The Australian Songwriters Association (ASA) is a national, non-profit, member-based organisation dedicated to the support of songwriters and their art. Founded in 1979, the ASA today has a large, vibrant and diverse membership across Australia, and is well established and highly regarded.
Membership of the ASA and entry into the Australian Songwriting Contest is open to Australian citizens and permanent residents only, with the exception of the International Category, which is ope>...
The Australian Songwriters Association (ASA) is a national, non-profit, member-based organisation dedicated to the support of songwriters and their art. Founded in 1979, the ASA today has a large, vibrant and diverse membership across Australia, and is well established and highly regarded.
Membership of the ASA and entry into the Australian Songwriting Contest is open to Australian citizens and permanent residents only, with the exception of the International Category, which is open to citizens of all nations. Entry must be in the name of an individual songwriter, whose responsibility it will be to list any co-writers and liaise with them as necessary if the material progresses through the competition.
The ASA's Australian Songwriting Contest is the country’s largest and longest running competition for professional and amateur songwriters. Songs are judged on originality and craft. The song does not have to be performed by the songwriter, but it must be original and not signed with a publishing company at the time of entry.
There are overall prizes for the contest, as well as 1st, 2nd and third place prizes for 13 individual categories. See below for detailed prize info.
The ASA uses up to 60 well-qualified people from the music industry in a unique two-tiered judging system in which each entrants' identity is hidden. This precludes any tendancy for the judges decisions to be influenced by any factors outside the song itself.
Following the judging process, 1st place-getters are invited to perform at the ASA's National Awards Night gala, which is an important fixture on the Music Industry Calendar. The Lyrics category winner is the only exception to this, but they will have their composition displayed in written form on the night. Category winners who are SongCentral.com.au members also receive free showcasing of their 1st placed song in Showcase 2 on the site for one year. In addition, Hal Leonard supplies a quality music book to every winner.
All 2nd and 3rd place-getters will receive cash prizes and all Top 10 finalists are recognised on stage at the National Awards, as well as receiving a Certificate of Placing.
The National Awards have been dubbed 'the Easys', after the original inductees into the ASA's Australian Songwriters Hall of Fame, The Easybeats. This year's Awards Night will feature a very special performance by another elite Australian songwriter, who will be inducted into the Australian Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Each of the 13 categories has a unique first prize (see below). Second prize for each category is $250 and Third Prize is $100 unless otherwise noted. All dollar amounts refer to Australian dollars. Here is a summary of categories:
OPEN
For that song that may not fit other categories.
1st Prize: $500 cash
Sponsored by SongCentral.com.au
CONTEMPORARY POP/DANCE
Uptempo modern songs
1st Prize: Lexicon Omega Desktop Recording (RRP $899)
Sponsored by Jands
BALLAD
1st Prize: Zoom H4N Recorder (RRP $879)
Sponsored by Dynamic Music
FOLK /ACOUSTIC
Including ‘unplugged’ compositions
1st Prize: Smart Score – guitar edition (RRP $299) and 12 Pack Box of GHS Signature Bronze Acoustic Strings (RRP $210)
Sponsored by Ausmidi, Dynamic Music and National Film and Sound Archive
COUNTRY
1st Prize: $750 cash and the opportunity to perform at Tamworth Folk Festival
Sponsored by The Pub Group
ROCK / INDIE
Contemporary songs and heavier arrangements
1st Prize: $300 cash and Professional Band Mentorship by TheAandRDepartment.com
Sponsored by MMS Retail Solutions and TheAandRDepartment.com
INSTRUMENTAL
Any genre or style, including traditional, classical, contemporary, film/TV tracks & electronica.
1st Prize: Zoom H4N Recorder (RRP $879)
Sponsored by Dynamic Music
AUSTRALIA
Songs with an Australian theme or subject
1st Prize: $300 cash and CMC Songwriting Seminar and Intensive Workshop (available in various capital cities).
Sponsored by ScoopFX Music and CMC Productions
SPIRITUAL
Songs of faith or inspiration
1st Prize: ShureKSM27Studio Microphone (RRP $799)
Sponsored by Jands
SONGS FOR CHILDREN
1st Prize:$ 500 cash
Sponsored by Australian Songwriters Association and Wests Ashfield Leagues Club
LYRICS
Words of a song or poem/words suitable to be set to music.
1st Prize: $500
Sponsored by the National Film and Sound Archive
YOUTH
Any genre or style - songs by entrants 17 years of age and under as at 31st May, 2008.
1st Prize: Custom website design with two years hosting + search engine optimization
2nd Prize: $150
3rd Prize: $100
Sponsored by insideCity.NET and GOLDWebsites
INTERNATIONAL
This is a special category open to songwriters from any country in the world, including Australia! Any genre of material can be entered.
1st Prize: $1,000 cash
Sponsored by The Forces Advisory Council on Entertainment (FACE)
Awards for overall winners made on the National Awards Night are the Songwriter of the Year, Rudy Brandsma Award and PPCA Award.
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Judged from the first prize winners of each category. Separate entry is not required.
Winner receives: $3,000 cash and an Easys Trophy.
Sponsored by APRA
RUDY BRANDSMA AWARD
All entrants who are ASA members qualify for selection to receive this great honour.
Winner receives: Maton Guitar and Trophy
Sponsored by Maton
PPCA AWARD
Given for the best live performance at the National Awards Night.
Winner receives: $400 cash
Sponsored by PPCA
If you have any questions about which option to choose from the above drop down menus, please visit Sonicbids Supprt and look for the ASA-specific questions.
Sponsors of prizes and supporters of the organisation include APRA/AMCOS, Ausmidi, PPCA, Jands, Dynamic Music, ScoopFX Music, insideCity.NET, GOLDWebsites, TheAandRDepartment.com, National Film and Sound Archive, The Pub Group, SongCentral.com.au, The Forces Advisory Council on Entertainment (FACE), Wests Ashfield Leagues Club, Maton, Tapco, Mackie, Lexicon, Shure, ZOOM, Sabian, Hal Leonard and WJ Sanders.