Now Accepting Submissions for New Songwriters Showdown

Think you have what it takes? Sign up to compete and let your music be heard! Step into the spotlight and compete in the Made in Walton County - Songwriters Showdown. Produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County with additional support from Watersound Town Center, this event provides an opportunity to showcase your talent, share your story, and compete for cash prizes plus a guaranteed spot in the 17th Annual 30A Songwriters Festival scheduled for January 16 - 19, 2026.

We’re looking for songwriters of all genres and ages to take the stage at the Pavilion at Watersound Town Center on Thursday, April 3, 2025 and perform their original music in front of a live audience. Each artist will have up to 10 minutes to captivate the crowd with their songs and storytelling.

HOW IT WORKS

You will have up to 10 minutes between 6 - 8 p.m. to perform your original music live.
Engage with the audience by sharing the inspiration behind your songs - whether it’s heartfelt, comical, raw or uplifting. Give the crowd a glimpse into the emotions, experiences or unexpected moments that shaped your music.
Fans will vote for their favorite performance throughout the event.
The winners will be announced at the end of the Showdown. Winners will receive cash prizes totaling $2,500 and will be guaranteed a slot into other CAA events in 2025-2026. Top winners will also receive a 1-year CAA artist membership package.

PERFORMANCE SET-UP AND ARTIST REQUIREMENTS

We will provide a stage, lighting, on-site sound engineer and sound system for easy plug and play. If you have specific tech requirements, please include them in your application.
Songwriters are responsible for bringing their own instruments and any additional equipment needed for their set.
Songwriters must be able to set-up and breakdown within 10 minutes. Please keep this in mind when applying.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Songwriter must be a current resident of Walton County.
Songwriters must submit a lyric sheet for 1-2 songs they are entering.
Songwriters must submit an audio recording electronically (MP3, MP4 or WMA format) OR by link to an audio recording.
Songwriters must only submit 1-2 songs.
Songs must be at least one minute in length and no more than 5 minutes.
Only 1 song will be selected to perform if invited to participate.
Songwriters entering can be a solo, duo or trio. The songwriter who submits the application will be deemed the individual eligible prize winner for prize receipt.
Lyrics must be completely original.
Backup tracks are not permitted.
Judging will be up to the live audience and announced at the end of the event. All songwriters must stick around until the end of the show.

TIMELINE

Application Open: Monday, Feb 24

Application Close: Thursday, March 13

Invitations to Participate: Friday, March 14

Acceptance of Invitation: Friday, March 21

We look forward to seeing your submissions and celebrating the diverse talents of our creative community. Don't miss this opportunity to showcase your work and connect with fellow artists and art enthusiasts.

For questions, please email CAA's Director of Events:

Allie Anderson | allie@culturalartsalliance.com

HOW TO APPLY

Please study the criteria and submit an application online prior to 11:59 p.m. on March 13, 2025. You will need to set up an account with Submittable if you do not already have one. You only have to set up your account one time, but you will need to submit to artist calls individually.