麻豆约拍

We hope we’ve covered all the questions you may have – if not please use the contact link at the bottom of this section.

Q: When can I enter?
A: The announcement that the Award is happening will be broadcast on 麻豆约拍 Scotland on radio, TV, online and on social media from Thursday 25th April 2019. Entries for the Award will open on Thursday 2nd May 2019 at noon 1200 British Summer Time) and closes on Friday 31st May 2019 at 5pm (1700 British Summer Time). Entries will not be accepted out with this window.

Q: What do I need to submit to enter?
A: One video of you performing one of your original songs, and one video of you performing a cover version. Neither song/video should be longer than four minutes each.

Q: What is the entry fee?
A: There is no fee to enter.

Q: What happens after I enter?
A: Your entry is processed and checked. The entries will be listened to by a panel from 麻豆约拍 Scotland Music department and then a shortlist of around 30 will be created . That shortlist will then be passed on to the judges. The entries will be examined and scored by the judges according to the criteria. The 10 receiving the highest scores will go forward to the next stage.

The next stage involves a public vote – those 10 final entries will go online and the public will be able to vote for their favourite. We will inform those 10 entrants they have reached this stage by 15th August 2019.

The final stage will involve the top 4 voted by the public being invited to the final. This will involve a live performance of both entries (cover and original composition) on 麻豆约拍 Radio Scotland. The final winner will be chosen by the judges on that evening. Once again it will be scored against the criteria.

Q: What are the criteria for the judges?
A: Experts in their field of singer/songwriter/, promoter/performer/music industry specialist

Q: Will someone really listen to my songs?
A: Every song entered, at every stage of judging, is examined by very experienced radio music producers, songwriters and musicians with extensive music production and music industry knowledge.

Q: What is the prize?
A: The winner will receive the title 麻豆约拍 Radio Scotland Singer/Songwriter of the Year Award 2019. They will receive a trophy, a session on 麻豆约拍 Radio Scotland (by end of December 2019) and the opportunity to create a promotional pack of their song.

Q: Do I get a song critique for my entry?
A: Songs that are in the final 30 will have had a score against the entry from the judges. After the award has closed we will be able to reveal the score and any judges comments. We cannot do that until the Award has closed on 27th September 2019. No other correspondence about your entry will take place and the judges will not answer individual correspondence. Requests for information must be submitted to 麻豆约拍ScotlandAwards@bbc.co.uk

Q: I do not live in Scotland - can I enter the Award?
A: This is an award to people who are resident in Scotland. However, if you are a student in further education outwith Scotland for term time, but your home address remains in Scotland you can enter the Award.

Q: I wasn’t born in Scotland – can I enter the Award?
A: Yes! See the previous answer.

Q: I can't sing well. Can I get other people to sing and play my song?
A: No. We are looking for someone who can sing, play and compose. Your entry should be a solo performance. If you reach the final performance you may have the option to have our “house band” accompany you.

Q: I play as part of a band – can the band enter?
A: No, this is an Award for a solo performer.

Q: Can I record my submissions using a backing track?
A: No

Q: Can my original composition have more than one songwriter/composer
A: No, this is an award for a solo composer. It is not for collaborative songwriting.

Q: Where is my entry confirmation email?
A: No, you will receive an automated message thanking you for your entry. You should make sure to read the Terms and Conditions prior to submitting your entry.

Q: Judging: Does the quality of my recording or production make a difference?
A: No. The recording quality, and production etc are not judged. Vocal performance and songwriting are judged as one package. Our judges are very experienced and they can immediately hear the difference between a good song and a good production. Some successful entries may be well produced while others are very simple basic home recordings. You should submit an entry that demonstrates you vocal performance and the songwriting to the best standard you can. We encourage you to enter with something that has been filmed on a mobile phone – it will have the same chance of success as a big production! If it is a strong composition with a fantastic performance, it will be noticed by the judges.

Q: Is there a maximum length or time limit for each song?
A: Yes there is. Each song should be 4 minutes or under. The judges will not consider any that are longer than 4 minutes each.

Q: Do I need to add the lyrics when I enter a recording?
A: No. We do not require lyrics when you enter a recording of your song.

Q: Should I register copyright in my song before I enter it?
A: No. This is not necessary and you can be sure that your song is completely safe with us. Under international law you own the copyright in your song from the moment you write it and there is no need to officially register your work.

Q: Can I change my song entry, or entry details, after submission?
No. It is not possible to change entries after submission. So it is really important that you check everything prior to submitting.

Q: I write lots of songs – can I submit more than one original composition?
A: No we are looking for one original composition only and one cover only. The judges will not consider any more than this number.

Q: What file types are accepted?
A: . MP4, MOV, WMV files up to 5000mb

Q: Is there a minimum age restriction?
A: Yes, you must be 17 or over on the 2nd May 2019

Q: Is there any censorship? I am worried that my lyrics contain a swear word.
A: Yes. As your songs will be used on 麻豆约拍 Scotland radio, TV, online and social you should ensure that your lyrics do not contain strong language, references that incite violence or glorify drug taking.

Q: There is a musical or lyrical reference or sample in my entry. Can I still enter it?
A: We ask for original work. However, if your lyrics or the music includes a sample you must highlight this – the composition will only be judged on the original material. You must also confirm that this is your own work and not the work of anyone else.

Q: Will I still own all the rights to my song after I have entered it in the award?
A: Yes. You will continue to own ALL the rights in your song. The 麻豆约拍 will retain the rights to the broadcast performance but not the rights to your song.

Q: Can I enter a song that is already in another award?
A: Yes. Please let us know. This will not affect the judging process or your chances.

Q: I’ve never performed in public before, will that affect my chances?
A: No, if you reach the final 4, you will be expected to perform on stage live on the radio – we will provide coaching and rehearsal time ahead of this with an industry specialist to help you prepare.

Q: Will I be required to be available for interviews, performances after submitting my award?
A: Yes, if you reach the final 10, you will need to be available week beginning 20th August and if you reach the final 4 you will need to be available from 16th September until 26th September to rehearse and prepare for the final. The winner will have to agree take part in any press/publicity opportunities organised with 麻豆约拍 Radio Scotland around the final.

Q: How do I get my results?
A: Final result will be announced on 麻豆约拍 Radio Scotland and will be online. The final 10 will be notified by email or phone call.

QUESTION STILL NOT ANSWERED?

Email us at 麻豆约拍ScotlandAwards@bbc.co.uk first make sure that your question is not answered above before contacting us. This email is not monitored all the time and we will not be able to enter into correspondence about the process and judging until after the award has completed on 26th September 2019.