Tennessee Songwriter’s Week 2024 Competition

The last full week of February each year is designated by state legislature as Tennessee Songwriter’s Week. The goal is to support music venues and songwriters with live performances across the state as well as to inspire Tennesseans and tourists to experience the state’s artists, music heritage, attractions, and venues. For Tennessee Songwriters Week 2024, the city of Maryville is proud to announce it has been accepted as a qualifying round venue to select two songwriters.

The initial qualifying event in Maryville be held on January 21, 2024 at Two Doors Down (118 E. Broadway Ave., Maryville). Two winners will be selected and chosen to advance to perform at Lafayette’s Music Room. Those performances will be held January 21 – February 13. All songwriters must appear in one qualifying round.

Sign Up 

Maryville’s qualifying round will be open until all 15 songwriter slots are filled, and will close no later than January 14, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. There will be a waiting list for any songwriter past the initial 15 signups. To sign up:

1. 1. • Visit tnsongwritersweek.com for full details and official rules.
      • Sign up for Maryville’s qualifying round, by emailing [email protected] or complete the form.
      • Two Doors Down will provide a ready to play stage set up with microphones, pick ups, performing stage, and power. We do not provide specialty equipment. Please bring everything additional you need with you. Sound check will be the day of the event. That sign up will be released once spots are filled. Participants will be contacted to set up the times.

Judging Criteria  

Songs will be judged on two categories:

1. 1. • • Quality of song (original lyrics/melody, lack of cliches, clear or unclear narrative narrative) – Scored 1-10 (10 the highest)

1. 1. • • Performance (instrument in/out of tune, ability to understand lyrics, connection with audience – Scored 1-6 (6 the highest)

Showcases 

Selected songwriters from the official qualifying rounds will perform during one of the seven Tennessee Songwriters Week 2024 showcases in the following cities: Franklin, Portland Memphis, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Gatlinburg, and Johnson City the week for February 18, 2024.

Prizes 

Finalists from the seven showcases (one from each city) will get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share their original songs on stage at the historic Bluebird Café in Nashville in March 2024. There will be first, second, and third place prizes among the seven finalists. Each of the seven finalists also receive additional prizes including a one-year membership to NSAI and a commemorative Taylor guitar.