So Co Radio
All competition events will be professionally recorded. Songs from each event will be chosen to be included in the weekly webcast program called "So Co Radio". This program will be streamed across the web in its entirety. All songs that are included in the "broadcast" will also be made available in MP3 format for FREE download by the public. "So Co Radio" will be available on the following websites: SouthernComfort.com, CreativeLoafing.com, OpenMicAtlanta.com.
All participants must agree to allow the streaming and download of their recorded material. No permission, no play.
Listen to SoCo Radio!
Structure
Frequency: Once per week at a different Atlanta Area venue. Each competition will last 10 weeks. At the end of the 10 individual competitions, all "Finalists" will perform at the "FINALS".
10 Qualifying Weeks: 2 "Finalists" will be chosen from each week`s competition and will move on to the Finals.
Locations: Each week, the qualifying round will be held at a different venue. See "Venues" for locations.
Sign-up: Sign-up takes place on-site 1 hour prior to the posted start time. No advance sign-up.
Rules
Each week, an individual or group may signup to perform one original work that they would like to have considered. The song may be performed by the writer or by anyone that the writer dictates. Performers must bring three copies of their song lyrics for the judges!
The two songs with the highest score at each qualifying round will be invited to play in the "FINALS". The same song will be performed at the "FINALS" and the competition winner will then be chosen.
If a writer is chosen to move on to the "FINALS", the writer may not enter another song until the current competition is completed.
If a writer does not win, they may participate in another qualifying round on another night.
A maximum number of 4 people may perform together at one time. Percussion is OK, but no drums.
Prizes
Songwriter`s Competition finalists will receive the following prizes:
Individual Nights:
- A slot in the FINALS
- Guaranteed slot on "So Co Radio" webcast
- more prizes TBA
Over-All Competition:
1st - D3 Larrivee Guitar from Larrivee Guitars www.Larrivee.com
Sponsors: Southern Comfort / Larrive Guitars / Creative Loafing
Judging
Open Mic Atlanta will choose qualified people to act as judges each week. Judges decisions are final. Judges will use the following criteria to rate each song:
Criterias
1. Lyrics: Does the song tell a story and do the lyrics flow well?
Esoteric thoughts put to music might work well for Pink Floyd or a movie soundtrack, but we want to understand where you`re going. Pick a song that is easy to understand.
2. Melody: Does the music flow well?
If people walk away whistling your song after hearing it, there`s a good chance you`ve got a good melody going.
3. Hook: Is the song memorable?
Ever hear a song that you can`t get out of your head? That`s what we`re looking for here.
4. Originality: How original is the song?
Is your song a remix of "Brown Eyed Girl"? If so, don`t play it. Pull out a tune that people have commented, "that`s a fresh sound" or "that`s really different".
5. Performance
Singing, playing and delivery. Give it your best!
6. Audience: Do they like you?
Being accepted by the audience is an important litmus test for any song. Bringing your friends, family, and fans to the competition couldn`t hurt you in this category!
Each category will count as ten points with 10 being the best score. The top two performers with the highest cumulative score from all judges are the finalists.
Compilation CD
Creative Loafing will choose songs from the competitors to appear on a compilation CD. The CD will be advertised by Creative Loafing and it will be for sale at local music stores. Participating musicians will be paid a royalty for all CDs sold. Part of the procedes will be donated to charity.
Miscellaneous
- Hosts and employees of Open Mic Atlanta are not eligible.
- Individual night "Finalists" must have their song performed at the "finals" to be eligible to win the over-all competition
- Regardless of how many people may have contributed to a song, only one individual shall receive a prize. The person must be identified at sign-up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Got more questions? Look here!
So Co Radio Finalists perform at Centennial Park for Race Town Atlanta!
Race Town Atlanta At Centennial Olympic Park - Friday, Oct. 28th - Saturday 29th - Noon - 8 pm
Featuring:
- So Co Radio Performers
- Race-Themed Exhibits / Show Cars / Merchandise / Live Music
10 Week Songwriter`s Competition Schedule
1. Week: Fri September 30th / American Pie / Sandy Springs / 7:00 - 10:30
2. Week: Fri October 7th / Willie McGee`s/ 6470 Spalding Drive / Peachtree Corners / 9:00 - 12:30 / Map
3. Week: Sat - October 15th / Three Dollar Cafe / 1485 Peachtree Pkwy / Cumming / 9:00 - 12:00 / Map
4. Week: Sat - October 22nd / The Derby / 9850 Nesbit Ferry Road / Alpharetta / 9:00 - 12:30 / Map
5. Week: Sat - October 29th / Leopard Lounge / 84 12th Street / Atlanta / 8:00 - 11:00 / Map
6. Week: Thu - November 3rd / Downtown Kitchen / 140 East Marietta Street / Canton / 8:00 - 11:30 / Map
7. Week: Fri - November 11th / Jeffrey`s Sports Bar / 6332 Grand Hickory Drive / Braselton / 9:00 - 12:30 / Map
8. Week: Wed - November 16th / CJ`s Landing / 270 Buckhead Ave / Atlanta / 8:00 - 11:30 / Map
9. Week: Tue - November 22nd / Max Lager`s / 320 Peachtree Street / Atlanta / 8:00 - 11:30 / Map
10. Week: Fri - December 2nd / Taylor`s Food & Spirits / 2055 Beaver Ruin Road / Norcross, GA / 9:00 - 12:30 / Map
Finals: TBA
Congratulations to all finalists!
Finalists of the 1st weeks competition @ American Pie - Atlanta
Ungerrose Glen Pridgen
Finalists of the 2nd weeks competition @ Willie McGee`s - Norcross
Peyton Davis Goeff Reid
Finalists of the 3rd weeks competition @ Three Dollar Cafe - Cumming
Bobby N. James Jeff Thomas
Finalists of the 4th weeks competition @ The Derby - Alpharetta
Dana Abbott Xylah Freds
Finalists of the 5th weeks competition @ Leopard Lounge - Atlanta
Stokeswood Red
Finalists of the 6th weeks competition @ Downtown Kitchen - Canton
Jeff Spirko Marlin Brackett
Finalists of the 7th weeks competition @ Jeffrey`s Sports Bar - Braselton
Jeremy Ezell Gary Chappelle
Last 12 Weeks Songwriter`s Competition June - Sept. 2005
A big THANK YOU to everybody that participated in the Summer 2005 Songwriters Competition. Keep on writing!
Congratulations to our winners:
1st Place - Rocky Walker Rocky won 3 complete songs recorded by Hairybreakfast Studio.
2nd Place - Wes Loper Wes took home a D3 Larrivee Guitar.
3rd Place - Rick Diamond Rick gets 1 complete song recorded with Hairybreakfast Studio.
4th Place - Spencer Durham Spencer gets 3 hours of practice time from This House Rocks.
5th Place - Jamie Reynolds Jaimie gets 3 hours of practice time from This House Rocks.
6th Place - The Chappelles Steve & Gary get 3 hours of practice time from This House Rocks.
Sponsors: Southern Comfort / Larrive Guitars / Hairy Breakfast Studio / This House Rocks / Creative Loafing
Steve, Gary, Jamie, Rick, Spencer and Wes
Wes Loper with his D3 Larrivee Guitar
