Songwriter Contest
We are excited to announce the dates for our 2023 Songwriter Competition!
Prelim week #1 - August 22
Prelim week #2 - August 29
Prelim week #3 - September 5
Prelim week #4 - September 12
FINALE NIGHT - September 19
Here is a quick run down on rules, guidelines, and important facts that you should know. This event will take place on five straight Tuesdays. During those preliminary dates, 12 slots will be available for sign-up, along with five slots on a waitlist per night just in case one of those 12 can’t make it. From those 12 songwriters, 3 will advance to the Finale on Sep. 19th in which they will compete against those who moved on as well.
The ultimate winner, along with the first runner-up and second runner-up will be chosen on Sep. 19th. $1,500 in cash prizes to be awarded to the top 3. Winner will receive studio time and a recorded EP courtesy of 7013 Studios here in Fort Worth. Second place winner will receive recording time for an acoustic single courtesy of 7013 Studios. Winner will also receive a merch package from Liquid Grafix. Winner will also receive a booking at Magnolia Motor Lounge and The Blue Light Live in Lubbock. Winner will also receive one pair of Allen’s Boots, coming soon to the Fort Worth Stockyards. One custom leather guitar strap courtesy of McClure Leather!!! And as an added bonus, the winner will get an EP Release Content Day with Trenton Johnson of @613media. This includes: Full set of press/EPK photos to promote EP, (1-2) vertical video content pieces for EACH song, and options for a Cover Art Photo (all planning, shooting and post production included)!
As far as songwriting rules go:
Each songwriter will be allowed two songs (Songs shouldn’t be longer than five minutes in length)
Each song must be an original. No covers.
Songwriters must provide copies of their lyrics for the judges prior to performance. If you do not bring advance copies, paper will be available.
Each songwriter must make their own arrangements with regards to instruments. (Bring a guitar, etc.)
If and when you advance to the Finale, you will not need to perform again in the competition until the Finale
To sign up for the competition / more information about Singer/Songwriter nights shoot an email to contest@mmlbar.com.
In partnership with The Blue Light Live, in Lubbock, this is the first year Magnolia Motor Lounge will be hosting an annual singer songwriter competition! For the last 15 years Blue Light Live has molded a competition where singer/songwriters can showcase their work and get the chance to get their name out into the world. We cannot wait to see the talent that takes the MML stage, and build this legacy.
Additionally, we’d love to go ahead and get everyone familiar with our intentions of creating a listening room atmosphere for these specific dates. This is ultimately a songwriter competition which values the craft of lyrics, storytelling, vocals, mood, emotion, and feeling. That essentially means giving the one performing our absolute attention and observation.
We will keep these posts updated with how many open slots are currently available. Spots will be filling up fast, so don’t put off signing up.