Competitions worth entering
Open song and lyric contests from around the world, with the closing date each one usually keeps. Ring the bell and Cadence flags it here a week before. Always confirm dates and fees on the official page.
International Songwriting Competition
WorldwideOne of the largest open contests, judged by working artists across every genre.
Usually closes 7 Nov · 27 days away · Annual, opens late summer
My entries
Write a song first.Unsigned Only
WorldwideFor unsigned artists — judged on performance and song, with mentoring prizes.
Usually closes 1 Mar · 141 days away · Annual, opens in the new year
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Write a song first.American Songwriter Lyric Contest
United StatesLyric-first contest run in rounds through the year by the magazine.
Usually closes 30 Jun · 262 days away · Rolling rounds through the year
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Write a song first.USA Songwriting Competition
United StatesLong-running annual competition with categories for most genres.
Usually closes 15 Nov · 35 days away · Annual, late entries accepted
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Write a song first.Song of the Year
WorldwideBi-monthly deadlines, so there's usually one open when your demo is ready.
Usually closes 31 Jan · 112 days away · Bi-monthly deadlines
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Write a song first.UK Songwriting Contest
United KingdomBritish contest with genre categories and detailed judge feedback options.
Usually closes 31 May · 232 days away · Annual, early-bird pricing
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Write a song first.John Lennon Songwriting Contest
WorldwideTwelve categories, gear prizes and year-round entry windows.
Usually closes 30 Jun · 262 days away · Two sessions a year
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Write a song first.Great American Song Contest
United StatesKnown for written evaluation of every entry, not just a shortlist.
Usually closes 31 Aug · 324 days away · Annual, all entries get feedback
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Write a song first.Nashville Songwriters Association Song Contest
United StatesCraft-focused contest from the NSAI, strong on country and Americana.
Usually closes 30 Sep · 354 days away · Annual, members and non-members
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Write a song first.Australian Songwriting Contest
AustraliaRun by the Australian Songwriters Association across many categories.
Usually closes 30 Apr · 201 days away · Annual (Australia)
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Write a song first.SOCAN Songwriting Prize
CanadaCelebrates emerging Canadian songwriters, with a public voting round.
Usually closes 31 May · 232 days away · Annual, submitted by publishers and artists
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Write a song first.Ivors Academy Rising Star & Awards
United Kingdom / IrelandIndustry awards and development programmes for songwriters and composers.
Usually closes 31 Oct · 20 days away · Awards cycle, nominations in autumn
My entries
Write a song first.
