Mullica Hill’s Music Barn will host its first songwriting competition on May 13, but it is still looking for local musicians to compete for a $500 grand prize.
Eight songwriters will be selected to perform their original music live, and they will be judged by a panel of professionals for originality, lyrics, melody, vocals and competition.
“We still have just a couple of spots open for songwriters,” said Jake Heil, owner of The Music Barn. “There is not a set deadline, and we are taking all applications on a rolling basis. Anyone who writes their own original music and has at least one song on major streaming platforms is welcome to apply.
“We anticipate a great crowd, and of course exciting original music for this event.”
The competition audience will have a voice in determining winners, with the “audience favorite” voted on by all attendees. The first-place audience favorite will earn 10 points, the second will net five points and third place counts for three. Points will be a deciding factor in choosing the grand-prize winner.
While the cash prize is already grand, all eight performers will also have their original music featured on The Music Barn website and social-media platforms and will be included in a Spotify playlist. Heil’s goal is for the “undiscovered” to be discovered.
“This is the first time we have held this particular event, but I have a feeling we may all love it so much that we can’t help but keep it in a regular rotation here,” he said. “We have a passion for featuring incredible ‘undiscovered’ musicians, and what better way to do so than shining a bright spotlight on local songwriters.”
The songwriting competition will begin at 6 p.m. To purchase $25 tickets or to apply for the contest, visit themusicbarn.org/songwriter-competition. The venue is located at 275 Route 77.
The Music Barn commonly hosts both local undiscovered musicians as well as nationally recognized acts who have performed on some of the world’s biggest stages.
“You may not know our performers, and that is actually the goal,” Heil noted. “We want you to discover your new favorite artist here at The Music Barn.”
