Original Song Contest
Sing Out Loud 2026 Original Song Contest
Celebrating 10 Years of Sing Out Loud
Sing Out Loud Festival, in partnership with the St. Johns Cultural Council, invites local musicians and songwriters to submit an original song inspired by the spirit of our community and the power of live music.
This is an opportunity to create something rooted in St. Johns County and be part of the festival in a meaningful way.
We are looking for an original song that reflects:
- The energy and experience of Sing Out Loud Festival
- The culture, history, and identity of St. Johns County
- The connection and community that live music creates
All genres and styles are welcome.
One selected artist will receive:
- Professional studio recording of their song
- A produced music video
- A guaranteed performance in a Sing Out Loud Festival Local Artist Showcase in September 2026
- A $400 performance fee (standard local artist rate)
Who Can Apply:
- Open to residents of St. Johns County
- Must be 16 years of age or older (parent/guardian consent required for participants under 18)
- One submission per artist
To apply, you must submit:
- Artist name and contact information
- A lyric sheet
- An audio or video recording of your original song via file upload or link.
Submissions do not need to be professionally produced, but should clearly present the song and performance.
Selection Process:
- Submissions will be reviewed by a panel appointed by Sing Out Loud Festival.
- A group of finalists may be selected for further consideration, and additional materials or follow-up may be requested at the festival’s discretion.
- One winning artist will be selected based on overall fit, originality, and alignment with the contest theme.
Judging Criteria:
- Submissions will be evaluated based on:
- Composition (40%) – songwriting, lyrics, and structure
- Originality (30%) – creativity and artistic voice
- Performance (30%) – vocal delivery and presentation
Important Notes:
- Submissions must be original works created by the artist
- Use of AI-generated content is not permitted
- The selected song and video may be used by Sing Out Loud Festival and partners for promotional purposes
- The artist will retain the ability to use and distribute their work
Timeline:
- Submissions Open: April 17, 2026
- Submission Deadline: May 10, 2026 (11:59 PM ET)
- Winner Announced: May 2026
Full Terms & Conditions
All contest details, eligibility requirements, and prize awards are subject to the Official Terms and Conditions. In the event of any conflict between this post and the Official Terms and Conditions, the Official Terms and Conditions shall control. Click below to view the Official Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy & Confidentiality Agreement.