1. When is the deadline for the contest? Can I still enter?

You haven’t missed it! The 18th Annual Billboard Song Contest runs until December 31, 2010. All entries must be submitted by that date to be eligible for the 2009 Billboard Song Contest.

2. How do I enter my song in the contest?

You can submit your song(s) either by mail or electronically via Sonicbids. Click here for entry form.

3. I only write lyrics with no music.. Can I still enter?

YES! We now accept lyrics only, just as we’ve always accepted a capella entries in the past. In fact, if you take advantage of the various links and resources we offer you may find the perfect co-writer to help complete those elusive instrumental components. Be sure to visit our sponsors for even more opportunities to network!

4. Do I retain all my rights to the songs I enter?

Absolutely. You retain all rights to your material! As a songwriter you realize how important your copyrights are, both now and in the future. We are very careful with the material that is sent in to us and are serious about protecting each songwriter’s right to their own intellectual property.

5. What happens to my entry after you receive it?

Our entry process is designed to get your music in the hands of the people who need to hear it. Once we receive your material, it is entered into our master database and archived to efficiently prepare each song for the judging process. Each judge individually scores the entries based on structure, originality, lyrics, composition, melody, and commercial appeal. Their judging reports contain valuable information and advice emphasizing each songs strengths as well as tips on how to maximize your own songwriting abilities.

6. Who do you use as judges for the contest?

Our judges are picked from a select group of music industry insiders knowledgeable about songwriting, current trends, and the music business in general. Depending on what tier of judging we are on , they could consist of musicians, songwriters, music fans, and music business students. During the final selections of our winners, our contest judges consist of industry professionals familiar with A&R, Booking, Management, Touring, Marketing, etc. and have a thorough working knowledge of the songwriting process as well as what it takes to succeed in today’s music and entertainment scene on both a national and local levels..

7. So really, does production play any role in your selection ?

Production does not play a role in the selection of our winners. Past winners ranged from a full blown studio demo track to a singer with a guitar sitting in the kitchen recording on an old tape player. Winners will be given the opportunity to submit new versions of the songs that are included on the Winner’s CD.

8. Why haven’t I received my critique back yet ?

After the close of the Songwriting Contest on Dec. 31, 2010 we will begin the final selection process. All critiques, awards, and prize structures will be shipped out or presented during our Awards Ceremony. If you have not received any of that after the winners are announced on Feb. 15 PLEASE contact us so we can find the delay and correct it. If you move or switch addresses during the course of the contest be sure to keep us informed.

9. What happens if my song wins or places in the top 3?

CONGRATULATIONS! You are one of the TOP SONGWRITERS who entered the 18th Billboard Song Contest will be ringing in your ears. You will have to sign an affidavit stating you actually wrote the song and are the legal copyright owner. We need this affidavit ASAP in order to have the Winner’s CD produced in time for our Awards Ceremony, which you may be invited to perform at. After you receive all of the winners prize structure and begin taking advantage of the many great opportunities and doors opening up for you as one of our winners you will be glad you took the chance and took the first step in pursuing your dreams, and that was by entering The 17th Billboard World Songwriting Contest.

10. Hey, I didn’t Win.. Did you guys even listen to my song?

Absolutely. Your entries were processed, entered, and judged the exact same way as everyone elses. Please remember our judges come from every corner of the Music Business, and just because those people who judged your songs didn’t pick you as the winner doesn’t mean that you should quit writing. In fact, the invaluable advice and personal song critique should be used to strengthen any weak areas in order to become more commercially appealing to a broad fanbase.

11. How many people entered in my category?

Unfortunately we can’t reveal final entry numbers as per our contracts with our various marketing partners/sponsors. Rest assured you were up against thousands of other songwriters from around the world, all with the intent of being one of the top 3 winners in their genre and earning a place on our Billboard Winner’s CD, which is distributed throughout the industry to inform, and promote the top 3 winners of each category. Placing among the top 500 songwriters is also an honorable accomplishment. It signifies you were in the minority of songwriters who entered the Billboard Song Contest.

12. Where can I buy one of the Winners CDs?

The Billboard Song Contest Winner’s CD is a promotional CD manufactured by DiscMakers and distributed free of charge to publishers, promoters, agents, A&R, managers, artists, etc. in order to help our winners get their music heard by the people who need to hear it. Being a promotional disc, it is not available for purchase, but is also provided to the songwriters who appear on it.

13. I don’t want to enter the contest, but can I just send in my demo for you to listen to?

We make every best effort to help new artists and songwriters get their foot in the door of the Music Business. We do get a lot of unsolicited demo’s and press kits that we simply don’t have time to listen to because we are focusing all of our energy on the family of songwriters who have entered the Billboard Song Contest. We won’t reject your material, but the fact is, we may not have the time to give you the proper attention you deserve because we are buried under a pile of up and coming bands and musicians who entered the contest.

14. How can I get in touch with a contest official?

Feel free to call or email us if you have any questions or concerns that aren’t mentioned here.

We can best be reached at:
The Billboard Song Contest
PO BOX 1000

Mounds, OK 74047

918-827-6529

Mark Furnas - Managing Director
Email: mark@jimhalsey.com

15. I entered the Fan Favorites category but I am not showing up on the site?

Fan Favorites Entries will begin appearing on the website September 15th, 2010 and voting will begin then. After that time, you will receive email notice of your account information to review and publish your profile with 2 business days of your submission.