If your question isn't answered below, please do not hesitate to email or call our office on +61 (0)8 9227 7962.

CLOSING DATE

Strictly 5pm Perth time, MONDAY 30 JULY 2012 for both online and hardcopy entries. Entries sent by mail & postmarked on or before this date will also be accepted. Emailed files, links, incomplete tracks or other online/streaming content will not be accepted.

HOW TO ENTER

The preferred method to submit songs is online via Sonicbids.

How do I enter online?

1. Ensure you have recorded your song and have it in MP3 format ready for upload to Sonicbids, along with typed out song lyrics. Emailed files, streaming links, or content through other online submission platforms will not be accepted.

2. If you already have a Sonicbids account, just go straight here for Non WAM members or here for WAMmembers and follow the prompts to enter. You can also join WAM at the same time to become eligible for the 3-for-1 competition entry deal!

3. If you are a WAM member (or just joining now), but do not have a Sonicbids account, call WAM on (08) 9227 7962 or email wam@wam.asn.au - band members receive a FREE 12-month Sonicbids subscription, and Individuals can purchase a 12-month subscription for just AU$20 (saving around $30 off the normal price)!

4. Don't want to buy a Sonicbids account? That's fine! You can get a free 2-week Sonicbids trial account when entering WAM Song of the Year. You are then welcome to purchase the 12-month subscription after the trial is over. Don't worry, your song submissions will still be valid even after the 2 week trial period is over.

5. Not a WAM member? Join today through your Sonicbids account, call WAM, or check out the benefits online - including 3-for-1 entry into the WAM Song of the Year Songwriting Competition.

6. Not interested in joining WAM? That's ok - you can still enter by post or online by purchasing a Sonicbids account for US$50. Visit https://www.sonicbids.com/account/register.asp if you wish to to register for Sonicbids.

7. If you have any additional questions or problems regarding submission, visit the Sonicbids SupportCentre. If problems persist, please contact the Artist Relations Support team at support@sonicbids.com or AIM sonicbids support.
    

How do I enter in hard copy?

1. If you are unable to enter online, you can enter the hard copy way, by downloading an ENTRY FORM or request one to be posted by calling the WAM office on (08) 9227 7962. Regional WA can call us toll-free on 1800 007 962. 

2. Remember to submit a separate Audio CD, Lyric Sheet and Entry Fee for each entry. You can submit as many songs/categories as you like. Emailed files, links or other online/streaming content will not be accepted.

3. Please make sure you use the entry checklist to ensure you have included all that's required.
    

How much do entries cost?

Price details are here.

If you become an Individual WAM member (AU$40) or Band member (AU$80) before or at the time of entry, you or your band will be entitled to three entries for the price of one. This does not apply for school aged categories - see School Aged Category below.

• Adult entries - Online Sonicbids price is US$25, which is approximately equivalent to AU$24 (see daily exchange rates). People can also join WAM through Sonicbids at the time that they enter to take advantage of the discount offer.

• Adult entries - Manual Hard Copy are AU$35 each. If you are or become a WAM member, you can enter three songs for the price of one (AU$35). So for AU$75 you can get an Individual WAM membership, 2 additional FREE entries, plus many other WAM Membership benefits!

• School Aged Category entry is US$5 (online), AU$10 (hardcopy) OR $100 for Class Group entry - maximum of 20 songs. Please note that the School Aged Category entry prices only apply to the School Aged Categories. Genre & other category entries are charged at full price. All school age entries are to be based on the oldest entrant's age as at 11 October 2012.
   

OTHER QUESTIONS

I live outside Western Australia - can I still enter?

Entry is open only to Western Australian residents. If you have been living in multiple locations over the last 12 months, you need to have been based in WA for at least 6 months and be able to prove it.

Does the entry have to be original?

YES, this is a songwriting competition after all! WAM will not be held responsible for any copyright breach committed by an entrant. Please visit www.copyright.org.au for copyright information, or www.apra-amcos.com.au for registering your works.

NO - sorry, it would simply cost too much to send them all back! As requested, please send copies only.

When will the category nominees be announced? 

The professional judging panel will pick five nominees for each category, these will be announced mid September. All reasonable efforts will be made to contact nominees by Friday 2 September.

When will the winners be announced?

The winners will be announced at the awards night on Thursday 11 October 2012 at the Fly By Night Musician Club.

If I join when submitting my WAM Song of the Year entry, will I get the 3 for 1 member discount?

YES, we'd love you to join!

Can I get the 3 for 1 deal with WAM Band Memberships?

YES, Band Membership costs AU$80 and includes a FREE 12-month subscription to Sonicbids. It entitles the band to enter 3 for the price of one. That's the band in entirety, not 3 for each person in the band. 

Do I have to become a WAM member to enter?

NO, but WAM membership offers many benefits & discounts, including your 2nd and 3rd Song of the Year entries FREE, a 4-disc Kiss My WAMi CD/DVD compilation FREE, entry to some WAMi Festival shows FREE, entry to WAM Workshops FREE, special Sonicbids membership offers and much more. We'd love to welcome your membership! 

Is there an age limit?

There is no age limit for any categories except the School Aged Categories: 14 years and below & 15 to 17 years. All school age entries are to be based on the oldest entrant's age as at 11 October 2012. 

Can I enter lyrics only?

NO, melody & rhythm are assessable points in a song. This is not a poetry or prose competition. 

Can I enter an instrumental work?

YES, please note on your lyric sheet that the song is instrumental. Judging of instrumental songs takes into account that there are no lyrics to ensure that instrumental songs are given an equal weighting to songs with lyrics. 

Can I enter an unaccompanied song?

YES, your song can simply be sung and recorded... we just need to hear some musical notes to make it a song!

Can I use another song for accompaniment?

NO, your song's lyrics, melody & accompaniment must all be original work. You can work with a co-writer if necessary to create the tune &/or accompanying backing music. Co-writers are covered by the same rules in the competition & should always be acknowledged. You must also have permission (clearance) to use samples from others acts.

 
How many songs can I enter?

There is no limit to the number of songs you can enter - however, each entry attracts a separate entry fee.

Can I enter the same song in different categories?

YES, however each entry will attract a separate entry fee.

Does my recording have to be good quality?

The recording just needs to be clear enough for the judges to assess the song and melody, it doesn't have to be professionally recorded. The quality of the recording, presentation, or personnel used to make the recording are not criteria considered in this songwriting competition.

Who judges the songs?

A team of independent, industry judging panels blind assess all entries according to the category entered. Panels consist of active members of the local, national and international music industry. To prevent unfair play, names of judges will not be made available until after the judging has taken place.

Why do I need to provide a lyric sheet?

Lyrics are an integral part of a song. The lyric sheet allows the judges to focus on the lyrical content of the song as well as the overall composition. Please remember to include an English translation if sung in another language.

Can I get feedback from the judges?

YES, for AU$15 per entry you can receive an optional, brief evaluation of your song. You must select this evaluation option at time of entry, as this option cannot be retrospectively purchased.

Where do I send my hard copy entry to?

WAM Song of the Year
PO Box 171
NORTHBRIDGE  WA  6865
Australia

Can I email my entry or entries?

NO. Due to the large filesizes, email submissions will not be accepted.Online submissions will only be accepted through Sonicbids here for Non WAM members or here for WAMmembers until 5PM AWST Monday 30 July 2012. If you are unable to submit online you can make a hardcopy submission - please download the manual entry form here.

Can I write my songs with another person?

YES, co-writers are eligible to enter the competition and one entry covers all writers.

• Please note though that to enter the School Aged Categories, all co-writers cannot exceed the age specifications of the category.

• Entries in the School Aged Categories that are co-written should be submitted into the category relevant to the oldest co-writer. If they are 18 or over, then the song must be entered into a genre or special theme category at the adult price.
   

If I’m under 18 - how much does it cost to enter the categories other than schools?

Adult entry price. School Aged Category entry prices only apply to the School Aged Categories. All school age entries are to be based on the oldest entrant's age as at 11 October 2012. 

What category do I enter if I’m not in the usual age group for my year at school?

Eligibility for entry into the School Aged Categories is based on your age, not school year. All school age entries are to be based on the oldest entrant's age as at 11 October 2012.

Can I enter WAM Song of the Year if I have a publishing deal?

NO. Songs that are the subject of a publishing deal are ineligible for entry into WAM Song of the Year.

Can I get advice on recording?

If you are a teacher or a school age entrant needing help with recording a song, you can contact WAM’s Education Officer for information on WAM's Songwriting Workshops, available throughout the year. Please book ahead, our schools program is very popular!

How are Indigenous entrants chosen?

When you complete your online or hard copy entry form we ask you to if you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. All Indigenous entrants automatically get included in the Indigenous category in addition to the genre category they have selected. This is a bonus category with no extra fee charged.

How are Regional entrants chosen?

When you complete your online or hard copy entry form we ask you to tell us your address. All Regional based entrants (Gascoyne, Goldfields-Esperance, Great Southern, Kimberley, Mid West, Peel, Pilbara, South West, and Wheatbelt) automatically get included in the Regional category in addition to the genre category they have selected. This is a bonus category with no extra fee charged.

How is the Grant Prize winner chosen?

The winner of the Grand Prize is chosen by an independent judging panel from the winners of all genre, special, bonus and school age categories.

If your question isn't answered below, please do not hesitate to email or call our office on +61 (0)8 9227 7962.

CLOSING DATE

Strictly 5pm Perth time, MONDAY 30 JULY 2012 for both online and hardcopy entries. Entries sent by mail & postmarked on or before this date will also be accepted. Emailed files, links, incomplete tracks or other online/streaming content will not be accepted.

HOW TO ENTER

The preferred method to submit songs is online via Sonicbids.

How do I enter online?

1. Ensure you have recorded your song and have it in MP3 format ready for upload to Sonicbids, along with typed out song lyrics. Emailed files, streaming links, or content through other online submission platforms will not be accepted.

2. If you already have a Sonicbids account, just go straight here for Non WAM members or here for WAMmembers and follow the prompts to enter. You can also join WAM at the same time to become eligible for the 3-for-1 competition entry deal!

3. If you are a WAM member (or just joining now), but do not have a Sonicbids account, call WAM on (08) 9227 7962 or email wam@wam.asn.au - band members receive a FREE 12-month Sonicbids subscription, and Individuals can purchase a 12-month subscription for just AU$20 (saving around $30 off the normal price)!

4. Don't want to buy a Sonicbids account? That's fine! You can get a free 2-week Sonicbids trial account when entering WAM Song of the Year. You are then welcome to purchase the 12-month subscription after the trial is over. Don't worry, your song submissions will still be valid even after the 2 week trial period is over.

5. Not a WAM member? Join today through your Sonicbids account, call WAM, or check out the benefits online - including 3-for-1 entry into the WAM Song of the Year Songwriting Competition.

6. Not interested in joining WAM? That's ok - you can still enter by post or online by purchasing a Sonicbids account for US$50. Visit https://www.sonicbids.com/account/register.asp if you wish to to register for Sonicbids.

7. If you have any additional questions or problems regarding submission, visit the Sonicbids SupportCentre. If problems persist, please contact the Artist Relations Support team at support@sonicbids.com or AIM sonicbids support.
    

How do I enter in hard copy?

1. If you are unable to enter online, you can enter the hard copy way, by downloading an ENTRY FORM or request one to be posted by calling the WAM office on (08) 9227 7962. Regional WA can call us toll-free on 1800 007 962. 

2. Remember to submit a separate Audio CD, Lyric Sheet and Entry Fee for each entry. You can submit as many songs/categories as you like. Emailed files, links or other online/streaming content will not be accepted.

3. Please make sure you use the entry checklist to ensure you have included all that's required.
    

How much do entries cost?

Price details are here.

If you become an Individual WAM member (AU$40) or Band member (AU$80) before or at the time of entry, you or your band will be entitled to three entries for the price of one. This does not apply for school aged categories - see School Aged Category below.

• Adult entries - Online Sonicbids price is US$25, which is approximately equivalent to AU$24 (see daily exchange rates). People can also join WAM through Sonicbids at the time that they enter to take advantage of the discount offer.

• Adult entries - Manual Hard Copy are AU$35 each. If you are or become a WAM member, you can enter three songs for the price of one (AU$35). So for AU$75 you can get an Individual WAM membership, 2 additional FREE entries, plus many other WAM Membership benefits!

• School Aged Category entry is US$5 (online), AU$10 (hardcopy) OR $100 for Class Group entry - maximum of 20 songs. Please note that the School Aged Category entry prices only apply to the School Aged Categories. Genre & other category entries are charged at full price. All school age entries are to be based on the oldest entrant's age as at 11 October 2012.
   

OTHER QUESTIONS

I live outside Western Australia - can I still enter?

Entry is open only to Western Australian residents. If you have been living in multiple locations over the last 12 months, you need to have been based in WA for at least 6 months and be able to prove it.

Does the entry have to be original?

YES, this is a songwriting competition after all! WAM will not be held responsible for any copyright breach committed by an entrant. Please visit www.copyright.org.au for copyright information, or www.apra-amcos.com.au for registering your works.

NO - sorry, it would simply cost too much to send them all back! As requested, please send copies only.

When will the category nominees be announced? 

The professional judging panel will pick five nominees for each category, these will be announced mid September. All reasonable efforts will be made to contact nominees by Friday 2 September.

When will the winners be announced?

The winners will be announced at the awards night on Thursday 11 October 2012 at the Fly By Night Musician Club.

If I join when submitting my WAM Song of the Year entry, will I get the 3 for 1 member discount?

YES, we'd love you to join!

Can I get the 3 for 1 deal with WAM Band Memberships?

YES, Band Membership costs AU$80 and includes a FREE 12-month subscription to Sonicbids. It entitles the band to enter 3 for the price of one. That's the band in entirety, not 3 for each person in the band. 

Do I have to become a WAM member to enter?

NO, but WAM membership offers many benefits & discounts, including your 2nd and 3rd Song of the Year entries FREE, a 4-disc Kiss My WAMi CD/DVD compilation FREE, entry to some WAMi Festival shows FREE, entry to WAM Workshops FREE, special Sonicbids membership offers and much more. We'd love to welcome your membership! 

Is there an age limit?

There is no age limit for any categories except the School Aged Categories: 14 years and below & 15 to 17 years. All school age entries are to be based on the oldest entrant's age as at 11 October 2012. 

Can I enter lyrics only?

NO, melody & rhythm are assessable points in a song. This is not a poetry or prose competition. 

Can I enter an instrumental work?

YES, please note on your lyric sheet that the song is instrumental. Judging of instrumental songs takes into account that there are no lyrics to ensure that instrumental songs are given an equal weighting to songs with lyrics. 

Can I enter an unaccompanied song?

YES, your song can simply be sung and recorded... we just need to hear some musical notes to make it a song!

Can I use another song for accompaniment?

NO, your song's lyrics, melody & accompaniment must all be original work. You can work with a co-writer if necessary to create the tune &/or accompanying backing music. Co-writers are covered by the same rules in the competition & should always be acknowledged. You must also have permission (clearance) to use samples from others acts.

 
How many songs can I enter?

There is no limit to the number of songs you can enter - however, each entry attracts a separate entry fee.

Can I enter the same song in different categories?

YES, however each entry will attract a separate entry fee.

Does my recording have to be good quality?

The recording just needs to be clear enough for the judges to assess the song and melody, it doesn't have to be professionally recorded. The quality of the recording, presentation, or personnel used to make the recording are not criteria considered in this songwriting competition.

Who judges the songs?

A team of independent, industry judging panels blind assess all entries according to the category entered. Panels consist of active members of the local, national and international music industry. To prevent unfair play, names of judges will not be made available until after the judging has taken place.

Why do I need to provide a lyric sheet?

Lyrics are an integral part of a song. The lyric sheet allows the judges to focus on the lyrical content of the song as well as the overall composition. Please remember to include an English translation if sung in another language.

Can I get feedback from the judges?

YES, for AU$15 per entry you can receive an optional, brief evaluation of your song. You must select this evaluation option at time of entry, as this option cannot be retrospectively purchased.

Where do I send my hard copy entry to?

WAM Song of the Year
PO Box 171
NORTHBRIDGE  WA  6865
Australia

Can I email my entry or entries?

NO. Due to the large filesizes, email submissions will not be accepted.Online submissions will only be accepted through Sonicbids here for Non WAM members or here for WAMmembers until 5PM AWST Monday 30 July 2012. If you are unable to submit online you can make a hardcopy submission - please download the manual entry form here.

Can I write my songs with another person?

YES, co-writers are eligible to enter the competition and one entry covers all writers.

• Please note though that to enter the School Aged Categories, all co-writers cannot exceed the age specifications of the category.

• Entries in the School Aged Categories that are co-written should be submitted into the category relevant to the oldest co-writer. If they are 18 or over, then the song must be entered into a genre or special theme category at the adult price.
   

If I’m under 18 - how much does it cost to enter the categories other than schools?

Adult entry price. School Aged Category entry prices only apply to the School Aged Categories. All school age entries are to be based on the oldest entrant's age as at 11 October 2012. 

What category do I enter if I’m not in the usual age group for my year at school?

Eligibility for entry into the School Aged Categories is based on your age, not school year. All school age entries are to be based on the oldest entrant's age as at 11 October 2012.

Can I enter WAM Song of the Year if I have a publishing deal?

NO. Songs that are the subject of a publishing deal are ineligible for entry into WAM Song of the Year.

Can I get advice on recording?

If you are a teacher or a school age entrant needing help with recording a song, you can contact WAM’s Education Officer for information on WAM's Songwriting Workshops, available throughout the year. Please book ahead, our schools program is very popular!

How are Indigenous entrants chosen?

When you complete your online or hard copy entry form we ask you to if you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. All Indigenous entrants automatically get included in the Indigenous category in addition to the genre category they have selected. This is a bonus category with no extra fee charged.

How are Regional entrants chosen?

When you complete your online or hard copy entry form we ask you to tell us your address. All Regional based entrants (Gascoyne, Goldfields-Esperance, Great Southern, Kimberley, Mid West, Peel, Pilbara, South West, and Wheatbelt) automatically get included in the Regional category in addition to the genre category they have selected. This is a bonus category with no extra fee charged.

How is the Grant Prize winner chosen?

The winner of the Grand Prize is chosen by an independent judging panel from the winners of all genre, special, bonus and school age categories.