South Florida Folk & Acoustic Music Festival
Singer/Songwriter Competition
www.southfloridafolkfest.com
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Dear Singer/Songwriter,
We once again would like to extend a warm invitation to participate in this year's Singer/Songwriter Competition. The competition was created by the South Florida Folk & Acoustic Music Festival to encourage and facilitate growth for singer/songwriters. This year, we require each entry to include two songs at the performer's dIscretion, noting that variety and contrast are elements of the judging criteria. Songs need not be unpublished but they must be your originals.You may submit as many entries as you wish at $15 for each two-song entry. Since evaluation of art is by its very nature subjective, we strive to obtain noteworthy yet discerning persons from the folk music community to act as our final judges at the festival. We utilize a panel of preliminary judges from the local folk community to determine who the 20 finalists will be from the many entries we receive.
Submission Instructions...PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!
Failure to follow these rules could result in rejection of your entry
To enter this year's showcase, please submit:
1. CD or Cassette recording containing two original contrasting songs. If submitting
a previously released CD or cassette with multiple songs on it, clearly mark
the two songs being entered in the competition. If more than one entry is submitted,
all songs may be put on the same CD or cassette but each two-song set must be
clearly labeled. If submitting a non-production cassette, both songs must be
on the same side with that side clearly marked. You will still need a separate
application for each submission if making multiple entries. We prefer submissions
on CD rather than cassette, if possible.
2. Legible and titled lyric sheets for each song submitted (missing lyric sheets shall be cause for rejection).
3. Completed application (signed by the artist or an authorized representative)
4. $15 non-refundable entry fee. Checks are to be made payable to: The Broward Folk Club, Inc.
5. Entries are to be sent to the address listed on the application and must be postmarked by SEPTEMBER 15, 2004.
o Each submission shall be clearly labeled with your name and the song titles. Entries cannot be returned.
o In the interest of keeping the competition as fair and equal as possible, each selected finalist may perform with no more than two accompanists. All instruments except for bass must be acoustic. (A keyboard is provided by the festival)
o If more than one entry is submitted, each two-song entry must be on a separate application. You need not send them separately or enclose separate checks for each entry fee, but you must indicate clearly on your application that there is more than one submission.
o Remember that your songwriting and performance are being judged, not your
production ability. Ideally, we would like to hear the songs as close as possible
to the way they will be performed at the festival, however you will not penalized
for submitting professionally produced studio recordings. This does not mean
that you need to go back into the studio and re-mix your songs. We want to hear
your lyrics, vocals and instruments clearly so use your best judgment.
Lyric Sheets
o DO NOT send any bios, press kits, or other literature at this time.
o Submit lyrics on 8-1/2 x 11 light colored paper, NO HEAVY STOCK.
o Combining each song's lyrics on one sheet is acceptable, provided they are clearly separated and legible. For multiple submissions, each set of lyrics must be on a separate sheet.
o Judging is done blind (each submission is given a number and each judge does
not know who the name of the artist). Any artist information on lyric sheets
will be blacked out for the judging process.
o It is your obligation to make sure your application is complete and legible.
o LISTEN TO YOUR ENTRY. Check the volume! We cannot consider what we cannot hear.
The Process
o Twenty finalists will be chosen. Each will perform their two songs on Saturday,
January 15, 2005 at the South Florida Folk & Acoustic Music Festival. We are planning to notify
finalists around October 15, 2004, by phone and/or e-mail. All finalists will
also play "in the round" on various stages throughout the two day
festival.
o The final judges at the festival will select three winners. Winners will receive cash prizes as well as an invitation to perform at the following year's South Florida Folk & Acoustic Music Festival (additional prizes to be announced).
o Enclosed is the sample preliminary judging form, showing the criteria for determining the top 20 finalists. This is for your information only and is not to be returned with your entry.
o The festival will provide for the finalists: food (for the weekend), free camping or housing, assistance with block booking where available, limited local transportation, assistance with home hospitality, CD & Tape sales.
o Each artist has approximately 10 minutes to perform their two songs, including set up time. For this reason, percussion must be kept to a minimum. If percussion is used, insure that it can be carried on stage and removed quickly as this set-up time will effect your performance time. Festival performance may not include pre-recorded music or synthesizers. The festival will provide a professional grade keyboard for those who need one.
THIS APPLICATION MUST BE POSTMARKED BY SEPTEMBER 15, 2004
Please do not send your entry via registered mail. We cannot pick up entries
at the post office!
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OFFICIAL APPLICATION
NAME ______________________________________________________
ADDRESS ___________________________________________________
CITY ________________________________________________________
STATE ___________________________ ZIP _______________________
HOME PHONE _______________________________________________
CELL PHONE ________________________________________________
EMAIL ______________________________________________________
WEBSITE ____________________________________________________
SIGNATURE _______________________________ DATE ____________
Festival performance may not include pre-recorded music or synthesizers. The
festival will provide a professional keyboard.
SONG TITLES
SONG #1: ____________________________________________________
SONG #2: ____________________________________________________
Don't forget to include :
o Check for $15.00 for each two song entry made out to the BROWARD FOLK CLUB
o Lyric sheet for each song (typed or hand printed legible and titled)
Please tell us how you heard of us.
[]City Link Magazine
[]Performing Songwriter Mag.
[]Radio Station []Acoustic
Guitar Magazine
[]Dirty Linen Magazine []New
Times Magazine
[]Music Store - name:______________ []Received
postcard in mail
[]Newspaper - name:______________ []Other
print media - name:_______________
[]Friend []Other
(please explain)__________________
This entry form serves as a release to the South Florida Folk & Acoustic Music Festival to use
entered material for promotional purposes, including radio, print media and
television.
Submissions can not be returned. Copyrighting and performance rights are the
sole responsibility of the artist.
The South Florida Folk & Acoustic Music Festival and the Broward Folk Club assume no responsibility
for copyright infringements.
For further information call or e-mail: (954) 742-9236 or songritercomp@southfloridafolkfest.com
For more info visit our web site at www.southfloridafolkfest.com.
Please do not send via registered mail. We do not wish to pick up entries at
the post office!
Send your submission(s) postmarked by September 15, 2004 via US Mail to:
SFFF Singer/Songwriter Competition
7531 Southwest 95 Place
Miami, FL 33173
Thank you for your interest and good luck on your submission