Established in 2002, the International Songwriting Competition (ISC) is widely regarded as the world’s leading and most prestigious songwriting competition.
It is open globally to professional and amateur songwriters, features numerous categories for all genres, and attracts entries from across the music industry.
ISC is well known for its illustrious panel of judges and the career exposure it provides, with previous winners including well-known artists such as Tones and I, Gotye, Coco Jones, Illenium, Bastille, Vance Joy, and many more.
ISC gives away prizes exceeding $150,000, including a $25,000 Grand Prize, the highest single cash payout for a songwriting competition.
This year’s impressive roster of judges includes heavy-hitters in the music industry, including celebrities such as Jason Mraz, Tom Waits, Elle King, Nancy Wilson (Heart), Fetty Wap, Gavin Rossdale (Bush), Cody Jinks, and many more.
In addition to celebrity judges, the panel also features executives from major labels Capitol Records, Sony Music, Columbia Records, Republic Records, Glassnote Records, Alligator Records, and others.
The International Songwriting Competition not only gives entrants the chance to win prizes but also allows them to compete among thousands of songwriters from all around the globe.
Songs are accepted as streaming links or mp3 files, whether the song is fully produced, recorded as a demo, or even just written lyrics on a page.
2020 Finalist Scott Robinson says, “I like that everyone was on the same playing field. It was also very rewarding to be judged by a group of seasoned and accomplished songwriters. In an industry with a lot of noise and a lot of releases, doing well in the competition gives you an edge to have your song heard and that’s really what it is all about.”
“Songwriting has always been a passion of mine and entering this competition was a way for me to get my name out there in the world of songwriting.” says 2016 Grand Prize Winner FAOUZIA, who is now signed to Atlantic Records. “I was at a point where I had spent years and years writing and thought it would be great to receive feedback on the songs that were out at the time.”
There is a category for every songwriter with a choice of 24 different categories to enter, including AAA (Adult Album Alternative), AC (Adult Contemporary), Americana, Blues, Children’s Music, Christian, Comedy/Novelty, Country, EDM (Electronic Dance Music), Folk/Singer-Songwriter, Hip-Hop/Rap, Instrumental, Jazz, Latin Music, Lyrics Only, Music Video, Performance, Pop/Top 40, R&B/Soul, Rock, Teen, Unpublished, Unsigned, and World Music.
Entrants may submit as many songs as they wish, in the same category or in multiple categories.
Don’t miss your chance to get your songs in before the holiday season, as the deadline is fast approaching! Visit songwritingcompetition.com to enter your work.