by: Thomas D. Mooney

Editor-in-Chief

It’s been one year since The Blue Light hosted their storied Singer-Songwriter Competition.

The Fall 2015 saw the competition reach new heights with interest by more talented singer-songwriters as well as fans of both local and regional music. After the month-long competition, Lubbock songwriter Zoe Carter was awarded the winner.

Fall 2016 picks up where 2015’s competition left off. The competition will see a growth in both what the ultimate winner will receive as well as expanding the number of singer-songwriters the competition will host by expanding the preliminary round process.

Fall 2016 will have preliminary rounds at The Blue Light the following Mondays: Sept. 12, Sept. 19, Sept 26, Oct. 03, Oct. 10 with the Finale taking place Oct. 17.

During those preliminary dates, 12 slots will be available for sign-up, along with five slots on a waitlist per night just in case one of those 12 can’t make it. From those 12 songwriters, three will advance to the Finale on Oct. 17 in which they will compete against those who moved on as well.

The ultimate winner, along with first runner-up and second runner-up will be chosen on Oct. 17.

So far the Prize Package for the Fall 2016 Competition will include the following:

A single produced & recorded and a music video produced by Mount Vernon Studios, a merchandise package from Johnny Velvet Tees, an acoustic spot at Dalton’s Drinko Street Festival 2017, a CD release at The Buddy Holly Center, an interview and South Plains Session on 24 Frames, and a custom-made acoustic guitar from Tatum Handcrafted Guitars.

The Fall 2016 Singer-Songwriter Competition sponsors are Martin Guitars, 24 Frames, Mount Vernon Studios, KTXT — The Raider 88.1, Johnny Velvet Tees, Texas Red’s Red River Songwriters’ Festival, and The Buddy Holly Center.

As far songwriting rules go:

1. Each songwriter will be allowed two songs (Songs shouldn’t be longer than five minutes in length).

2. Each song must be an original. No covers.

3. Songwriters must provide copies of their lyrics for the judges prior to performance. If you do not bring advance copies, paper will be available.

4. Each songwriter must make their own arrangements with regards to instruments. (Bring a guitar, etc).

5. If and when you advance to the Finale, you will not need to perform again in the competition until the Finale.

You will be reminded along with a few further guides and instructions each night by Competition curator Jerry Serrano.

Now, here’s the really important part, to sign up for the Fall Singer-Songwriter Competition, you will need to e-mail us at newslang.editors@gmail.com with the following information:

Name:

Cell Phone Number:

Which Week You’d Like to Play:

Have You Participated In the BLSSC Before (Y/N):

Hometown/Current Town:



In addition, we ask you to submit at least one track of a recorded song. This doesn’t have to be studio recorded or an album cut. It can be just a demo or live track.

Along with any questions, comments, etc. You will then receive a confirmation email shortly there after.

Additionally, we’d love to go ahead and get everyone familiar with our intentions of creating a listening room atmosphere for these specific dates. This is ultimately a songwriter competition which values the craft of lyrics, storytelling, vocals, mood, emotion, and feeling. That essentially means giving the one performing our absolute attention and observation.

We’ll keep this page updated with how many open slots are currently available. Spots will be filling up fast, so don’t put off signing up.

You currently have roughly a month until the first Monday starts, which means, one excellent way to start preparing is to show up at Blue Light’s Singer-Songwriter Mondays for the next three weeks. It’s a cool, calm, and relaxed atmosphere in which you’ll be able to share your songs with other songwriters, musicians, and music appreciators in the area.

Week 1 Monday, Sept. 12:

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Week 2 Monday, Sept. 19:

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Week 3 Monday, Sept. 26:

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Week 5 Monday, Oct. 10:

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