Artist Resource Library
Curated contests, festivals, and opportunities for independent artists. Sourced from the Kristine Mirelle collection.
AI Industry Finder
LIVE SEARCHSearch the web in real-time for fairs, festivals, labels, managers, booking agents, and more.
21 resources found
Unsigned Only
Grand Prize
$20,000
Entry Fee
$20–$35
Deadline: January (annual)
Competition exclusively for artists without record deals. Open to multiple genres including a special Screen Shot category for film/TV/advertising placement.
American Songwriter Lyric Contest
Grand Prize
Round-Trip to Nashville + Demo Session + Hotel + Co-Write
Entry Fee
$15
Deadline: May 15
Open to amateur songwriters who have not earned more than $5,000 from songwriting royalties. Grand prize includes a professional co-write with a top Nashville songwriter.
Songwriting University Inc.
Grand Prize
$10,000
Entry Fee
$40
Deadline: June 30
Judged by successful songwriters, artists, producers and industry pros. Mission: to honor songs and songwriters and get great music heard.
Star Launch
Grand Prize
$1,000
Entry Fee
Free
Deadline: Ongoing
Submit a cell phone video of original content to get noticed. Simple entry process for up-and-coming singers, songwriters, and bands.
Great American Song Contest
Grand Prize
$15,000
Entry Fee
$35
Deadline: November 18
Prestigious song contest with multiple genre categories and prizes including professional recording equipment.
International Songwriting Competition (ISC)
Grand Prize
$15,000
Entry Fee
$25–$35
Deadline: Early Bird: June 10 | Regular: Sept 16 | Extended: Nov 4
Annual contest with the most prestigious panel of judges of all songwriting competitions. Open to amateur and professional songwriters worldwide.
The John Lennon Songwriting Contest
Grand Prize
Over $300,000 in prizes
Entry Fee
$30
Deadline: June 15
International contest running since 1997. Judged on originality, melody, composition, and lyrics. Professional recording not required. Entry fees support the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus.
Mid-Atlantic Song Contest (MASC)
Grand Prize
$1,000
Entry Fee
$18–$26 per song
Deadline: October
Presented by the Songwriters Association of Washington. Winners receive monetary awards, music industry services, conference access, and gala performance opportunities.
USA Songwriting Competition
Grand Prize
$50,000 Cash + Merchandise + Services
Entry Fee
$35
Deadline: May 29 or earlier
One of the largest prize pools in songwriting contests. Open to all genres with original songs.
Planet Bluegrass Songwriter Showcase
Grand Prize
Festival Main Stage Set + Taylor Guitar + $400
Entry Fee
$10/song
Deadline: May 22
Nationally-recognized singer-songwriter competition for artists who write and perform original music and are not signed to a major deal. Judged on song composition, vocals, and overall performance.
Texas Music Picker Top Pick
Grand Prize
$750 + Opening Slot + Studio Recording + Songwriting Session
Entry Fee
$20
Deadline: August 15
Contest includes grand prize of $750 cash, an opening slot, a recorded single from Hilltrax Studios, and songwriting sessions with award-winning writers.
Indie Music Contest
Grand Prize
$1,754 + Music Gateway packages
Entry Fee
Free
Deadline: Ongoing
Includes Music Gateway Game Changer Account (Sync & Licensing), Spotify Campaign, and Artist Development Programme as part of prize packages.
Indie Originals Inc.
Grand Prize
$2,500 package
Entry Fee
$19
Deadline: June 15
Winners invited to perform at IndieCon awards ceremony. Past winners received free studio time and opportunities to open for popular acts at large venues.
Indie Film Music Contest
Grand Prize
$1,500 + KONTAKT Player Bundle
Entry Fee
$30
Deadline: May 11
Compose original music for a short animated film. Open worldwide to all ages. Judged purely on creative storytelling through music — mixing/mastering quality not a factor.
How To Get Your Music Synced on TV, Video Games & More — Ari's Take
Grand Prize
Sync Agent Guide
Entry Fee
Free
Deadline: Always Available
Music supervisors don't work with indie artists anymore in sync licensing and prefer to work with sync agents. Here's how to get one. Essential reading for any artist pursuing film, TV, and game placements.
Music Sync Licensing for Film, TV & Games — Symphonic
Grand Prize
Sync Placement Opportunities
Entry Fee
Apply
Deadline: Ongoing
Symphonic works with a curated group of artists and rights holders to pursue sync opportunities across film, television, advertising, and video games.
Best Sync Licensing Opportunities for Hip Hop and R&B — Blak Marigold Studio
Grand Prize
Sync Licensing Guide
Entry Fee
Free
Deadline: Always Available
Sync licensing — getting your songs placed in TV shows, films, ads, and games — is one of the most lucrative avenues for Hip-Hop and R&B artists. Comprehensive guide to the best opportunities.
Song of the Year
Grand Prize
$30,000
Entry Fee
$29.95
Deadline: Varies
Grammy-winning judges. Top 50 songwriters get songs sent to record labels, publishers, management companies, and booking agents. Cash and prizes valued over $80,000.
5th Annual Songs for Social Change
Grand Prize
$500 + Compilation CD feature
Entry Fee
$5
Deadline: Ongoing
Open to all genres — songs must be about social change. Winners featured on compilation CD sent to radio stations. Photos and links promoted on website and social media.
Chris Austin Songwriting Contest
Grand Prize
$600 + D'Addario Strings + Guitar Magazine Sub + Kyser Products
Entry Fee
$30
Deadline: Opens Oct 1 | Closes Feb 1
Three finalists per category perform at MerleFest in Wilkesboro, NC. All-access festival passes and lodging provided for finalists. First place winners perform on the Austin Stage.
Music City SongStar
Grand Prize
$2,500
Entry Fee
$30
Deadline: August 15
Judges hear songs all the way through — not cut off after the first chorus. Songs judged anonymously with no personal identifying information visible. Levels the playing field for all artists.
Curated by Kristine Mirelle
This library is for educational and informational purposes. Always verify contest deadlines and fees directly on the official websites before entering.