The 9th annual Ship and Anchor and CFMF songwriting contest is now open for submissions.
We want to hear your most charming, melodic, ironic, clever, bizarre, hilarious, touching or just plain astounding new song. The genre is flexible; it just needs to be suited to a stripped-down performance. The focus is on the songwriting, with judges considering lyrics, melody, audience appeal, sing-ability, message, creativity and emotional qualities.
Our judges pre-screen all entries, and determine who will move forward to the live finals and play for a panel of musicians and industry-types for the big money.
Pick ONE paid category to enter. Our free category, Rebels and Renegades is open to all. Deadline for entry is March 16, 2012.
Apply online or pick up an entry form at the Ship and Anchor Pub.
Categories include:
Sonic Youth
Sponsored by The New Black. Open to any young Albertan artist between the ages of 13-17 in any musical genre.
Untapped Newcomer
Sponsored by Big Rock. Open to any amateur songwriter from Alberta. Amateur is defined as an artist who has not released their work commercially, does not register their music with SOCAN, and is not paid-to-play on a regular basis. Basement plinkers, weekend songsmiths, budding talent young and old – this one’s for you.
Beaver Tales
Sponsored by Edmonton Folk Music Festival. Open to any Albertan artist for a song about Canada’s people, politics, history or land, from a national or regional perspective.
Pros and Prose
Sponsored by Calgary Folk Club. Open to any Alberta songwriter for a song that has been registered with SOCAN between February 1, 2011 and March 15, 2012 in any musical genre.
Rebels and Renegades
Our free category – open to any Albertan musician for a song that tells the tale, or is inspired by, rebels and renegades. Present-day, historical, fictitious, or for real.
Eye Candy
Our video category – open internationally for any non-commercial music video (not released by a major label). Upload your video to YouTube and email the link to johanna@calgaryfolkfest.com. All entries are screened by a jury and the winner will receive $1000. Free to enter.