**The Song Writing Competition for 2016 has ended for the year, thanks for all the submissions!**

 

IMSTA is proud to announce the IMSTA FESTA Songwriting Contest conducted & hosted by our partner Broadjam. This contest is an annual affair that will provide aspiring and established songwriters the opportunity to have their creative pieces heard by industry professionals. Songs with or without lyrics of any genre are welcome. Finales will take place at each scheduled IMSTA FESTA (LA, CHI, NY, Toronto) where 1st, 2nd, 3rd place winner will be awarded.


IMSTA FESTA is an environment to learn, network and connect with the professionals. The one- day event is a celebration of music technology featuring a selection of music technology companies, a series of professional Panels overflowing with music industry professionals, Master Class series filled with exclusive tips on your favorite production tools. Don’t miss the next IMSTA FESTA! Admission is free!


Dates & Locations:

 

Event Location Submission Deadline Song Submission
IMSTA FESTA LA - May 14, 2016 SAE Institute April 29, 2016 Completed
IMSTA FESTA CHI – Jul 23, 2016 SAE Institute July 1, 2016 Completed
IMSTA FESTA NYSep 24, 2016 SAE Institute September 2, 2016 Completed
IMSTA FESTA TOR – Oct 15, 2016 Ryerson University September 30, 2016 Completed

 

All song entries per region will be distilled into a top 3 using Broadjam’s blind listening peer review mechanism. This competition runs throughout 2016 with four separate regional drawings that are linked to each scheduled IMSTA FESTA. The Top-3 finalists will be heard at a judging panel at IMSTA FESTA. All finalists must be present for judging, if they are not, an alternate will be put in their place. Judges will listen to finalists’ creations and pick the regional winner at IMSTA FESTA and will receive a prize, with over $12,000 in prizes.

At the end of 2016, the four 1st place winners from each IMSTA FESTA will enter for the Grand Prize from which, the winning “Song of the Year” will be selected. The Grand Prize winner, in addition to prizes, will win a FREE trip to a songwriting camp hosted by Black Rock Studios in Santorini Greece.

 

Black Rock Studios is one of the most beautiful studios in the world. Each year Black Rock hosts several Songwriting Camps at their picturesque location on Santorini Island in Greece. This camp is attended by some of the most talented songwriters in the world. The Grand Prize winner will receive a free entry into a Black Rock songwriting camp in 2016, including airfare from the continental USA and Canada to and from Santorini and accommodations in Santorini courtesy of Black Rock Studios and IMSTA.


CONTEST DETAILS


  • Songs must be submitted through Broadjam or via www.imsta.org.
  • Each song entry must be contestant's original creation. Songs should not exceed 5 minutes in length (5:00). Entries may have co-writer[s], but one name must be designated per entry.
  • To enter this contest you must be a registered member of Broadjam at any level of membership, including free membership. Contestants new to Broadjam receive one free song entry and a 6-month trial Broadjam Film/TV membership ($50 value). Current (as of the contest start date) paid Broadjam members receive two free song entries, while existing free Broadjam members will receive one free entry. Multiple entries are permitted. Each additional song will cost $20.00 USD (Fees are non-refundable).
  • Employees of IMSTA, Broadjam and our Sponsors, their families, subsidiaries, and affiliates are not eligible.
  • Songs will be judged based on melody, composition, originality and lyrics (where applicable).
  • Prizes will be awarded jointly to all authors of any song; division of prizes is responsibility of winners.
  • Entry files must be uploaded as an MP3. Broadjam or IMSTA is not responsible for any corrupt files you may submit. Any and all corrupt files will be deleted without notification to you.
  • All complete entries for this contest must be submitted by 11:59 PM Central Standard Time (or, if being observed, Central Daylight Time) on the final submission deadlines of the contest.
  • All entries are final and irrevocable. Once you have submitted an entry for this contest you may not withdraw the entry or request to change the category, genre or other division you chose for the entry.
  • Winner of grand prize must be eligible and able to travel to receive prize.
  • Winner must live in North America. Entrants outside of North America will be disqualified if their submission is a finalist.
  • Grand prize winner will be notified by email at the address provided, and must sign and return an affidavit of eligibility/publicity release within ten (10) days after the date on such notification. The affidavit will state that the winner's song is an original work and that the winner holds all rights to the song or is a cover of a licensed song and is identified as such in the submission. Failure to sign and return this affidavit within ten (10) days, or the provision of false/inaccurate information therein, will result in immediate disqualification and an alternate winner will be selected. Affidavits of winners under eighteen (18) years of age at the time of award must be countersigned by the winner's parent or legal guardian. Affidavits are subject to verification by IMSTA. 
  • Grand prize winner must travel to Santorini in the calendar year following the competition.