
Songathon Prompt Challenge Aims To Raise COVID-19 Relief Awareness Through Songwriting
Usually, Songathon brings together songwriters for a 24-hour in-person songwriting competition. With coronavirus (COVID-19) having changed lives all around the world, the organization wants writers to use their talents to spread social distancing awareness and aid pandemic relief through an online contest.
This month, the New York City-based organization, whose mission is to empower and provide resources to songwriters, wants writers to pen songs around social distancing in the hopes of spreading awareness about its importance, as COVID-19 spreads through close contact.
"Social distancing has been a way that everyone can contribute to lowering the rate of infection, which we believe is essential to keeping everyone safe," Songathon founders Noah Hyams and Amber Ward told the Recording Academy in a statement.
More than a third of the world is currently under some form of lockdown and even as parts of the United States begin to reopen, social distancing continues to be encouraged. Hyams and Ward want songwriters to be inspired by it in whatever way they wish. "Songwriters can relate to the prompt and there is the opportunity for it to be interpreted in a multitude of ways: from staying away from loved ones to learning to cope with isolation," they continued.
In addition, they hope to add support for GlobalGiving’s Coronavirus Relief Fund by uniting the songwriting community and using music as a tool.
"We’re incredibly excited about bringing together the global songwriting community for such an urgent cause. Music has the power to heal, bring us together, and spread a message,” Hyams and Ward said in a statement to the media.
Competitors are being asked to write a song and record a video of it. Singer/songwriter RuthAnne, who has written songs for Britney Spears, JoJo and Niall Horan, Los Angeles-based rock duo The Score and indie artist and singer/songwriter VÉRITÉ will judge a portion of the competition, while an online audience will judge another.
A Judges' Choice Award and an Audience Choice Award (to be chosen by public voting beginning on May 2) will be the sought after titles. Prices include guest judges private mentoring sessions, a free Q&A session with global rights performing organization AllTrack and more.
The competition ends on Friday, May 1. The public will vote May 2–10, and the winners will be announced Monday, May 11. Competitors must be 18 years of age or older. To see rules, prizes and how to participate, go here
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