Profile of the NSAI Song Contest

NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International) Song Contest

The NSAI Song Contest presented by CMT is an annual competition that is open to amateur songwriters around the world. The said competition is now on its 13th year.

Participants can choose to submit their songs in a variety of categories, including Adult Contemporary, Broadway, Cabaret, Electronic/Dance/DJ, Funk, Holy Hip Hop, New Age/Ambient, Reggae and Urban R&B. They also have a Lyrics Only category.

Entrants can either submit their song/s online or by snail mail. If submitting via mail, you have to send a completed application form, CD, lyric sheet and entrance fee. Those who opt to submit online may do so through sonicbids.com. There is an entry fee to join this contest. Co-written songs may be submitted as long as all are amateur songwriters. You can send in multiple entries but on separate CD's and entry forms.

All songs are judged based on a 10-point scale.

There will be one NSAI Grand Prize winner, one CMT Listeners’ Choice winner, one overall winner for the Lyric Category, ten Runners-Up and ten Honorable Mentions. NSAI offers an impressive prize package for winners, including for the grand prize winner, a 60-minute mentoring session with Lionel Richie, a 3-day trip to Nashville, professional demo of the winning song and a Gibson acoustic guitar. Another great thing about joining this contest is that all entrants will receive a complimentary judging report even if your song didn't place.

Entries through snail mail should be postmarked on or before October 31, 2012. Online entries will only be accepted until October 31, 2012, 11:59 EST. Winners will be announced on April 1, 2013.

Judges for this contest include music producers, music publishers, professional songwriters and other industry experts.

For more information on the NSAI Song Contest's rules, song categories, deadline of entries, etc., visit their official Web site.

Reference

NSAI. (2012). In Nashville Songwriters Association International. Retrieved from http://members.nashvillesongwriters.com/news.php?viewStory=1077

In the words of singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman, "Songwriting is a very mysterious process. It feels like creating something from nothing. It's something I don't feel like I really control."

Here are several songwriting articles to guide you on your songwriting journey:

The Songwriter As A Storyteller - Learn what details to include in your song to make it more compelling.

The Parts of a Song - You've heard about the verse, bridge, chorus, refrain, coda, etc. These are all parts of a song; here's a concise explanation of each part.

Strong Opening Lines - Some of the best songs are those that have strong opening lines; here's how to come up with yours.

A Word on Titles - Suggested ideas on coming up with catchy song titles.

Which Comes First, Melody or Lyrics? - When writing a song which comes first, the melody or lyrics? Learn the answer here.

What is a hook? - Definition of the word "hook" as used in music, with examples for further reference.

What is a riff? - Definition of the word "riff" plus some song samples.

Other Song Forms - Other types of lyric writing strategies and guidelines.

Song Collaborations - It is a common practice among musicians to collaborate on songs. Sometimes these collaborative works become huge hits and along the way long-lasting friendships are made.

They Write the Songs - Get to know the men and women behind some of your favorite timeless songs through these profiles.