The Rules (rev. 4.11.10)
Enter Now | Category Examples | Judging Process | FAQs
Qualifying Requirements
SongDoor is open to all amateur and professional songwriters, regardless of nationality or origin. Employees of SongDoor, its families, friends, sponsors, subsidiaries and affiliates are not eligible.
You must enter a song YOU wrote or co-wrote; you may not enter a song for someone else.
You must be 18 or older, have a valid e-mail address.
By submitting an entry form to SongDoor, you are agreeing to be bound by the SongDoor Rules established on this page.
Song Categories
You MUST assign a category or the song will not be accepted. If you’re not sure, please check here for examples of each category.
Languages
Songs may be sung in a language other than English, but the lyric sheet must be translated into English.
Number of Songs Permitted
You may enter as many songs as you like. You may enter multiple songs in one category, or you may enter the same song in multiple categories. Each form allows for 3 entries. Just repeat the entry process if you have more than 3 songs to enter.
How to enter online | How to enter by mail
Copyright
You retain ALL ownership rights to songs you submit. All entries must be original songs and shall not infringe upon any copyrights or any other rights of any third parties. Songs may have multiple co-writers, but only one name should be designated as the entrant. As the entrant, you shall, by entering, indemnify and hold SongDoor harmless from and against any claims inconsistent with the foregoing.
Judging
Entries will be screened by the SongDoor Advisory Board and staff, and the finalists will be sent to the judges, who will decide on the winners.
Songs are judged equally on originality, melody, composition/structure and lyrics (except in the Instrumental category). The performance and recording quality will not be considered; this is all about songwriting. More ...
Online Announcement of the Winners
Finalists will be announced January 8, 2010 and the Category and Grand Award winners on January 22, 2010. We will make every effort to adhere to these dates, but will not be liable for unanticipated delays. The Grand Award Winner and all Category Winners will be notified by email and/or phone, and their names and song titles posted on this website. All winning songs will be also available for listening only. Downloading will be blocked.
Responsibilities of the Grand Award Winner
The Grand Award Winner will be required to sign and notarize an affidavit confirming that the winning song is original and that he/she/co-writers hold all rights to the song. Failure to sign and return the form within 14 days, or provision of false information, may result in disqualification and an alternate winner will be selected. Affidavits are subject to verification by SongDoor and its agents. Entry constitutes permission to use winner's name, endorsement and likeness for future publicity purposes without additional compensation. All federal, state and local taxes, and customs fees, when applicable, are the sole responsibility of the winner. SongDoor will not pay any winners' taxes or fees and is not liable for any damages sought by entrants or third parties.
Responsibilities of the Category Winners
By entering this competition, all Category Winners who entered by snail mail agree to the terms of the online submission agreement. In essence, this gives SongDoor permission to play your song online if it wins.
Awards
All awards will be given to the primary entrant on the entry form; the division of awards amongst co-writers is up to the winner. Multiple awards are not given to winning songwriting teams.
The Grand Award winner will receive merchandise and/or services valued at up to USD $6,925 depending upon the extent to which the winner avails him/herself of the SongU membership. Each Category Winner will receive merchandise and/or services valued at up to USD $3,100, depending upon the extent to which the winner uses the SongU membership. There will be no transfer and substitution of awards; the winner will receive what is promoted.
Awards will be sent out promptly after the announcement of the winners and the demo will be scheduled for the earliest possible date; the winner may participate in the demo if it is within the parameters of the studio process and the time allotted for the session. If the winner chooses to participate, he/she is responsible for all expenses pertaining to travel, accommodations, meals, etc. The winner’s attendance at the demo session is strictly voluntary. If the winner does not participate, the demo master, along with 10 copies on CD, will be mailed to the winner.
If a winner has not received any portion of his/her award within 45 days and has not responded to SongDoor attempts to confirm delivery, SongDoor will no longer be responsible for the delivery of the award.
All winners agree to release sponsors from all liability regarding awards won.
Questions? Please e-mail us.
These rules are subject to change at the discretion of SongDoor and its agents.
