These two competitions will run simultaneously — a “Mixing Competition” and “Songwriting Competition”
The winners of each competition will receive a $750 honorarium (only one prize per winning entry and competition), and then will be paired together to fully produce and finish the winning song. Studio time will be granted for additional recording and production requirements.
By entering this competition, you are agreeing to the following TERMS & CONDITIONS:
To work with another student or group of students to finalize the winning song. This process may continue into the summer months. Bent River Records (BRR) also reserves the right to publish, produce, re-produce, and distribute the finished audio in perpetuity, throughout the world. The author will retain all intellectual property.
Bent River Records (BRR) reserves the right to select performers for the winning pieces.
Adjudication will be done by a panel of jurors selected by BRR, and will contain members of the department of music and representatives of BRR. The anonymity of entrants will be maintained; judges will not know the identity of the participants they are evaluating until after adjudication is complete.
Bent River Records values, promotes and prioritizes diversity, equity and inclusion in all of its work. We recognize the systemic barriers that have led to many artists being underrepresented and will continue to do work to amplify and uplift voices that reflect Edmonton’s diverse communities. We are committed to fostering an inclusive culture that represents diverse backgrounds.
Any questions regarding these competitions may be directed to John McMillan at mcmillanj0@macewan.ca
DEADLINE FOR ALL SUBMISSIONS: 12:00 pm MST on April 2, 2025
Songwriting Competition Guidelines
Write a song designed to be the opening theme song for a television production.
The competition will accept up to two submissions per participant or group.
Please use any television show as an inspiration and include a 150 word explanation on how the song fits with the show.
- Songwriters will write a song and create an audio demo that is representative of their vision for the song.
- Songwriters are encouraged to work independently or in groups
- The song demo can be incomplete, but should be a minimum 30 seconds long, be an accurate representation of the overall song vision, and include at least two verses and one chorus.
- There are no limitations on instrumentation or musical style.
- The song will contain voice and lyrics; however, the songwriter(s) does not need to perform the vocal. Students should feel free to write for themselves but are also encouraged to explore writing for and collaborating with other performers.
- Songs will be judged based on the criteria provided below.
Song Submissions Should include:
- a lyric sheet
- audio file (mp3 or wav file)
- rationale
- Naming Convention: BRR Songwriting Competition_Participant Name
- All submissions must be uploaded via this form.
Mixing Competition Guidelines
- Please find pre-existing multitracks of a song on the submission form. Please use these files to create a mix of the piece. Participants may add new audio or remove unwanted audio, but this is not a requirement.
- Recording students will work independently on this, outside of their coursework (one submission per person).
Mixing Submissions Should Be:
- Aim for approximately -18 to -20 RMS with no digital clipping
- wav files at 44.1 kHz and 16 bit
- Naming Convention: BRR Mixing Competition_Participant Name
- All submissions must be uploaded via this form.
Evaluation of the Competitions
- Completed by a panel of two students, two faculty members, and one community member
- The grading criteria is provided below:
Songwriting Criteria
- Quality of composition
- Uniqueness / creativity / originality
- 150 word explanation / fits well with proposed TV show
- Fits well with lyrics
- Overall impressions
Mixing Criteria
- Quality of mix (balance, sense of venue, etc.)
- Does the track sound properly mastered?
- Originality
- Do the deliverables adhere to the submission requirements?
- Overall impressions