UK Songwriting Contest

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Kafla

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« on: September 01, 2011, 09:10:05 PM »
Just got the results and 3 songs scored a 7 - semi finalist.

Wondered how this compared with every one else and if this good or bad?
« Last Edit: September 01, 2011, 09:19:21 PM by Kafla »

dinnerwithgreedo

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« Reply #1 on: September 02, 2011, 04:26:22 AM »
'Brand New' & 'Back In The Sun' both got 7's (Semi-Finalist)
'For Orchestra' got a 6 (Commended)

So far I've only listened to the winner in the pop category. I didn't think it was any good to be honest.... but what do I know, I'm just a 7 ;)

Update: I listened to the pop winner again.... it's still poo, but it's made me realise that maybe i put my songs in the wrong category.
'For Orchestra' was instrumental and the winner of that is a really good tune!!!
« Last Edit: September 02, 2011, 07:56:33 PM by dinnerwithgreedo »
Remember.... it's just my opinion. It doesn't make me right. Although i probably am ;)

mihkay

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« Reply #2 on: September 02, 2011, 03:13:18 PM »
Well done chaps, could only manage a 5 in the folk / acoustic with my entry. Also I didn't think the Folk song winner was that innovative, but I don't suppose folk is supposed to be.. :D
I have no authority or standing here, only opinions. :-)

Paul

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« Reply #3 on: September 02, 2011, 04:53:13 PM »
Well done to everyone who entered the contest.

I entered 9 songs in total.  Fortunately I didn't pay for them all, as the guys from my band insisted on sharing the costs (Thanks guys, fantastic mates!) My songs were  a mixed bag, entered  across most of the different genres, including Jazz.  This resulted in 5 commended entries and 4 semifinalist places.  I was really surprised to find that the songs that I considered to be my best, didn't do as well as others that I had written and preferred.  I've entered this contest for five consecutive years and to be honest I'd love to win one of the categories.  I wish I knew what the judges were looking for, then I would tailor my writing accordingly to be in with a better chance.  (I don't believe that's selling out either, because it takes skill to write to order and also satisfy your own songwriting standards.)  I'd also enjoy the challenge.  I once had a finalist placing but don't consider it to be a good deal better than my lower placed songs.  So, once again, I'm disappointed but I can't say that my results are any different to what I was expecting. I'll try hard to improve my writing for next year.   A few years ago, Karine Polwart was awarded a semifinalist position, with a wonderful song called 'Daisy.' I was amazed that it wasn't placed higher (that's not to say I think my songs are as good because in my opinion, they're not.)  This does however, leave me scratching my head, not really knowing what the judges are looking for.  Anyway, well done to the songwriters on this forum who entered the contest and also the lucky winners.  May good things come their way!

Paul

Paul

Dutchbeat

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« Reply #4 on: September 02, 2011, 04:56:33 PM »
very well done Kafla, Diner and Paul!!!

only 5 and 6's for the Dutch entries...




Paul

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« Reply #5 on: September 02, 2011, 05:00:58 PM »
Well  done Dutchbeat!  :)

Paul

Dutchbeat

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« Reply #6 on: September 02, 2011, 06:04:46 PM »
just a very stupid thought  :P but perhaps tone could have an annual songwritingcontest via this forum too

and for every song that is entered the writer has to donate an amount to Tone's charity fund for death row dogs

silly idea, but i am actually serious, why not have our own contest with a colourful prestigious certificate for the winner...etc....? Don't know who should pick the winner

but anyway, it seems many of the regular members from the forum joined the contest

dinnerwithgreedo

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« Reply #7 on: September 02, 2011, 08:15:51 PM »
PABLO - you say you don't know what the judges are looking for... but just listen to the winning songs. I think the winning song of the pop category is rubbish and the fact that it won is kind of making me think to never do it again because i'm not going to be able to write something like that (i don't want to). 'Brand New' was as near to cheese as i really wanna get.
I told my mate Dom that i'll no longer be recording with him (after hearing what he'd done with a recording of Dear Josie. Some people will like it but i don't (here it is http://soundcloud.com/dinnerwithgreedo/dearjosie1stdraft/s-V224w ). What's my point...... oh yes......... i'd never want my songs to turn out like that and it would appear that's what the judges are after.... so do i enter next year?
Remember.... it's just my opinion. It doesn't make me right. Although i probably am ;)

tone

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« Reply #8 on: September 02, 2011, 08:26:28 PM »
An interesting one this. I had a similar experience when I last entered the contest. The winning song in my category was over-produced, and frankly a pretty run-of-the-mill song full of half the lyrical cliches you can think of (in my opinion.)

Not saying my song was great, or better or anything. Ok, I thought it was, but I'm somewhat biased ;) But it continues to astonish me how the contest seems to reward blatant commercialism over genuine song craft. I won't be entering again for that reason alone.

If enough members are interested in hosting our own song contest, I'd be up for it. It's just a case of how we'd run it and how the winner would be chosen. I've already got a few ideas in my head, but I'd be interested to hear yours first :)
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Paul

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« Reply #9 on: September 02, 2011, 08:49:49 PM »
Hi greedo,

I've listened to the pop category winner and was unimpressed. I haven't had time to listen to all the other entries, so can't comment.  I don't want to write a song like the pop category winner but I wonder what kind of techniques the writer has used that might contribute to the success of the song in the contest.  Perhaps the judges favor key changes, suspended 4th chords leading to the chorus, chord substitutions, strong rhythms and inversions etc. All skills that might be thought of as desirable.    
My first objective is to write a memorable melody with good lyrics.  I believe that there's always something new to learn as a songwriter. If I can satisfy my own standards and incorporate new skills that might further my songwriting career, then I'll certainly try to do so.  However, I think that I'll submit a maximum of two songs in any given year.

Best,

Paul

dinnerwithgreedo

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« Reply #10 on: September 02, 2011, 08:55:56 PM »
Tone: Whereas it's a nice idea i'm not sure it'd work. First off though... it'd have to be free. So i wouldn't feel like i've completely wasted my money. It'd be nice if everyone votes BUT as i've learnt from the review forum not everyone reviews, not everyone listens... so i don't know if it would just be a wasted effort. I hope not.
Remember.... it's just my opinion. It doesn't make me right. Although i probably am ;)

Dutchbeat

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« Reply #11 on: September 02, 2011, 09:47:17 PM »
Dinnerwithgreedo

for free
or perhaps just one or two pounds per song
so almost for free..?

for the good cause, and small amount can help, but also
who knows how big a competition like that can get in the end?

all these competitions started somewhere

perhaps...regular forum members could rate 5 or 10 songs each

but not one of their own songs of course
on some sort of categories?

...pick a random person to do that from the streets...to be the judge

i dont know
clearly, i don't know

any ideas, fellow songwriters?

Paul

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« Reply #12 on: September 02, 2011, 09:56:17 PM »
Perhaps select a number of judges from the forum contributors and then a new panel for each subsequent year.  It might be fair practice to ask members of the judging panel not to submit their own entries if they are on the judging panel.  Just a couple of ideas to help kickstart the process.

Paul

tone

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« Reply #13 on: September 02, 2011, 11:12:51 PM »
I think it would be interesting to source a handful of judges who aren't forum members to avoid any of the conversations we've had or personal exchanges influencing the outcome.

If people want to donate to the fund, that's a grand idea, but I think allowing free entries is a good idea.

Depending on the number of entries, we could whittle it down to the best 3 or 5 by having a forum vote? Less work for the judges, which will make them easier to convince :)

Feel free to chip in with any more suggestions :)
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Kafla

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« Reply #14 on: September 03, 2011, 10:09:05 AM »
Love the auto tune/melodyne Greeds, I can imagine you with White linen trousers and shirt unbuttoned to your ball sack, hanging out a veranda in the carribean seranading some bronzed beauty to this  ;D

Anyway a contest would be great

This forum should/could attract interest from the wider net. This could be combined with a fundraiser and I am more than happy to support Tones.

There is an abundance of talent and for those who want to persue a serious carreer (not me  ;)) I think this forum could be more effectively marketed - it could become a place where a&r dip I and out for for songs and artists

Anyway - well done on all of your scores, i didn't like the winers either but tha was down to taste not talent

I think I have a fair idea what to submit next year - it needs to be well produced, classic structure verse - bridge - chorus x 2 mid 8 and classic chord progression

You guys in my eyes are far more talented