CONTEST RULES

1. The contest is open free of charge to amateur songwriters who are current US military service personnel and those currently inactive due to injury or disability suffered after the start of the war in Afghanistan on October 7, 2001. Such military personnel may also submit songs on behalf of an immediate family member (i.e., if single: mother, father, or siblings; or if married: spouse or children), and they may make posthumous submissions on behalf of a fallen comrade or surviving immediate family member (see above for immediate family member).

 

NOTE: For the purpose of this contest, an amateur songwriter is one who has not earned more than $5000.00 from songwriting-related royalties, works for hire or advances.

 

NOTE: Songs in which the melody or lyric was written by a professional or a professional music service are not eligible for this contest. An amateur songwriter must write both the lyric and the melody.

 

NOTE: First place songs from the 2005/2006 Songs From The Soul Of Service contest are not eligible.

 

2. CATEGORIES AND JUDGES: Music industry professionals will judge the finalists in each category. Music professionals and/or public polling will determine overall winners. Each category entry will be judged primarily on lyrics (as appropriate), structure, emotional impact, originality, and creativity. Simple cassette or other simple recordings are acceptable as song production quality will not be a factor in the judging. Prizes will be awarded for the top three songs in each category, the top three songs submitted by military personnel stationed in Afghanistan or Iraq, and the top three overall songs. Each song is eligible for only one category award (e.g., no song will be recognized as a category winner and a winner from Afghanistan/Iraq). Additional prizes may be awarded for other noteworthy songs.

 

Categories:

Country (Folk/Bluegrass/Country) Hip Hop (Hip Hop/Rap) Instrumental World (Vocal Jazz/Latin/Cultural-Centric) Novelty (Novelty/Children's) Inspirational (Patriotic/Inspirational/Worship) Pop (Pop/Rock/Alt/R&B)

 

3. A song is defined as a melody with lyrics delivered acappella or with accompaniment. Exceptions to this definition include rap (i.e., song form lyrics delivered rhythmically) and instrumental songs. Instrumental songs, regardless of style or genre, will be considered in the instrumental category. All songs should be of appropriate length but must not be longer than seven minutes.

 

4. Enter up to four songs. However, a given song can only be entered once.

 

5. All entries must be received no later than February 29, 2008. Neither Dallas Songwriters Association (DSA) nor its partners are responsible for lost, damaged or misdirected entries, or for the quality of the sound files of the song. Category winners will be notified in April 2008. Overall grand prizewinners will be notified in May 2008. The deadline for submissions has been extended to April 30.  Notification of winners will be delayed until June.

 

6. A signed entry form is required for each song entry. YOU MUST SUBMIT A SEPARATE COMPLETED FORM FOR EACH ENTRY.

 

7. A legible copy of the lyric is required for each song entered, unless the entry is instrumental only.

 

Methods of Submission:

Online Submission

  • 1.Click the "ENTER FREE SONGWRITING CONTEST"on left if closed.
  • 2.Click the Start Online Submission sublink tab.
  • 3.Begin online submission process.

Mail Submissions

  • 1.Click the "ENTER FREE SONGWRITING CONTEST"on left if closed.
  • 2.Click the Download Entry Form sublink tab and download entry form.
  • 3.Complete and the entry form.
  • 4.Include the song title and category on top of the lyric sheet. DO NOT include your name on your lyric sheet.
  • 5.If using a cassette, remove the cassette from its plastic case. If using a CD, leave in an unmarked case. Fold lyric sheet and write the song title and category on the OUTSIDE of the lyric sheet. DO NOT use a marker that will obscure the lyrics inside.
  • 6.Rubber band the lyric sheet to the outside of the cassette or CD so that the title is visible on the outside.
  • 7.Sign the entry form.
  • 8.Mail entry form to mailing address below.

Songs from the Soul of Service c/o Dallas Songwriters Association

3630 Harry Hines Blvd. Box 20

Dallas, TX 75219 USA

 

9. Entry material WILL NOT BE RETURNED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. DO NOT SEND YOUR ONLY COPY.

 

10. The judges may move a song to a more appropriate category. If there are not at least 8 song entries in a category, the songs entered in that category will, at the judge's discretion, be judged in the next most appropriate category.

 

11. The decision of the judges is final!

 

12. By entering the contest, an Entrant agrees to the following:

  • 1. America Supports You (ASY), DSA, and the contestâ Partners and Major Contributors have the right to publish the Entrant's and songwritersâ names and likenesses to promote the contest.
  • 2. DSA and ASY may reprint the entered song lyric in the DSA Songwriters Notes' newsletter, DSA controlled websites and profiles, and the ASY website.
  • 3. DSA can included the originally submitted recording or a DSA produced re-recording of the submission on a compilation CD of the contest's best songs. And that compilation CD can be distributed for free for promotional purposes and as a gift in exchange for donations to support Songs From the Soul of Service.
  • 4. Entrant retains all publishing rights not explicitly addressed in A, B, or C above.
  • 5. Entries may not infringe upon any existing copyright or other rights of a third party. By submitting the entry form, the entrant agrees to release DSA and its contest partners from any and all liability for copyright infringement of any entry submitted by entrant.

13. By accepting a prize, the winner releases DSA and its contest partners of any and all liability regarding prizes awarded. All warranties and performance of service promised are the sole responsibilities of the sponsor providing them.