Open to all songwriters worldwide. Songs must be 100% original with absolutely no use of AI for lyric or melody.

NOW OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS
Submission Deadline: July 31

1. Eligibility & Submission Requirements
Each song submitted must be the original work of the entrant(s). Songs created wholly or in part using artificial intelligence (AI) tools—including AI-generated lyrics, melodies, or compositions—are not eligible.

Songs may not exceed five (5) minutes in length. Co-written songs are accepted; however, please designate one primary contact name on the application.

Each entry must be submitted separately and assigned to one category with its own audio file in MP3 or AAC format. To submit a song to another category it must be submitted again.

All entry fees are non-refundable. West Coast Songwriters is not responsible for incomplete or faulty file uploads.

2. Contest Structure & Awards

The West Coast Songwriters Song Contest consists of a single round of judging across all categories.

• One (1) winner will be selected in each category
• Each category winner will receive recognition, promotional opportunities, and prizes

From all category winners:

• One (1) song will be selected as the Grand Prize Winner (Song of the Year)
• Two (2) additional songs will be selected as Second and Third Place

The top three overall winners will be invited to perform in a Special Featured Showcase at the West Coast Songwriters Annual Songwriting Conference in October.

The Grand Prize Winner will receive additional honors and a featured spotlight through West Coast Songwriters.

Announcement dates and details will be posted on the West Coast Songwriters website.

3. Who Can Enter
The contest is open to both amateur and professional songwriters. Current board members, staff, and their immediate families may not be eligible to enter (to be defined per organizational policy).

4. Judging Criteria
Entries will be judged by a panel of respected songwriters, producers, and music industry professionals. Songs will be evaluated based on:

• Melody
• Composition
• Originality
• Lyrics 
• Structure
• Form

Production quality and performance will not be the primary focus—strong songwriting is what matters most. Distribution of prizes among co-writers is the responsibility of the entrants.

5. Winner Notification & Requirements
Winners will be notified via email and must complete and return any required eligibility and rights documentation within 14 days of notification.

Entrants must confirm that their submission is original and that they hold all necessary rights to the song. Failure to comply within the given timeframe may result in disqualification and selection of an alternate winner.

For entrants under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign all required documents.

By entering, participants grant West Coast Songwriters permission to use their name, likeness, and submitted materials for promotional purposes without additional compensation.

6. Entry Requirements
Each submission must include:

• One (1) song, five (5) minutes or less
• Audio file in MP3 or AAC format (12MB or less recommended)
• Lyric sheet
• Entry fee $35 non-members $25 members

Prize Packages

 Grand Prize Winner (Song of the Year)

• Featured Showcase Slot at the West Coast Songwriters Annual Conference (October)
• Headline performance placement within the showcase
• 1-Year West Coast Songwriters Membership
• VIP Conference Badge & Access
• Private Mentoring Session with an Industry Professional
• Professional Song Feedback Session with a Contest Judge
• Guaranteed Pitch/Listening Opportunity with an Industry Guest
• Live Performance Video Capture from the Showcase
• Featured Artist Spotlight across West Coast Songwriters website, newsletter, and social media
• Press & promotional support surrounding the win

 Second Place Winner

• Featured Showcase Slot at the West Coast Songwriters Annual Conference (October)
• 1-Year West Coast Songwriters Membership
• VIP Conference Badge & Access
• Private Mentoring Session with an Industry Professional
• Professional Song Feedback Session
• Live Performance Video Capture from the Showcase
• Featured placement across West Coast Songwriters platforms

 Third Place Winner

• Featured Showcase Slot at the West Coast Songwriters Annual Conference (October)
• 1-Year West Coast Songwriters Membership
• VIP Conference Badge & Access
• Professional Song Feedback Session
• Live Performance Video Capture from the Showcase
• Featured placement across West Coast Songwriters platforms