The 10 categories are Pop, Rock/Indie, Folk and Country, Jazz and Blues, Miscellaneous, Dance, R&B/Hip-Hop/Urban, Christian/Faith, Lyrics Only and Instrumental.
Many UK Songwriting Contest winners and finalists have gone on to receive publishing and recording offers and have been widely featured and play listed on radio stations in the UK and abroad. One previous winner was signed to be part of the band Angelis who sold over 500,000 albums.
You don't need a professional recording to enter a home recording or hand written lyric sheet will do the trick.
You can enter online at The UK Songwriting Contest. Here's what they say.
"A GENUINE CHANCE TO GET NOTICED
The UK Songwriting Contest is dedicated to promoting the art of songwriting and the discovery of new talent. All entries are very carefully examined by experienced industry professionals and everyone has the chance to get noticed. We aim to provide maximum exposure and genuine opportunities and we are actively looking for promising writers. Many important people in the music industry follow this event closely, and past winners and finalists have been noticed by - and even received recording or publishing deals from - prominent members of the music community including Sir Paul McCartney and Simon Cowell. Writers that show potential, whether they are contest winners or not, may be offered opportunities for publishing and career development."
The UK Songwriting Contest is dedicated to promoting the art of songwriting and the discovery of new talent. All entries are very carefully examined by experienced industry professionals and everyone has the chance to get noticed. We aim to provide maximum exposure and genuine opportunities and we are actively looking for promising writers. Many important people in the music industry follow this event closely, and past winners and finalists have been noticed by - and even received recording or publishing deals from - prominent members of the music community including Sir Paul McCartney and Simon Cowell. Writers that show potential, whether they are contest winners or not, may be offered opportunities for publishing and career development."
[Resource http://www.openpr.com/news/16802/Simon-Cowell-signing-boosts-interest-in-The-UK-Songwriting-Contest-2007.html]
