Hawaiian culture and music, all embraced by the spirit of Aloha, to help it grow into a premier event to share with the world.

For information, submission rules and application visit http://www.BigIslandFilmFestival.com or call 808-883-0394.

Please befriend our Facebook Fan page, follow @BigIslandFilm on Twitter or visit http://www.BigIslandFilmFestival.com

"The Best Part of Wakin' Up Folgers in Your Cup"

As one of the most memorable and recognizable pieces of advertising, "The Best Part of Wakin' Up" jingle has been woven into the fabric of American culture. For 25 years, it has helped mothers and fathers, teachers, morning DJs, dancers, artists, and musicians all start their day. The jingle has united couples over coffee, welcomed home college students and marines, and brought together families with the sounds, sights, and smells of fresh-brewed Folgers® Coffee.

Want a chance to showcase your musical talents? Send them your original take on the Folgers® Coffee jingle. The winner will receive $25,000 plus the chance to have their jingle featured in a Folgers Coffee commercial.

Compose your original version of the Folgers Coffee Jingle. Just include "The Best Part of Wakin' Up is Folgers in Your Cup" melody and lyrics as shown in our Tool Kit.

Enter between January 19 and February 28, 2010.

More information at http://www.bestpartofwakinup.com/sections/jinglehome

The 8th Annual, 2010 Nashville SongWriters Festival is several music happenings in one! Find your place in the mix. It’s part live original music festival, part music conference, part networking opportunity and part gathering of friends held June 4-6. The live performances, education and Open House are concurrently running events.  Attendees can take in all or parts of the fest and "Play it by ear!"

Songwriters of all genres converge for The Nashville SongWriters Festival. Tunesmiths share their music on multiple stages and open Sing Rings. The fest is open to all forms of songwriting, from the novice to the professional. There are no pre qualifications to play or attend. Everyone is encouraged to come as they are. All attendees will have the opportunity to share their words or music and find their place in the mix.
 
While at the fest, writers can also attend Pro Instruction classes, workshops, Q & A sessions and other personal tid bits, all about the craft and business of songwriting.
 
An Open House is held by participating recording studios, publishers, song pluggers and other music related businesses where writers can drop by without an appointment to ask questions, exchange samples or discuss what part they play in the business of Music.  Register your music related music business for the Open House or if you're a festival attendee, stop by and check out some of the industry.
 
For registered and non performing writers, there will be a "Writer's Area" provided by the Fest near the information booth. At the display table attendees can deposit their CD'S and the fest staff will take inquiries or make sales for participants. Also drop off a copy of your songs in the Fest Drop Box where your materials will be forwarded to publishers.
 
Come to share your music and have fun playing the songs that you have written. While at the fest we hope you get inspired, reinvigorated, find co writers, network and write some new tunes. Most of all have fun. Music is not all business all of the time. But... if you think you have something that is potentially a commercial success.....enter the "Song Contest & Critiques". We want to recognize songwriter efforts and help get your material in the hands of publishers and recording artist of all sizes. We want to highlight talent and help make others better writers who are informed on what the industry is looking for..... Great Commercial Songs. There will be prizes plus entrants will also get their songs critiqued and commercial feed back.  Entrants do not have to attend the Festival to enter the "Song Challenge & Critiques."
 
Another historical gathering begins to shape up as we throw down at this years congregation to celebrate the spirit of the songwriter.  Many special guest and surprises await but as always, the real featured writer is you!
 
Registration is now officially open. Performing and Non performing songwriters, music related business, volunteers and the public wishing to participate in the June 4-6, 2010 activities can visit the web site at www.SongWritersFestival.com or Email: Popcorn@SongWritersFestival.com or call 615-424-1491 or 931-296-4067 for more info.

Lyricists! Here’s your chance to shine!
Enter The Dallas Songwriters Quarterly Lyric Contest

Entry fee is $10 per lyric.

Quarterly Entry Deadlines:
Winter - March 31
Spring - June 30
Summer - September 30
Fall - December 31


PRIZES TO BE AWARDED
Of course the MAIN prize is what we ALL aspire to: RECOGNITION FOR OUR LYRICAL WORK!  ALSO: The 1st place winning lyricist receives $50 cash.

The 1st, 2nd, 3rd place winner's lyrics and judges critiques will be published in the DSA “Songwriters Notes” and on the DSA Website.

More information at http://www.dallassongwriters.org/

Rock'n Music Idol, New Jersey's premiere music talent search is offering a $500 cash prize to this year's overall winner. Rock'n Music Idol, now entering its 3rd season, is open to New Jersey musicians ages 7-17 in the categories of guitar, bass, drums, keyboard/piano, vocals, and vocals/instrument. The competition follows an audition process during which contestants are judged by professional musicians based on style, technique, and originality. Rock'n Music Idol culminates with a live finale which features performances by the finalists and the selection of the winners.

Winners are selected in each of the instrument categories. All of the winners receive professional recording studio time to write and record original songs, a professional photo shoot with famed photographer Mark Weiss (Ozzy Osbourne, Bon Jovi, Christina Aguilera) and the distinguished title of Rock'n Music Idol. One overall winner will be selected by the judges and receive the $500 cash prize!

Past winners of Rock'n Music Idol have performed at some of the most prestigious venues in New Jersey, including The Stone Pony and The Count Basie Theater, and have been featured on Q104.3, WGHT, and on national television (ABC).

The deadline to enter Rock'n Music Idol 2010 is Friday, February 19th. To enter, log on to http://www.RocknMusicIdol.com.

Enter today for a chance to be the next Rock'n Music Idol!

The Indiegrrl Song Writing Contest is open to both amateur and professional writers. To enter the Indiegrrl Song Writer’s Contest, you must identify as female. If the song is co-written then one of the writers must identify as female. You do not have to be a member of Indiegrrl Women in the Arts to participate. There is no age limit to this contest. If the songwriter is under 18 years of age, your legal guardian must also sign the submission entry form. All ages will be judged in the same bracket. All genres of music accepted. For songs containing lyrics the songs will be judged on a 30 point maximum point scale in these three criteria: 10 points maximum for lyrical composition, 10 points maximum for musical composition, 10 points maximum for uniqueness. Musical composition songs without lyrics will be judged on a 30 point maximum point scale in these criteria: 15 points for musical arrangement and 15 points for uniqueness.

Submission deadline is March 1, 2010.

More information at http://www.indiegrrl.com/2010%20Song%20Writing%20Contest/2010_indiegrrl_song_writing_contest.html

Open Stage 2010 – NYC is an opportunity for new music talent to be discovered by top NYC music industry players. The Open Stage 2010 - NYC judge panel consists of Grammy Award winning songwriters/producers, radio djs, talent scouts, entertainment attorneys, and music business consultants. The Grand Finale will be held LIVE in Times Square at New World Stage, New York, NY, in June 2010.

For more information, visit: http://openstage2010.com

The Young Composer Awards encourage developing music creators during the earliest stages of their careers. Named in honor of Pulitzer Prize-winning composer and former ASCAP President Morton Gould, the cash prizes are awarded each year to composers who are under 30 years of age. A panel of ASCAP composers selects the winners. Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or enrolled students with a student visa. Applicants must be under age 30 as of January 1, 2010. Original Concert Music of any style will be considered.

How to apply: Applicants must submit a completed application form; one original score; biographical information listing prior music studies; and a list of compositions to date.

Deadline: All materials must be postmarked no later than March 1, 2010

For more information & to obtain an application, visit: http://www.ascap.com/calendar/Default.aspx?action=display&ID=1906

Sandra James, poet, song-writer, singer, environmentalist, and humanitarian activist, has been recognized for her combination of natural talent and tenacious determination to communicate through song. In her quest to produce her own works, Sandra was awarded a scholarship to Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. Though her performances brought her to many locales throughout the world, it wasn’t until the last days of her life that Sandra was able to realize her dream of recording a CD of her original compositions. And it has been from this point that the Sandra James Songwriting contest has been created.

The contest runs from January 1st until March 31st 2010. Contest details, a simple form, and examples of Sandra's music may be found on her website, www.sandrajames.com.

Songs should reflect Sandra's message and passions: positive changes involving children, music, peace and the protection of the environment.

The winners will be announced on May 1, 2010.

The foundation, created by Sandra before her passing, has been charged with the mission of using the proceeds of her estate to convey the message that together we can make a better world. When creating the foundation, Sandra said, “No one can put a price on how far an inspirational message can impact change.” The Foundation's Board of Directors is comprised of seven friends of Sandra James. The purpose of the Foundation is to preserve, protect and promote her music and message in the hopes that it will inspire generations to come.

Tunesmith Ventures welcomes Country star Andy Griggs as our guest artist for our Tunesmith 2010 Andy Griggs Song Challenge Event.

For less than the cost of a demo you can attend this event, write a song for Andy based on his concept/theme (which he will tell you on opening day at the meet and greet) If he and the industry panel of judges choose your song as the BEST out of all those written, Andy will record the song and it will be released nationally as a SINGLE!
We will also select a runner up song that may also be cut, studio time permitting!

Rules:
This Song challenge is open to ALL songwriters. Professional songwriters are welcome, STAFF writers performing songwriters. amateurs etc

The song will be written in its entirity DURING the event.

The theme/concept that you will be writing will NOT be revealed until the meet and greet at The Embassy Suites February 25th at 4 pm.

All songwriters working on the song MUST be paid attendees of the Tunesmith 2010 "Andy Griggs Song Challenge Event"

All decisions of the Judges, and Andy Griggs WILL be final

You DO NOT have to stay at the Embassy Suites, Just be there for the get togethers.

NO restrictions on teams. BUILD the team you think has the BEST chance to write the winning song!

All participants will be on a first PAID basis. When roster is full, there will be no more signups allowed.

This event is limited. We are looking fo the very best songwriters to attend this event and try their luck at an Andy cut.

More information at http://tunesmith.net/

The nationally syndicated FM and Internet radio broadcast 'Rock Solid Pressure' featuring the dungeon duo of the airwaves 'J-Rock and Patty The Radio Girl' have just begun their 8th season of 'The Rock Solid Pressure Radio Competitons.'

Rock Solid Pressure exploded onto the scene in a small Connecticut radio station in 2002. It originated as a revolt to the fluffy reality music TV shows. The broadcast quickly became an underground hit in a stagnant and suffering national music scene. Live Showcases for Sony Records quickly followed and the rest is etched in hard rock history. The multi sponsored show moved to Central Florida and now commands an immense loyal following through FM and internet syndication. The Rock Solid Pressure Showcase is no longer an exclusive event for members of Sony Records A&R. Many new labels and industry insiders have jumped on the panels through the years, and a dynasty has been forged for the unsigned music community with these franchise events. the FM radio competitions, which kicked off on Jan 4th, will determine who we will see on the showcase stage in September. 4 unsigned bands go head to head each week in a competition where the listener's realtime votes move their favorite bands into victory or defeat. When a grand prize winner is found (This band has to win 5 matches in a row), that gets them a cool prize package from the sponsors, and that coveted spot in the annual industry showcase.

The Showcase is always heralded by the media as being more attentive than SXSW, NAMM, and other events of this magnatude. The difference is there is no 'pay to play' label placement or filler bands who 'know the right connections'. It's all about the music and serious networking. The labels and industry insiders know they have a job to do on the panel. That's to critique, and possibly sign 20 of the best 'hand picked' bands from around the country. The Showcase has since become one of the most talked about events in North America. This will be the 8th successful year, and the spectacle grows bigger each year. Widescreen DVD feature films are available from a few of these showcases are available at the Rock Solid Pressure site. If you have never attended the showcase (Espescially if you are an unsigned band), pick up a DVD and see what you are missing.

Just like last year, a professional film crew will be shooting the event for a 2010 documentary on the showcase, and the music industry in general. This film will also make the rounds throughout the many record labels that are affiliated with the award winning broadcast. The Rock Solid Pressure Show has an uncanny knack for discovering the best unsigned bands in the world and moving their career forward. The show's track record is spotless. They get bands signed every year..PERIOD!! The annual Showcase is the logical extension of the broadcast, and it's been a rite of passage for unsigned bands since 2002. The best of all Rock/Metal genres will be offered up for the industry in a slam bang weekend event of heavy duty networking in September. The Showcase also gives the general public a peek inside the recording industry, and an actual chance for bands to walk in from the street and get their music to major players in the industry unsolicited. The public will also hear from the panelists about their thoughts on the performances, and what it takes to get to the next level.

Listen to the 'Rock Solid Pressure Show' every Monday night at 9:00pm (EST USA) on these fine stations:

FM Radio Dial
THE ROCKET 104.7 FM (Oklahoma)
WRBC 91.5 FM (Maine) w/ Razor Ray
WDYN 100.1 FM (New York)
MEGAROCK RADIO WRRY 100.1 FM (Missouri)
THE PANTHER WPNT 95.7 (Georgia)
*Plus tons of AM stations through The Kaleidoscope Network

Internet Access
PURE ROCK RADIO www.purerockradio.net
KWTF THE EDGE www.kwtfworldwide.com
METAL X www.metalxradio.com
ROCK NATION RADIO www.rocknationradio.com

Please check the Rock Solid Pressure Sites for more info
www.RockSolidPressure.com
www.myspace.com/JRockAndPatty
RockSolidPressure@yahoo.com

If you would like to submit a cd for airplay consideration, please send cd/bio/presskit to:
Rock Solid Pressure
4254 Whistlewood Circle
Lakeland, FL
33811 USA

Artists in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana looking for new ways to record and promote their music now have a new resource with the launch of independent recording label Grapevine Records, The Fruits of the Lord.

With a new, 400 sq. ft. full-service recording studio and the ability to publish and promote artists via the radio and the Internet, Grapevine Records offers an exciting array of services to anyone looking for a way to break in to the music industry.

The company is currently accepting open submissions from Ohio area vocalists and musicians. “We specialize in Gospel, Christian Rock and Country, and we are also looking for high-powered Ballad singers,” says owner Joe Squatrito, “but we are a very broad-minded label, and will listen to any submission.” The studio is also available to rent by the hour for any recording project.

Anyone interested in submitting their music, auditioning as voice talent, or booking recording time at Grapevine Records can contact Joe at (937) 549-4670 or by email at grapevinerecords1@gmail.com

About Grapevine Records

Grapevine Records is an independent music label and recording studio located in Manchester, Ohio. The 400 sq. ft. studio is fully functional with state-of-the-art recording and production equipment, capable of mixing and producing up to 24 tracks on one CD. The studio's owner, Joe Squatrito, has been involved in music since the age of five, and spent 10 years recording and producing various artists in Las Vegas before settling in Adams County.

Dollywood is looking for singers, actors, specialty acts, and technicians to be a part of the Smoky Mountains’ premiere family entertainment experience!

Dollywood provides steady work, competitive pay and the valuable experience that comes from working with some of the entertainment industry's top professionals. Other benefits include an on-site medical center, profit-sharing, employee pass exchange with other attractions and businesses, food and merchandise discounts at the park and a relocation package. Salaries start at $400 per week for a full-time five-day week.

More information at http://www.dollywood.com/employment/schedule.aspx

The Creative Spirit Awards™ is the first and only competition to recognize and honor all aspects of creative achievements in filmmaking, writing, and music! The competition honors its winners with Platinum, Gold, or Silver Awards. The 2010 competition is open to works that have been completed after July 1st, 2008, or will be completed by no later than July 1st, 2011. With 77 categories in Film/Video, 58 categories in Music, and 33 categories in Books, there is a category to fit every artist no matter where in your career you may be.

The competition is open to Independent Films, Studio Films, Corporate Films, Independent/Local Musicians, Musicians signed with large or small record labels, Self-Published Authors, Authors signed with a large or small publishing company, or any artist who has created a film, music or book project.

Benefits of submitting include:
• Affordable Entry Fee: The entry fee is the lowest of any other competition, and therefore fits everyone’s budget.
• Student Film Categories: 23 film categories have been created especially for film students.
• Prestige: Displaying a Creative Spirit Award™ Statue in your trophy case, studio or office tells your prospective fan base, buyers, clients, as well as future publishers, production companies, and agents that your talents and work are worthy of their attention, and can be invaluable in securing your next big deal.
• Increased Sales: Award-winning books have a higher sell-through rate at the bookstores, award-winning CDs will have increased sales online, at record stores, and at gigs, and award-winning films will not only see increased sales and rentals, but makes all the difference when it comes time to attract a distributor.
• The Creative Spirit Awards™ Ad-Share Program: Unique to the competition, the Ad-Share program enables Platinum and Gold winners to advertise their work in full-page ads in national trade magazines at a fraction of the cost thus greatly increasing sales and awareness of your work.

The 2010 Competition began January 1st!

For more information and to submit your work, visit www.creativespiritawards.com

Prepare Yourself for Clash of the Artists 2010!

Clash of the Artists is the premier multidisciplinary online and real world competition where emerging artists get huge exposure, win exciting prizes, and help support art education in the NYC Public School System.

Now in it's 4th year, Clash of the Artists continues to grow, evolve and raise the standard for artist competitions around the world! With each year these unique competitions create a huge buzz online and the big finals event has become one of the top art events in NYC each year.

Get on board! Submit your work and get exposure for your talent while supporting art education. It’s your time to shine and they’re here to make it happen.

Competitions: Visual Art, Music, Film, Fashion, DJ, and Creative

Dates to Remember:
Submissions Deadline: January 25th
Voting: February 1st - March 10th
Event: March 27th

More information at http://www.artforprogress.org/events/clash_10.php