What the judges judge

Each song is ultimately judged on these four elements:

• Originality: Not an imitation or derivation, but unique in a fresh, interesting way that has your personal stamp on it. "Original" also means newly-created and not copied or “borrowed” or even sampled, and that goes for music AND lyrics. Look INSIDE, not OUTSIDE; your song will be better.

• Melody: Judges will look at the the overall “shape” of the musical themes, as well as the rhythm and the way the song moves. Pointers: do you absentmindedly sing harmony with this melody, even though there are no harmonic parts? Can you remember it after hearing it only a couple of times? Do you find yourself singing it in your head later in the day? If you answered “yes” to those questions, you are in good shape.

• Composition/Structure: While we don't necessarily lean toward favoring a particular style of song, we do want to help songwriters promote their songs — in whatever style they might be written — in an effort to help them make a living from their writing. That means we look at the commercial potential of the song, too. Pointers: Good structure and “writing to the hook” are always good marketplace rules to follow. Note: Long intros and instrumental solos turn off publishers big-time.

• Lyrics: The judges are looking for flow, story/theme development, rhyming skill, emotional connection and how well the lyrics marry with the music. Pointers: Clever lyrics do not substitute for a good melody. Don't pen lyrics just so the rhyme will fit. Tell a story; have a beginning, a middle and an end. Avoid clichés at all costs - find another way to say it!