This is the first Songwriting Competition that gives airplay to the winning songs, giving up and coming bands and aspiring songwriters the recognition and exposure they deserve. The Grand Prize package is valued at over US$50,000 in cash, merchandise and exposure, making this the largest grand prize package for any annual songwriting competition.
Other great prizes and awards, including industry exposure and airplay are awarded to finalists in each of the 15 categories available for entry.
Many USA Songwriting Competition winners in the past have received recording and publishing contracts, as well as placed songs on film and television. Judges include A&R managers from record labels such as Warner, Universal, EMI, BMG and SONY Music.
The USA Songwriting Competition is also sponsored by Sony, New Music Weekly, Steinberg, Audio-Technica, Ibanez Guitars, D'Addario Strings, Sam Ash Music Stores, IK Multimedia, Terratec, East West Sounds, MixDownMedia.com, Indie Bible, Garritan Music Software, Acoustic Cafe, Livewire Contacts, Loggins Promotion, Singer magazine, Electronic Musician magazine, Superdups.com, Sonicbids.com and XM Radio.
Songs may be entered in 15 different categories including Gospel/Inspirational, Pop, Rock/Alternative, R&B and Country. An increasingly popular and successful category is "Lyrics Only", providing wordsmiths the opportunity to submit lyrics for any genre. The competition is aimed at promoting excellence in the art of songwriting among writers, composers, bands, singer/songwriters and solo artists in an international forum. Entries are accepted from now through May 31, 2005.
2004 winners came from Canada, USA, Australia, Denmark, Germany, UK and Czech Republic.
