Road Ready Talent Contest - American Songwriter

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The Road Ready Talent Contest

The Top 3 Perform Live in Front of a VIP Audience for a Prize Package Valued at Over $100,000 - Including Cash, Prizes, Mentorship, and More!

2026 OPEN FOR ENTRY

Road Ready Talent Contest

2025 Open Now For Entry!
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The Top 3 Finalists will perform live in front of a VIP Audience for over $100,000 in cash, prizes, mentorship & more!

License To Sync Contest Promotion Open Now

THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO WIN AN EXCLUSIVE SYNC MENTORSHIP

We are thrilled to announce an exciting update to the Road Ready Talent Contest. To give more artists the opportunity to showcase their talent, we have extended the contest deadline and launched a brand-new promotion, License to Sync!
 
A sync placement puts your song in film, TV, or ads—instantly giving indie artists both a paycheck and a global spotlight.
 
ONE OVERALL WINNER will win:
 
✅ $1000 cash prize
✅ Exclusive sync mentorship with industry professionals
✅ A feature article on American Songwriter
✅ A dedicated social media post
✅ Eligible for all Road Ready Contest Prizes
ABOUT REEPERBAHN FESTIVAL

Reeperbahn Festival (Sept 17 – 20) is Europe’s biggest club festival and THE international platform for pop culture & the music business. Every year, Hamburg‘s Reeperbahn area transforms into a colorful whirlwind of musicians, top industry professionals, and music audiences.

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Promotion Deadline: September 10, 2025

What Is Road Ready?

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE TALENT– Discovery platform spotlighting artists with the full package — talent, performance, presence, and brand.

2024 Grand Prize Winner is Now a Signed Artist
You Could be Next!

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Contest Deadline Extended: September 24, 2025

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Prizes

  • $20,000 USD in Cash USD
  • Signature Live Performance
    • Top 3 Finalists perform ‘live’ and Grand Prize winner announced to a VIP audience
  • Publishing Deal Opportunity with Savage Music
  • Mentorship with A&R Industry Executives
  • 2-Page Feature in American Songwriter Magazine
  • Premier Studio Recording Package
  • Premium Gear Package
  • Extensive Customized PR Campaign
  • 1-Year Free American Songwriter Membership
  • $5,000 USD in Cash USD
  • Signature Live Performance
  • Publishing Deal Opportunity with Savage Music
  • Mentorship with A&R Industry Executives
  • Feature in American Songwriter Magazine
  • Premier Studio Recording Package
  • Premium Gear Package
  • 1-Year Free American Songwriter Membership
  • $500 USD in Cash
  • Feature on American Songwriter
  • 1-Year Free American Songwriter Membership
Categories To Enter
Songs rooted in American musical traditions, blending soulful storytelling with elements of folk, country, and blues.
Faith-based songs that inspire, uplift, and share messages of hope and worship.
Songs that tell real-life stories with heart, rooted in tradition and honesty.
Honest, lyric-driven songs that highlight storytelling and personal expression.
Rhythm-driven songs with lyrical flow, creativity, and powerful storytelling.
Original, genre-blending songs that showcase creativity and individuality. Indie Music: Music defined by artistic freedom, authenticity, and fresh perspective.
Songs inspired by Latin rhythms and culture, full of passion and energy.
Catchy, contemporary songs with strong hooks and broad appeal.
Emotion-driven songs that blend smooth vocals, groove, and heartfelt storytelling.
Powerful, guitar-driven songs that capture energy, attitude, and emotion.
Meet the 2025 Judges
Music Agent at United Talent Agency (UTA) working with artists like Of Monsters and Men, Thomas Day, Lilyisthatyou, Royal & the Serpent, and more.
Vice President, International A&R at Warner Music Group. He oversees A&R strategy for global talent development and international projects
Savage Music A&R Director. Industry A&R veteran with Warner Music, Sony Music, and Virgin to name a few who signed Josh Ritter, Brendan Benson, Langhorne Slim, Lenka, and more.
Larry Webman is SVP at Wasserman Music overseeing an established roster that includes Coldplay, Sara Bareilles, Barenaked Ladies, Bastille, David Gray, Dropkick Murphys, MGMT, Joe Jackson, Palaye Royale, MICO, Michigander, Sam Ryder, Sawyer Hill and HONNE.

2024 Road Ready Wrap

Grand Prize Winner - Beachmont

2025 Grand Prize Winner | BEACHMONT

Runner Up - SmithField

SmithField

Runner Up - Joe Jenneman

Joe Jenneman

'Live' Grand Finale Recap From Nashville

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FAQ

The contest is open to unsigned Bands, Singers, Rappers, Duos & Solo artists from anywhere in the world in any style of music not currently signed to a major record label or any of its subsidiaries. 

The Final Deadline is August 26, 2026 at 11:59:59 PM (CT)

Yes! We do NOT claim ownership in the materials you submit in conjunction with the contest.

Yes! Submissions from any country are allowed.

$35 per song submission

Copy and paste a public link to your songs into the form at checkout. They can be hosted on any platform: SoundCloud, YouTube, etc.

To edit your entry please email our Customer Relations team at [email protected] with your Order ID and the edit you need to make.

*Note: We cannot guarantee that we will be able to edit your entry if you contact us more than 2 weeks after your entry date.

Everything is a factor in a talent contest. Enter songs and video performances that best personify you as an artist. The more songs & videos you enter, the better chance our judges have to evaluate your talent.

Our judges do not give individual feedback. If you are interested in having your lyrics reviewed, we have a lyric critique benefit that is included in our Diamond Memberships.

The finalists will be announced in Fall 2025 via email and on our website. The Grand Prize winner will be announced at the live performance event.

Click here to see all Contest Rules

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Promotion Winners

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© 2025 American Songwriter

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