32nd Australian Songwriting Contest: Non-ASA Members

The ASA's Australian Songwriting Contest is the country’s largest and longest running competition (over 30 years). 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 time of entry.??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, who will liaise with any co-writers.


This page is for Australians that are not current members of ASA.

• If you're an ASA Member or would like to become one, please click here.


• If you'd like to enter the International category, please click here.

As well as the Prize Sponsors listed below, the ASA gratefully acknowledges MusicNSW, Radio Station 4BC and The Entertainers.com.au for ongoing support.


The ASA uses up to 60 well-qualified people from the music industry in a unique multi-tiered judging system in which each entrants' identity is hidden.


1st place-getters are invited perform at the ASA's gala National Awards Night, which is an important fixture on the Music Industry Calendar. The Lyrics Category winner has their composition displayed in written form on the night. All 1st place Winners receive free Level 2 membership to SongCentral and free showcasing for their winning song(s) for 1yr, plus a quality book from Hal Leonard.


All 2nd and 3rd place-getters will receive other prizes as detailed below, and all Top 10 finalists are recognised on stage at the National Songwriting Awards, and with a certificate and free Level 1 membership to SongCentral along with free showcasing for their finalist song(s) for 1yr.

3 special awards are at the ASA’s National Songwriting Awards:

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR

Judged from the 1st place getters of each category. Separate entry is not required.

Sponsored by APRA

Winner receives: $3,000 cash for APRA and an Easys Trophy.

RUDY BRANDSMA AWARD

All entrants who are ASA members qualify for nomination to receive this great honour.

Sponsored by Maton Guitars

Winner receives: Maton EM225C worth $1499.00 and Easys Trophy

PPCA LIVE PERFORMANCE AWARD

Judged and sponsored by PPCA, for the best live performance at the National Songwriting Awards
Night.
Winner receives: $400 cash

Each of the other 13 Categories have prizes issued for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, and they vary as detailed below. All dollar amounts refer to Australian dollars. Here is the prize summary:


AUSTRALIA

Songs with an Australian theme or subject

Sponsored by Edensound, Syntec International and ASA

1st Prize: Mixing and Mastering of one song, valued at $715
2nd Prize: A Sennheiser XS wireless handheld microphone system worth $529

3rd Prize: $100 cash

BALLAD

Sponsored by Dynamic Music, MMS Retail and ASA

1st Prize: Zoom Q3HD Video Recorder worth $469

2nd Prize: $250 cash

3rd Prize: $100 cash


CONTEMPORARY/POP/DANCE

Up tempo modern songs

Sponsored by Intermusic and Grover Allman

1st Prize: 2 boxes (24 sets) of guitar strings and 1 box (8 sets) of bass strings
2nd Prize: 500 full colour customized guitar picks, a Grover Allman Guitar Keyring of your choice, and a Grover Allman Necklace of your choice

3rd Prize: 250 full colour customized guitar picks, a Grover Allman Guitar Keyring of your choice, and a Grover Allman Necklace o