John Lennon Songwriting Contest Deadline Looms

From the press release:

There is only one week left to enter the internationally renowned John Lennon Songwriting Contest. Now in its 14th year, the songwriting contest is highlighting more promising songwriters than ever before with their largest prize package ever, totaling over $275,000 in cash and prizes. For details on how to enter, visit www.jlsc.com. The deadline for submissions is December 15th, 2010.

The esteemed panel of artists and music industry leaders judging this year’s competition include Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas, The Veronicas, Natasha Bedingfield, Jesse Harris, Lamont Dozier, Matt Pinfield, Bob Weir, Ryan Shaw, The Bacon Brothers, Ken Komisar, and more to be announced.

Past winners include 2008’s song of the year winner Matt Cusson, whose debut album just landed at #11 on the iTunes Jazz album chart.

Entries will be judged on originality, melody, composition, and lyrics (when applicable). Songs may be entered in any of the following categories: Rock, Country, Jazz, Pop, World, Rhythm & Blues, Hip Hop, Gospel/Inspirational, Latin, Electronic, Folk, and Children’s. Instrumental compositions are encouraged. The contest runs year-round with two sessions, the first January through June and the second through December. Three Finalists and one Grand Prize Winner for each category in each session are determined by a panel of judges. Those Grand Prize Winners then go head to head online, where the public votes on which songwriter in each category becomes eligible for “Song of the Year.”

Winners, based on their level of achievement, will receive Studio Equipment from Roland/Boss, Audio-Technica, Gibson Guitars and Epiphone, 1,000 CDs in full color with premium 6-panel Digipaks courtesy of Disc Makers, and gift certificates from MusiciansFriend.com. The writer(s) of the “Song of the Year,” the highest honor bestowed in the contest, will receive a $20,000 check, as well as an Apple Mac Pro, Cinema Display, a Mackie Mixer, a Pair of Mackie Studio Monitors, Logic Pro Software and a $250 Gift certificate, for each band member, to Digital Media Academy. In addition to the songwriting prizes, one band is selected annually to perform on the Warped Tour for one week and will receive a Blackheart Handsome Devil Head and Cabinet, Publicity, Radio Marketing and Strategic Consulting services courtesy of Music Allies, and Creative Allies design contests showcasing the winning band, so they can win licensing to exclusive posters, t-shirts and pocket-size flyers.