May 29th, 2023
NewSong Music is now accepting original song entries for its 22nd annual Performance and Songwriting Competition, presented by Citizen Vinyl. The program’s curated showcases have been a fixture in the national music scene since 2001. The competition finals, formerly staged in New York City at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, relocated to Asheville, N.C. in 2017.
Eight finalists, selected from advance online submissions from across North America and beyond, will bring their musical magic to Asheville where they will perform, compete, and connect with one another. A panel of music industry judges will select one grand prize winner to receive a fully funded six-song EP, recorded and mixed at Citizen Studios, plus 300 vinyl records pressed at Citizen Vinyl, and a featured, paid performance at Arts Brookfield’s Summer Concert Series in New York City in the summer of 2024.
2022 NewSong Music finalists (with NewSong founder Gar Ragland, center back). Image by Aaron Stone Photo
Past NewSong winners and standouts include Ingrid Michaelson, Slow Runner, Crys Matthews, and Jobi Riccio.
Discounted ‘Early Bird’ entries are now open (1 song: $45; 2 songs: $80; additional songs: $30 each). Entry prices increase after Sunday, July 9, with the final deadline for submissions on Sunday, September 3. To submit your original music, visit newsong-music.com/contest. Finalists will be notified via email and announced through NewSong Music’s website and social media channels on Tuesday, September 26, 2023.
Jobi Riccio, Grand Prize Winner of the 18th Annual NewSong Competition.
Mark your calendar for the 2023 NewSong Music Performance & Songwriting Competition finale, which will take place on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at Citizen Vinyl in downtown Asheville.
