Contest Details

The 2008 Independent Singer-Songwriter Association (ISSA) Songwriting Contest is an international competition supporting the disciplines of songwriting, musicianship and performance. The main objective is to give independent singer-songwriters the opportunities to have their music heard and help them to establish a larger fan base.

Categories
Songs are submitted by the songwriter for consideration for an award in one or more of 16 separate categories. Three categories receive cash prizes. The categories are:

Singer-Songwriter of the Year (Cash Prize: $1000)
Best New Artist (Cash Prize: $500)
Best Single (Cash Prize: $500)
Adult Contemporary
Pop
R & B
Country
Dance Electronica
Rock
Instrumental
Contemporary Christian
Jazz
Folk
Fan Favorite (selected by fan vote)
Green (songs with an environmental message)
Lyrics

Prizes
Winners from the top three categories (Singer-Songwriter of the Year, Best New Artist and Best Single) each receive cash prizes. Winners of all categories will receive an official award certificate from The Independent Singer-Songwriters Association (ISSA), their name announced in the official contest press release, the opportunity to be picked to perform at an event or trade show in Southern California courtesy of Nibbay Events and Media, and a suite of other valuable prizes. Click here for more details on prizes.

Judging
The songwriter’s submission is judged by a panel of music professionals who are knowledgeable in songwriting, the music industry and today’s musical trends. They are songwriters, musicians, music industry professionals, music buyers and fans. Click here for more details on the judging panel.

Songs are judged on composition, musicality, melody, marketablility, lyrics and originality. The quality of the production and performance will not be considered.

Fan Voting
Following announcement of the Session 2 nominees, the fans will be able to vote on their favorite independent artists. This year, the fans will choose the winners of the Fan Favorite and Best New Singer-Songwriter categories.

Nominees and Winners
In each session of the contest, nominees will be selected and announced. At the end of the second phase, the judges will select winners for each category. The only exceptions are the Fan Favorite and Best New Singer-Songwriter, who are chosen by fan voting.

Phases and Nominations
The submission process is divided into sessions 1 and 2. Session 1 opens March 1 and closes May 31. Session 2 opens June 1 and closes on September 15. The nominees for each category will be announced one month after each session closes. The nominees from both phases will compete for the category prize. Winners will be announced in November.

Fees and Payment
The entry fee is $29.95 per song for one category. Each additional category for that song is $14.95. Written critique of a submitted song is available for $9.95 per song. Song critiques are available only when paid for in the submission process. Credit card (Visa or Mastercard) and Paypal are accepted as forms of payment online. Credit card (Visa or Mastercard) or money order is accepted by mail. No foreign or personal checks are accepted. All entry fees are non-refundable.

General Submission Rules
Each submission must be the contestant's original work, and songs may only be submitted by the songwriter. The song can have multiple co-writers. Prizes and award will go to the writer on the submission form. In the event of co- writers winning, it is the responsibility of the contest winner to divide the prize. Songs must be no longer than five minutes in length. Song files must be in MP3 format. Maximum file size is 4 MB. Contestants may submit to as many as 8 categories. Each song has an entry fee and additional songs have an additional entry fee. ISSA or any of its affiliates are not responsible for lost, misdirected, postage due, late, stolen or damaged entries. Material sent to ISSA will not be returned. Please do not send your original copies. Contestants will own the full rights to their songs. ISSA and its affiliates will not retain ownership of your material.

Nominees will be notified via e-mail and will also be announced on our website one month after each session closes. Winners will be announced Friday November 21st, 2008 on the ISSA website as well as a press release. Winners and nominees under 18 will have to sign an affidavit countersigned by a parent or legal guardian. When you enter this contest you constitute permission to use the winners' and nominees' likeness, name and voice in publicity and advertisments both current and future without compensation.

Rules for Submission by Mail
Please enclose the following:
Music and/or lyrics (music will be accepted on CD only)
Submission form
Money order or credit card authorization (payment made out to "ISSA")

Send packets to the following address:
ISSA Songwriting Contest
825 College Blvd, Suite 102-317
Oceanside , CA 92057