_Information - Help - Your Questions Answered
If you have any questions they are almost certainly answered here. If not, use the contact link at the bottom of this page...
2012 CONTEST - The 2012 contest dates have not been finalised but we expect to start accepting entries in May. To receive notification of the 2012 contest dates when they are announced join the mailing list by using the box below and we will send you an email when the 2012 contest starts. Or join us on Facebook, MySpace, YouTube or Twitter - we will post on these sites when we start receiving entries, and these are great communities to meet other songwriters and learn more about the contest.
If you have any questions they are almost certainly answered here. If not, use the contact link at the bottom of this page...
2012 CONTEST - The 2012 contest dates have not been finalised but we expect to start accepting entries in May. To receive notification of the 2012 contest dates when they are announced join the mailing list by using the box below and we will send you an email when the 2012 contest starts. Or join us on Facebook, MySpace, YouTube or Twitter - we will post on these sites when we start receiving entries, and these are great communities to meet other songwriters and learn more about the contest.
Q: How do I enter? What is the entry fee?
A: When the contest opens for entries there will be a form here on the website where you can enter and upload your MP3s in a few clicks. There will also be a simple way for lyricists to enter their songs in the Lyrics Only category by cutting and pasting lyrics into a special Lyrics Form. The entry fee is £15.
Q: I do not live in the UK, can I still enter the UK Songwriting Contest?
A: Yes. This is an international event and the contest is open to all songwriters regardless of nationality and country of residence. Everyone has the opportunity to showcase their work to the UK music industry in London with this event.
Q: I am not sure what category my song fits into - what should I do?
A: Please see Song Categories page for details of each category. This should help you decide. Pick the category that most suits your song, and remember that the judges will definitely not miss a good song because of your category choice - they may even move a song to a different category if they think it has a better chance there (after asking your permission).
Q: Can I send my song or payment by post?
A: No. All entries and payments must be made online and there are no exceptions. Read the answer above for more details. For information about MP3s and how to enter them see below - scroll down the page to see this. If after reading this you still need some help we will provide email support and guidance if needed.
Q: How do I pay the entry fee?
A: You can use any major debit or credit card. If you are a member of PayPal you can also use your PayPal account. Please note that we use PayPal to process all payments because they are very safe and very secure but it is not necessary to join or be a member of PayPal.
Q: Will the quality of my recording or production make a difference?
A: No. The recording quality, performance, vocals and production etc are not judged. The ONLY exception is the Singer/Songwriter category where we also judge the vocal and general performance. In every other category we only judge the song itself and your songwriting ability. Our judges are very experienced and they know the difference between a good song and a good production. Many winners in the contest have been just a single voice singing over a very basic and simple piano or guitar backing. Acapella entries - just a vocal line with no music backing - have also won contest categories (for example in 2011). Of course, a good production may make your song sound better, but our judges will always concentrate on the songwriting first and foremost. One top producer and arranger, Richard Niles, told us that he likes to hear just a very basic demo with no more than a single voice and a single instrument with no multi tracking and no effects - so that he can simply hear just the song itself and imagine how he would produce it. To sum up: a very good song that has been poorly recorded or produced will be preferred over a beautifully produced but weak song.
Q: Can I enter a song that I have written but get someone else to sing and play it?
A: Yes. You can use other singers and musicians to perform your song.
Q: Is there a maximum length or time limit for each song?
A: No. Unlike other contests we do not impose a time limit on each song. Most songs entered tend to be between 3 to 5 minutes long but songs may be of any length and we do not want to interfere with your creativity by setting a time limit.
Q: Do I need to add the lyrics when I enter a recording?
A: No. We do not require lyrics when you enter a recording of your song. If the judges have any trouble understanding the words when they listen to your song they will contact you directly and ask for a copy of the lyrics - they have all been instructed to do this.
Q: What file types are accepted?
A: We only accept MP3 audio files (maximum size 10MB). But don't forget that if your music is already on a website, for example YouTube, MySpace, Facebook or on your own personal website, you can enter it from there without uploading the MP3 to us - you can also enter video versions in this way.
Q: What is an MP3?
A: An MP3 is an audio file. MP3s are encoded to reduce their file size without sacrificing quality. A 3 minute song in MP3 format is typically around 3mb in size and has nearly the same sound quality as an uncompressed CD track which would require a 30mb file. The fact that the song is 1/10th the file size without drastic reduction in quality is what makes MP3s so popular for downloading on the internet and sending by email. It is the industry standard.
Q: How large should the MP3 file be?
A: Typically, one minute of song equals about 1mb. So a 3 minute song should be roughly 3 mb.
Q: Can I just use a song from one of my CDs?
A: You must first import the song from your CD into your computer (a process called "Ripping") and then convert it to the MP3 format. This is a very simple process and you probably already have everything you need on your computer and it shouldn't require the purchase of any new hardware or software - see below...
Q: How do I convert my CDs to MP3 files for the contest?
A: You can do this with your built in Windows Media Player. Or you can do in iTunes. Here are some links to some good website articles that explain how to do this. Please read these and then email us if you have any difficulties. See Windows Help Article 1, also Windows Help Article 2 which describe how to do this using Windows. If you want to use iTunes see Converting with iTunes or follow these directions: Open iTunes and go into the "Preferences" menu. Click on the 'Importing" tab. To the right of "Import Using:" select "MP3 Encoder". To the right of "Setting:" select "Good Quality (128kbs)". Select "OK" to exit the "Preferences" menu. Now insert the CD that contains your song. In the "Source" pane on the left side of the iTunes screen you'll see the CD appear. Select the track you want to convert and click the "Import" button in the upper-right corner of the iTunes screen. The song will be ripped and converted to MP3 and will appear in your iTunes library.
Q: I have a video version of my song. Can I enter this?
A: Yes. If your song is already on a website you can enter this by using the Website Entry form. Note that in most categories the video itself will not be judged - we only judge the songwriting. (The exception is the Singer/Songwriter category where the singer's vocal performance is also judged as part of the complete singer/songwriter package).
Q: Is there a minimum age restriction?
A: No, there is no minimum age restriction.
Q: I write lyrics and do not compose music, can I enter my lyric?
A: Yes you can. There is a "Lyrics Only" category for this. See Song Categories.
Q: How do I enter the Lyrics Only Category?
A: There is a special entry form for lyricists and Lyrics Only entries - just cut and paste your lyrics into the form and submit. It is very quick and easy. Lyrics must be in the english language.
Q: I only write instrumentals, can I still enter?
A: Yes you can. There is an "Instrumental" category for this. See Song Categories
Q: Is there any censorship? I am worried that my lyrics contain a swear word.
A: No. There is no censorship and no restrictions on the type of language used.
Q: There is a musical or lyrical reference or sample etc in my entry. Can I still enter it?
A: We ask for original work. However, if your song does contain a musical reference or an element of another musical work, or a sample from another song, or a lyric from an out of copyright traditional poem etc, AND this is made clear to us on entry, we may still accept the entry - but the unoriginal part will not be judged. Only the original part of the composition, the part that you wrote yourself, will be judged. You must not attempt to pass off anyone elses work as your own work. If in doubt contact us before entry.
Q: Who are the judges?
A: Our top judges have included the well known producer, musical director and Doctor of Music Richard Niles (Take That, Paul McCartney, Kylie Minogue and many others) the producer Stuart Epps (Elton John, Oasis and others), top BRIT Award winning producer and very successful songwriter Simon Ellis (Britney Spears), and the international award winning singer/songwriter and successful country artist Lucie Diamond and judges of this calibre help to select the winners from among the finalists. All judges, including the preliminary stages judges, are experienced and dedicated musicians and songwriters and over the years we have been associated with some of the most respected names and organisations in the music industry and our advisors have included organisations such as The BRIT Trust (who helped us set up the contest in the beginning with panels and judges from The BRIT School back in 2002), The Guild of International Songwriters and Composers and others as well as top producers, musical directors and music industry executives, experienced songwriters, engineers, music journalists and authors. Each year we can call on a large pool of experts and professionals to help with the judging.
Q: Can I enter the same song in more than one category?
A: Yes you can. If you think that your song has a chance of winning or being selected as a finalist in more than one category you may also enter it in those categories. For example you might enter a song in the Pop category and also enter the lyric separately in the Lyrics Only category. You might even decide to enter it in a third category where you feel it has a good chance of doing well. But please note that each of these different category entries will be charged a separate entry fee as each will be treated and judged independently by different judges and panels as a completely separate entry.
Q: I would like to submit 6 songs for the contest. How much does it cost?
A: The cost is £15 per entry. So six entries will cost £90 (see above for details regarding payment in other currencies).
Q: I cannot see my entry confirmation? Where is it?
A: For security reasons entry confirmation and the payment receipt are always sent to the email address used during payment at PayPal (to the contact email for the person who actually payed) and this may be different than the contact email you give on the entry form - especially if someone else paid for your entry for you. Make sure you check the correct email account. If you do not see the emails check the bulk/spam folder. All future emails after the confirmations are sent to the contact email address supplied on the entry form.
Q: I did not get a reply to my email or contact form enquiry. Why?
A: We try to reply to every email and every contact form enquiry. If you did not see our reply it is almost always because a) it is in your spam/junk/bulk folder or was blocked by your email account provider or b) you made a mistake typing your email address on the contact form - our reply cannot be delivered to you if you gave us an incorrect address.
Q: How does the judging work?
A: All songs that reach a high enough mark in the preliminary stage take part in the finals. These finalist songs are carefully examined on many occasions to select the winners. We have real respect for the dedication and talent of the people who enter this contest and we devote a lot of time and effort to ensure each and every contestant has a fair and equal chance. Our judges are looking for songwriting talent, ability and potential for improvement and growth.
Q: Will I still own all the rights to my song after I have entered it in the contest?
A: Yes. You will continue to own ALL the rights in your song. Entering the contest will have no effect on your copyright ownership.
Q: Can I enter a song that is already in another contest? Or already published?
A: Yes. You can enter your song if it has already been entered in a different contest or has been published.
Q: How do I get my results and certificates?
A: All results will be on the contest website. You will be able to view and print your certificate directly from the website when the results are published.
Q: When do I get my guaranteed SongU and Broadjam prizes?
A: Everyone who enters will be emailed with special links and codes to claim the SongU songwriting courses and the Broadjam memberships after the close of the contest using the contact email address supplied on the entry form. IMPORTANT: Check your spam folder in case they go there. You must notify us as soon as possible if you do not see this email after the contest closes as the deadline for claiming prizes is 4 August.
QUESTION STILL NOT ANSWERED? Fill out our online contact form NOTE: Please make sure that your question is not answered above before contacting us.
A: When the contest opens for entries there will be a form here on the website where you can enter and upload your MP3s in a few clicks. There will also be a simple way for lyricists to enter their songs in the Lyrics Only category by cutting and pasting lyrics into a special Lyrics Form. The entry fee is £15.
Q: I do not live in the UK, can I still enter the UK Songwriting Contest?
A: Yes. This is an international event and the contest is open to all songwriters regardless of nationality and country of residence. Everyone has the opportunity to showcase their work to the UK music industry in London with this event.
Q: I am not sure what category my song fits into - what should I do?
A: Please see Song Categories page for details of each category. This should help you decide. Pick the category that most suits your song, and remember that the judges will definitely not miss a good song because of your category choice - they may even move a song to a different category if they think it has a better chance there (after asking your permission).
Q: Can I send my song or payment by post?
A: No. All entries and payments must be made online and there are no exceptions. Read the answer above for more details. For information about MP3s and how to enter them see below - scroll down the page to see this. If after reading this you still need some help we will provide email support and guidance if needed.
Q: How do I pay the entry fee?
A: You can use any major debit or credit card. If you are a member of PayPal you can also use your PayPal account. Please note that we use PayPal to process all payments because they are very safe and very secure but it is not necessary to join or be a member of PayPal.
Q: Will the quality of my recording or production make a difference?
A: No. The recording quality, performance, vocals and production etc are not judged. The ONLY exception is the Singer/Songwriter category where we also judge the vocal and general performance. In every other category we only judge the song itself and your songwriting ability. Our judges are very experienced and they know the difference between a good song and a good production. Many winners in the contest have been just a single voice singing over a very basic and simple piano or guitar backing. Acapella entries - just a vocal line with no music backing - have also won contest categories (for example in 2011). Of course, a good production may make your song sound better, but our judges will always concentrate on the songwriting first and foremost. One top producer and arranger, Richard Niles, told us that he likes to hear just a very basic demo with no more than a single voice and a single instrument with no multi tracking and no effects - so that he can simply hear just the song itself and imagine how he would produce it. To sum up: a very good song that has been poorly recorded or produced will be preferred over a beautifully produced but weak song.
Q: Can I enter a song that I have written but get someone else to sing and play it?
A: Yes. You can use other singers and musicians to perform your song.
Q: Is there a maximum length or time limit for each song?
A: No. Unlike other contests we do not impose a time limit on each song. Most songs entered tend to be between 3 to 5 minutes long but songs may be of any length and we do not want to interfere with your creativity by setting a time limit.
Q: Do I need to add the lyrics when I enter a recording?
A: No. We do not require lyrics when you enter a recording of your song. If the judges have any trouble understanding the words when they listen to your song they will contact you directly and ask for a copy of the lyrics - they have all been instructed to do this.
Q: What file types are accepted?
A: We only accept MP3 audio files (maximum size 10MB). But don't forget that if your music is already on a website, for example YouTube, MySpace, Facebook or on your own personal website, you can enter it from there without uploading the MP3 to us - you can also enter video versions in this way.
Q: What is an MP3?
A: An MP3 is an audio file. MP3s are encoded to reduce their file size without sacrificing quality. A 3 minute song in MP3 format is typically around 3mb in size and has nearly the same sound quality as an uncompressed CD track which would require a 30mb file. The fact that the song is 1/10th the file size without drastic reduction in quality is what makes MP3s so popular for downloading on the internet and sending by email. It is the industry standard.
Q: How large should the MP3 file be?
A: Typically, one minute of song equals about 1mb. So a 3 minute song should be roughly 3 mb.
Q: Can I just use a song from one of my CDs?
A: You must first import the song from your CD into your computer (a process called "Ripping") and then convert it to the MP3 format. This is a very simple process and you probably already have everything you need on your computer and it shouldn't require the purchase of any new hardware or software - see below...
Q: How do I convert my CDs to MP3 files for the contest?
A: You can do this with your built in Windows Media Player. Or you can do in iTunes. Here are some links to some good website articles that explain how to do this. Please read these and then email us if you have any difficulties. See Windows Help Article 1, also Windows Help Article 2 which describe how to do this using Windows. If you want to use iTunes see Converting with iTunes or follow these directions: Open iTunes and go into the "Preferences" menu. Click on the 'Importing" tab. To the right of "Import Using:" select "MP3 Encoder". To the right of "Setting:" select "Good Quality (128kbs)". Select "OK" to exit the "Preferences" menu. Now insert the CD that contains your song. In the "Source" pane on the left side of the iTunes screen you'll see the CD appear. Select the track you want to convert and click the "Import" button in the upper-right corner of the iTunes screen. The song will be ripped and converted to MP3 and will appear in your iTunes library.
Q: I have a video version of my song. Can I enter this?
A: Yes. If your song is already on a website you can enter this by using the Website Entry form. Note that in most categories the video itself will not be judged - we only judge the songwriting. (The exception is the Singer/Songwriter category where the singer's vocal performance is also judged as part of the complete singer/songwriter package).
Q: Is there a minimum age restriction?
A: No, there is no minimum age restriction.
Q: I write lyrics and do not compose music, can I enter my lyric?
A: Yes you can. There is a "Lyrics Only" category for this. See Song Categories.
Q: How do I enter the Lyrics Only Category?
A: There is a special entry form for lyricists and Lyrics Only entries - just cut and paste your lyrics into the form and submit. It is very quick and easy. Lyrics must be in the english language.
Q: I only write instrumentals, can I still enter?
A: Yes you can. There is an "Instrumental" category for this. See Song Categories
Q: Is there any censorship? I am worried that my lyrics contain a swear word.
A: No. There is no censorship and no restrictions on the type of language used.
Q: There is a musical or lyrical reference or sample etc in my entry. Can I still enter it?
A: We ask for original work. However, if your song does contain a musical reference or an element of another musical work, or a sample from another song, or a lyric from an out of copyright traditional poem etc, AND this is made clear to us on entry, we may still accept the entry - but the unoriginal part will not be judged. Only the original part of the composition, the part that you wrote yourself, will be judged. You must not attempt to pass off anyone elses work as your own work. If in doubt contact us before entry.
Q: Who are the judges?
A: Our top judges have included the well known producer, musical director and Doctor of Music Richard Niles (Take That, Paul McCartney, Kylie Minogue and many others) the producer Stuart Epps (Elton John, Oasis and others), top BRIT Award winning producer and very successful songwriter Simon Ellis (Britney Spears), and the international award winning singer/songwriter and successful country artist Lucie Diamond and judges of this calibre help to select the winners from among the finalists. All judges, including the preliminary stages judges, are experienced and dedicated musicians and songwriters and over the years we have been associated with some of the most respected names and organisations in the music industry and our advisors have included organisations such as The BRIT Trust (who helped us set up the contest in the beginning with panels and judges from The BRIT School back in 2002), The Guild of International Songwriters and Composers and others as well as top producers, musical directors and music industry executives, experienced songwriters, engineers, music journalists and authors. Each year we can call on a large pool of experts and professionals to help with the judging.
Q: Can I enter the same song in more than one category?
A: Yes you can. If you think that your song has a chance of winning or being selected as a finalist in more than one category you may also enter it in those categories. For example you might enter a song in the Pop category and also enter the lyric separately in the Lyrics Only category. You might even decide to enter it in a third category where you feel it has a good chance of doing well. But please note that each of these different category entries will be charged a separate entry fee as each will be treated and judged independently by different judges and panels as a completely separate entry.
Q: I would like to submit 6 songs for the contest. How much does it cost?
A: The cost is £15 per entry. So six entries will cost £90 (see above for details regarding payment in other currencies).
Q: I cannot see my entry confirmation? Where is it?
A: For security reasons entry confirmation and the payment receipt are always sent to the email address used during payment at PayPal (to the contact email for the person who actually payed) and this may be different than the contact email you give on the entry form - especially if someone else paid for your entry for you. Make sure you check the correct email account. If you do not see the emails check the bulk/spam folder. All future emails after the confirmations are sent to the contact email address supplied on the entry form.
Q: I did not get a reply to my email or contact form enquiry. Why?
A: We try to reply to every email and every contact form enquiry. If you did not see our reply it is almost always because a) it is in your spam/junk/bulk folder or was blocked by your email account provider or b) you made a mistake typing your email address on the contact form - our reply cannot be delivered to you if you gave us an incorrect address.
Q: How does the judging work?
A: All songs that reach a high enough mark in the preliminary stage take part in the finals. These finalist songs are carefully examined on many occasions to select the winners. We have real respect for the dedication and talent of the people who enter this contest and we devote a lot of time and effort to ensure each and every contestant has a fair and equal chance. Our judges are looking for songwriting talent, ability and potential for improvement and growth.
Q: Will I still own all the rights to my song after I have entered it in the contest?
A: Yes. You will continue to own ALL the rights in your song. Entering the contest will have no effect on your copyright ownership.
Q: Can I enter a song that is already in another contest? Or already published?
A: Yes. You can enter your song if it has already been entered in a different contest or has been published.
Q: How do I get my results and certificates?
A: All results will be on the contest website. You will be able to view and print your certificate directly from the website when the results are published.
Q: When do I get my guaranteed SongU and Broadjam prizes?
A: Everyone who enters will be emailed with special links and codes to claim the SongU songwriting courses and the Broadjam memberships after the close of the contest using the contact email address supplied on the entry form. IMPORTANT: Check your spam folder in case they go there. You must notify us as soon as possible if you do not see this email after the contest closes as the deadline for claiming prizes is 4 August.
QUESTION STILL NOT ANSWERED? Fill out our online contact form NOTE: Please make sure that your question is not answered above before contacting us.
