Rules and Information:

• Contest is open to amateur and professional songwriters. Songs, which have been commercially released, may be entered.
• Song must be entered on cassette tape or CD. Your entry must include your telephone number (with area code) and song title. Only one song per tape or CD. Tapes must be cued to the beginning of the song.
• Typed lyric sheet (when applicable) must be included for each song for judging purposes. Your lyric sheet must include your telephone number (with area code) and song title. (Please include English translation if applicable.)
• Entry Fee – Non-ASG members: $20 for the first entry and $15 for each additional entry. ASG members: $15 for the first entry and $10 for each additional entry. If you choose to join the ASG at the time you enter, please include ASG entry form and membership fee ($40) and enter at the ASG member rate!
• Only one song and category may be entered per entry form. Photocopies of the entry form are acceptable. Please print clearly. The same song may be entered in different categories with separate entry forms and separate entry fees.
• All styles of music are eligible. Please choose appropriate category.
• Each song must be the contestant’s original work. Entrants and their collaborators will retain full rights to all work submitted for the competition.
• Prizewinning songs from prior ASG song contests are not eligible.
• Tapes/CD’s/Lyric sheets will not be returned.
• ASG is not responsible for late, lost, damaged, misdirected, or stolen entries, or postage due.
• Deliver or mail entries to: MusicMakers, 517-B South Lamar, Austin, TX 78704 before 6pm on April 6, 2002. Mailed entries must be postmarked on or before April 6, 2002.
• Singer-Songwriter category is our only category required to be “Barebones” (only one instrument and one voice). Other categories may be as produced or barebones as you’d like.

Judging:

• A committee consisting of industry professionals and songwriters will judge the songs. The finalist songs in each category are sent to nationally recognized industry professionals for the selection of First, Second and Third Place winners.
• Song title and number will identify all entrants during judging to maintain anonymity.
• Judges will use four criteria: melody, form, originality, and lyrics (when applicable). The quality of performance and production will not be considered.
• Judges are not eligible to enter any category for which they will adjudicate.
• Finalists will be determined and notified by phone the last week of May 2002.
• Winners will be notified by phone, and their names will also be posted on the ASG’s web site.
• Final awards will be presented at The Saxon Pub, 1320 South Lamar, Austin, Texas on Wednesday June 5, 2002 starting at 7:00 p.m.
• Entries that violate these rules may be disqualified, and submitted fees will not be returned. All judge’s decisions are final.

Prizes:

• In the event there is more than one writer for a winning song, winners are responsible for the division of the prize.
• Grand prize is a years membership with TAXI valued at $300.
• Other prizes include studio time at some of Austin's best recording studios, gift certificates for gear, and subscriptions to songwriting magazines.
  
• Previous winners have also been publicized in American Songwriter Magazine and MP3.com.
• First Place, Second Place, Third Place and Special Award winners in all categories will receive prizes such as merchandise, studio time, professional critiques, gift certificates, publicity, and much more!!!