SONGWRITING CONTEST

Calling all songwriters! Throughout the summer from May through July, we will share some images to inspire you to create your own brand new song or reflect on an old one. Send us a link to a video of your performance along with the lyric sheet and a 100 word explanation of the song’s inspiration. The top five songwriters (adult and student categories) will be invited to perform at the festival and compete for the grand prize! Entries can be individual or as a band, but the prize amounts will remain the same. No instrumentals.

 

Deadline: AUGUST 5th, 2026

 

Submit through email:

-a song by linking a Youtube video of you performing (it may be unlisted or public)

-a lyric sheet 

-a 100 word explanation of the song’s inspiration

-50 word bio

-contact information: your name, phone, email, and mailing address

 

Rules and Guidelines: 

-Basic phone recordings or higher production are all welcome

-Songs must be written by the performer (no AI)

-No instrumentals

-We invite all genres of songwriting

-No profane content or language

-Contestants may submit up to 3 original songs (1 per theme)

-Lyrics should be clear and easy to understand

 

Though we encourage writers to write new songs based on the monthly theme, older songs that fit the theme are welcome. The top 5 submissions in each category (student and adult) will be invited to perform their song at the ALAS festival on October 3rd.  Cash prizes available for top three places to be awarded at the Awards Brunch on October 4th.

 

Judging Criteria (100 points)

COMPOSITION (1 - 50 pts) - Lyrics, emotional impact, hook, originality, melody 

PERFORMANCE (1 - 25 pts) - Musicality, vocals, and inflection. 

THEME (1 - 25 pts) - Speaks to the theme and is relevant to the Appalachian region

 

Prizes

ADULT

1st place $250

2nd place $150

3rd place $50

STUDENT

1st place $250 + teacher nomination $250

2nd place $150

3rd place $50