Memphis Songwriters Association
Songwriter Showdown Showcase Songwriting Competition 

Judging Criteria

Each entry is reviewed based on six elements:

  1. Development of Idea - Does the writer approach the idea in a unique, fresh and/or catchy way?

  2. Melody Suit the Lyrics - Is the melody appropriate for the lyrics, or is the contrast (sad lyrics with a happy melody, funny/happy lyrics with a sad melody) appropriate for the song?

  3. Structure - Does the structure of the song enhance the message that is trying to be conveyed? (Is a chorus necessary?  Is a bridge necessary, and how does one transition to another?)

  4. Lyric Development - Are the lyrics descriptive enough to paint a picture, but vague enough to be relatable?

  5. Emotion - Did I feel an emotional connection to the song?

  6. Overall Song Quality - Overall quality of the song as a body of work?

Each element was rated on a scale of 1 to 10 where:

1 to 3 - for not developed or not complete
4 to 6 - Song is average, does not stand out
7 to 10 - The song is well to very well developed

Official Rules - 2024

Eligibility    This competition is open to all amateur and professional songwriters except employees and directors of Memphis Songwriters Association (hereafter MSA). Contestants may enter as many songs as they like.

Requirements     All entries must be original songs and shall not infringe copyrights or any other rights of any third parties. Only one name should be designated as the Entrant for any songs with multiple writers. All songwriters must be listed on the entry form. Please list the full name of the songwriter(s) - do not use initials. Songs must be in English and limited to five minutes or less. All entries must include all lyrics to each submitted song. Entrants indemnify and hold MSA and the MSA Board of Directors harmless from and against any claims arising from your submission. Entry constitutes permission to use winners names, likeness, and voices for future publicity and advertising purposes without additional compensation.

Rights & Responsibilities   Entrants and their collaborators will retain full rights to all work submitted for the competition. Participants in the live performance in the final round of competition will perform solo as a vocalist accompanying themselves on an instrument or as a vocalist with an accompanying instrumentalist if they do not play an instrument.  The participants are responsible for providing the accompanying instrumentalist. 

Entry Fees     Entry fee for the competition is $25 per song for non-MSA members. For MSA members in good standing, the entry fee is $15 per song. If there are more songs in the submission form than what is paid for, we will use the first number of tracks that have been paid for. For example, if you paid $50.00, but we received 3 songs. We would only accept the first two that you submitted. Entry fees are non-refundable.

Submission Deadline     The deadline for submissions is Monday, March 22, 2024 at 12:00 midnight. MSA reserves the right to extend the deadline of the competition.

Prizes  Prizes include cash prizes for the top three finalists and other rewards to be determined.  Prizes will be awarded jointly to all authors of any song. Division of cash prizes and other rewards is the responsibility of winners. The winners release sponsors from all liability regarding prizes won. Any and all applicable taxes are the winners' responsibility.

Entry Methods

Submit Online  To submit online, go to https://memphissongwriters.org/, complete the payment form for your total number of songs entered, then submit your files via the provided form. Audio files must be in .mp3 format and maximum file size of 10MB for each track. Links to videos to YouTube, or other comparable services or links to sound streaming services such as SoundCloud, Spotify or comparable services are acceptable.  MSA reserves the right to request resubmittal of an entry due to poor audio quality if it inhibits a fair evaluation of the song.

Submit by Mail   To enter by mail send an entry form for each song, lyric sheets for each song, a check or money order for the total number of entries, and a CD or thumb drive with the submitted songs to:

MSA Songwriters Showdown Showcase
550 South Main Street
Memphis, TN 38103

All entries must be Postmarked by March 22, 2024. The Memphis Songwriters Association is not responsible for late, lost, damaged, misdirected, postage due, stolen, or misappropriated entries. CDs and lyrics will not be returned.

Judging    There will be two rounds of judging:

Round One     The first round will determine the Top 8 Finalists. These finalists will be chosen by the MSA Board Members or qualified designees. Songs are judged equally on originality, lyrics, melody, composition, and other factors. Quality of performance and production will not be considered. Finalists will be determined by April 12, 2024.

Finalists will be notified by email with an online form confirming your participation in the final round of competition. 

Round Two     The second round of judging will determine the Grand Prize Winner, Second Place, and Third Place during the live performance event—The Songwriters Showdown Showcase on Thursday April 25, 2024 at the Halloran Center in Memphis, TN. These three winners will be chosen by music industry professionals active in the Memphis music business.