I entered 4 songwriting contests to see how the judging would differ

I entered the Song of the Year a contest, the John Lennon songwriting contest, the Song Door contest, and the UK Songwriting Contest and here are the results. 4 songwriting contests, four different judging panels… What will different judges say about the the same song entry.

I really enjoy entering songwriting contests, it’s exciting to participate in these top notch, reputable contests that feature judges from nearly every aspect of the music industry. Entering is a great way to build confidence and grow as a songwriter. Whether you win or not, I think it’s a great way to get your tracks in front of music industry professionals.

The results are still coming in and I will update this post as they do. So far I have two contest results – The Song of the Year contest, and The UK Songwriting Contest. I am still waiting for the Song Door and the John Lennon Songwriting Contest.

Some of the same songs that received a 5 star rating and highly commended entry score from the judges of the UK Songwriting Contest weren’t given a ranking by the USA Songwriting Competition. So as you can see, although all of the contests have professional music industry judges, there are many more factors involved in judging music submissions including a judges preference and opinions. The point is, don’t let a contest entry make you feel like you are not a songwriter and don’t ever let a score given by a judge or a comment from another person deter the drive and passion that you put into your music career. Entering a songwriting contest should be fun and even if you don’t win you still got your music out in front of industry professionals. Seeing my songs perform well in one contest and the same songs not do well in other songwriting contests has really opened my eyes to how many variables there are in the music industry and success means different things to different people.

More song ratings from the UK Songwriting Contest

From the UK Songwriting Contest website on how the judges score song submissions. “Particularly outstanding Five Star songs that strongly impressed the judges receive a Highly Commended Entry Award.” “Five Stars indicates that the writer(s) have been recognised by the judges as talented, capable songwriters with definite potential and these writers have demonstrated that they can write songs of a professional standard.”

Pure Evergreen Category: Unsigned     Star Rating: 5    Position: Commended Entry
I Heard Footsteps on the Rooftop

Pure Evergreen Category: Christmas Songs     Star Rating: 5    Position: Highly Commended Entry
Christmas Together

Pure Evergreen Category: Major Artist     Star Rating: 4    Position: Commended Entry
Take Me on a Sleigh Ride

Pure Evergreen Category: Major Artist     Star Rating: 4    Position: Commended Entry
When You’re Gone. This song is a perfect example of how the judging can differ depending on the judge. When You’re Gone placed Semi-Finalist in the Song of the Year contest, but only go 4 stars from the judges in the UK Songwriting Contest. Of course I am very happy with the 4 star rating, this is only to demonstrate the variables and differences in my experience when entering songwriting contests.