FAQs

1. Who is Premier Live?
2. What is our Privacy Policy
3. When is the deadline to enter the Competiton?
4. Does my song have to be an original song?
5. Does my song have to be a live performance recording?
6. Do I have to sing my own song?
7. Can a band perform a song?
8. Can I enter my song(s) from a country other than the USA?
9. Are there any age requirements to enter?
10. How many songs can I enter?
11. How many categories can I enter my song(s) into?
12. Am I allowed to enter if I’m a past winner?
13. Can I have another vocalist sing the song I wrote
14. What is the Performance category?
15. Does Premier Live accept Spoken Word songs?
16. What are the rules for entering a music video?
17. Is there a maximum time length to an entered song?
18. How much does it cost to enter?
19. How and when will winners be notified?
20. If I entered last year, can I enter again this year?
21. Am I allowed to enter songs that have been entered into other songwriting competitions?
22. Does Premier Live own my song once I have entered it?
23. May I enter a song that I wrote if the rights to it are owned by a publishing company?
24. May I enter a song that has been released before on a CD?
25. May I shop a song to a record label or publishing company that has been entered into ISC?
26. If I am entering from outside the US, what type of payment do you accept?
27. How can I enter online?
28. Do the judges listen to all the entries, or is there a screening process?

WHO IS PREMIER LIVE?

The International Songwriting Competition (ISC) is an annual songwriting and music contest whose mission is to provide the opportunity for both aspiring and established songwriters to have their songs heard in a professional, international arena. ISC is designed to nurture the musical talent of songwriters on all levels, and promote excellence in the art of songwriting. Amateur and professional songwriters, musicians, bands, and solo performers are invited to participate. It doesn’t matter whether you perform or write songs for a living or do it as a hobby – ISC is open to everyone. ISC has the most prestigious panel of judges of all the songwriting contests and music contests in the world, offering exposure and the opportunity to have your songs heard by the most influential decision-makers in the music industry.

PRIVACY POLICY

This Privacy Policy privacy discloses the privacy practices for the International Songwriting Competition (ISC). This privacy notice applies solely to information ISC collects, uses, and shares about you.

What type of information do we collect and how do we do it?

When you enter ISC online or by mail, you will be required to register for the competition by providing several items of personal information, including a) your name, address, contact information, username, email address, password, and other registration information; b) transaction-related information, such as payment or account information; c) information about the song entered; d) information about co-owners of the songs you post, such as their names.

In order to process your entry, we require payment information (e.g., credit card number, PayPal account username, etc.) to complete the transaction.  All payment processing is handled through secured third party connections and we do not store credit card information after entries have been processed.

At given times, ISC has affiliates (i.e., platform partners) that process entries for the competition.  We work closely with our affiliates to ensure your information is collected and stored in compliance with industry standards. That said, you acknowledge and agree that we are not responsible for the collection and use of your information by third parties that are not under our control. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of each website, service, and application you use.

ISC may automatically collect certain technical information from your computer or mobile device when you visit the website, subscribe to the newsletter, register for the competition, and/or enter the competition.  That information may include, but is not limited to a) your Internet Protocol address; b) your browser type, your operating system; c) the pages or content you view; d) the pages you view immediately before and after you access the website; e) unique identifiers associated with the devices you use to access the website; f) the URL that referred you to the website; and g) standard weblog information.

ISC may collect may collect this information using “cookies”. Cookies are small text files that the are saved on your computer or device and accessed when you return. Cookies can be used to recognize repeat visitors or how visitors interact with the website.  If you do not want information collected through the use of cookies, most browsers allow you to deny or accept cookies. See your browser’s help menu for more information.

What do we use your information for?

Any of the information we collect from you may be used in one of the following ways:

• Providing you with customer service related to the products, services, or information you request;
• Delivering marketing communications, promotional materials, or advertisements that may be of interest to you (note: we include unsubscribe instructions at the bottom of each email in case you decide to unsubscribe from receiving future emails);
• Generating and analyzing statistics about how people use the website;
• Helping business partners and sponsors better understand our users;
• Detecting, investigating, preventing, and responding to fraud, intellectual property infringement, violations of law, or other misuse.

How do we protect your information?

We implement a variety of security measures to maintain the safety of your personal information when you register and/or enter the competition.  All supplied information is transmitted via Secure Socket Layer (SSL), but bear in mind that there is no method of transmission over the Internet or method of electronic storage that is 100% secure, and because of that, we cannot guarantee its absolute security.

Under what circumstances do we share this information?

We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer to outside parties your personally identifiable information.  However, we may share the information we collect from you with various parties, including, but not limited to:

• with our business partners and sponsors to help disperse gifts and/or services and/or special offerings to our competition entrants and/or winners;
• with other platform partners and affiliates as needed to facilitate transactions;
• with service providers that work on our behalf and that have agreed to use the information solely in furtherance of our operations, including, but not limited to, service providers that provide order and payment processing services;
• to comply with a subpoena or other legal process, or to comply with government reporting or other legal obligations.

Where is this information processed?

We collect and process the information governed by this Privacy Policy subject to the laws of the United States, which may not provide the same level protection for your personal information as your home country. We may store the information in the United States, and the information may be available to the United States government or its agencies under a lawful order made in the United States. We may transfer your information outside the United States to our affiliates, business partners, and service providers located in other countries. You consent to the transfer of your information to such countries.

What choices do you have regarding data collected about you?

If your contact information changes, or you wish to inquire about the information we have collected about you, or you believe your right to privacy has been infringed upon in any way, please submit a request at support@songwritingcompetition.com.

You may “opt-out” of receiving marketing emails at any time by using the unsubscribe feature included in the emails or by emailing remove@songwritingcompetition.com.

If you do not want the information collected through the use of cookies, you can set your web browser to reject cookies from the Services. Each browser is different, so you should check your browser’s “Help” menu to learn how to change your cookie preferences.

Children’s information

Our services are not directed to, nor do we knowingly collect information from children under the age of 13.  If you become aware that your child or any child under your care has provided us with information without your consent, please contact us at infor@premierlive.com

Changes to this Privacy Policy

If we update this Privacy Policy, we will notify you by posting a new Privacy Policy on this page. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy for any changes.

Contact us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our use of your information collected, please contact us at info@premierlive.com

WHEN IS THE DEADLINE TO ENTER THE COMPETITION?

Regular Deadline: July 12 – September 19, 2018 at $30 per song or category

Premier Live reserves the right to extend the deadline and/or add special promotions within or after the deadlines.

DOES MY SONG HAVE TO BE AN ORIGINAL SONG?

Yes, we only accept a live performance of an original song. If your song was written by someone else or is in the public domain it will not be considered original. We do, however, accept songs that include some limited sampling of other songs. We reserve the right to disqualify any song that is deemed not original.

DOES MY SONG HAVE TO BE A LIVE PERFORMANCE RECORDING?

Yes, we only accept original songs that are recorded as a true live performance. Criteria used in judging your performance include vocal delivery, melody, arrangement, lyrics, creativity, and overall likeability.

WHAT CONSTITUTES A LIVE PERFORMANCE?

In order for your song to be considered a live performance, it must be recorded in one take with at least one audience member present. For example, one audience member recording the performance with a cell phone; or an artist performing in front of a live audience.  Premier Live reserves the right to disqualify any song that is deemed overdubbed or not a true live performance.

DO I HAVE TO SUBMIT A VIDEO OF MY LIVE PERFORMANCE?

In the first round of the competition, artists can submit an audio-only version of their live performance (mp3). If selected as one of the top 10 Finalists, you will be required to submit a live video performance of your song in order to qualify for the Finals and potentialy win the grand prize of a trip to the BVI to perform at the Necker Cup.

DO I HAVE TO SING MY OWN SONG?

No, you can have another person sing your original song, but you are required to play at least one instrument in the live performance recording. If you win your way to the finals in the British Virgin Islands, your vocalist must accompany you and perform a the finals. Premier Live will only pay for the original songwriter. All other costs for getting to BVI for your singer is at your own expense.

CAN A BAND PERFORM MY SONG?

No, you can have a band perform your original song, but you are required to play at least one instrument in the live performance recording, which can be a vocal performance. If you win your way to the finals in the British Virgin Islands, your band can accompany you and perform a the finals. Premier Live will only pay for the original songwriter. All other costs for getting to BVI for your band members is at your own expense.

CAN I ENTER MY SONG(S) FROM A COUNTRY OTHER THAN THE USA?

Yes.

WHAT LANGUAGE MUST MY LYRICS BE WRITTEN AND PERFORMED IN?

English

ARE THERE ANY AGE REQUIREMENTS TO ENTER?

Anyone of any age can enter the Premier Live Music Competition If you are under 18 years old on or before November 10, 2018, a parent must submit your applicaiton and accompany you to the finals in the BVI at their expense.

HOW MANY SONGS CAN I ENTER?

There is no limit to the number of songs you may enter into the songwriting contest.

AM I ALLOWED TO ENTER IF I’M A PAST WINNER?

Yes, we welcome your entry. But you must submit a new song and musical performance.

CAN I HAVE ANOTHER VOCALIST SING THE SONG I WROTE?

Yes, any vocalist can sing the song; it doesn’t need to be the song author. Also, you may use any musicians you wish.

WHAT ARE THE RULES FOR ENTERING A MUSIC VIDEO?

All videos must be original songs and cannot exceed more than 10 minutes in length. Premier Live accepts MP4 vidoes. You may also submit a link to an existing URL on YouTube, Vimeo, your website, or some other website – we’ll go to the site and view it. All you have to do is write down the website link on the entry form. This makes it very easy.

IS THERE A MAXIMUM TIME LENGTH TO AN ENTERED SONG?

Yes, you may enter song performances of any time length less than 10 minutes.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO ENTER?

The Early Bird Deadline Entry Fee (which ends at midnight CST on June 12) is $25 per song or category. For example, if you enter one song in one category the fee is $25. If you enter one song in two categories, the fee is $50. If you enter two songs in one category the fee is $50. If you enter one song in three categories, the fee is $75. As you can see, each time you add a song or category, you will have to add $25.

After this date, the fee increases to $30 per song or category.

HOW AND WHEN WILL WINNERS BE NOTIFIED?

All entrants will receive notification of the semi-finalists, finalists, and winners via email. Winners will be emailed and/or phoned. Please do not call our office to inquire about your entry and status.

IF I ENTERED LAST YEAR, CAN I ENTER AGAIN THIS YEAR?

Yes, and you can enter either the same song(s) or new songs. Since we have many new judges this year, it will be “new ears” listening to your entries. We have had numerous instances where entrants have entered the same song from year to year with different outcomes.

AM I ALLOWED TO ENTER SONGS THAT HAVE BEEN ENTERED INTO OTHER SONGWRITING COMPETITIONS?

Yes, we welcome all songs, even if they have been entered (whether they won or not) into other songwriting competitions.

DO YOU HAVE ANY SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS FOR A MAIL-IN ENTRY?

We do not accept mail-in entries.

DOES PREMIER LIVE OWN MY SONG ONCE I HAVE ENTERED IT?

No, absolutely not. The entrant retains ALL rights to the songs, and Premier does NOT own the song or any rights to it.

MAY I ENTER A SONG THAT I WROTE IF THE RIGHTS TO IT ARE OWNED BY A PUBLISHING COMPANY?

Yes, you may enter all categories except for the Unpublished category which requires that the songwriter(s) own their own publishing rights.

MAY I ENTER A SONG THAT HAS BEEN RELEASED BEFORE ON A CD?

Yes, of course, as long as you own the rights to the song, or can get permission from the copyright owner.

MAY I SHOP A SONG TO A RECORD LABEL OR PUBLISHING COMPANY THAT HAS BEEN ENTERED INTO ISC?

Yes, of course. Since Premier has no ownership in any song entered, you may continue to do business as usual with any song entered into ISC. In fact, we encourage you to be proactive and do whatever you can to gain success with your songs.

IF I AM ENTERING FROM OUTSIDE THE US, WHAT TYPE OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?

We cannot accept a personal check if your bank is from outside the USA. However, we do accept bank checks, international money orders, credit cards, or PayPal if you enter online. Please do not send us personal checks with the word “US Funds” written in next to the amount. If you want to make a bank transfer or send funds with Western Union, please email info@songwritingcompetition.com for more information.

HOW CAN I ENTER ONLINE?

ISC offers several platforms for you to enter online. You can upload your song or video and save on postage fees. It’s very easy. Alternatively, you can give ISC a link to where your song or video is online, and ISC will listen to it there. Just go to our Enter Your Songs Now page and click the Online button.

DO THE JUDGES LISTEN TO ALL THE ENTRIES, OR IS THERE A SCREENING PROCESS?

There is a screening committee that listens to all entries and selects the group of finalists which are then sent to the judges. The judges then select the winners from this group of finalists. The screening committee is comprised of ISC staff who are all qualified music business professionals with extensive experience in songwriting and music. ISC does not utilize any outside screeners. The screening process is carefully and respectfully implemented with the goal of selecting the best songs to send on to the judges.