Call for Submissions: 2027 Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival

We're excited to announce that official artist submissions for the 2027 Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival open Sunday, October 11, 2026, and will run until 11:59 p.m. CST on Saturday, October 24, 2026.

2027 FESTIVAL ENTRY FORM

Since our inception in 2018, over a hundred songwriters have taken our stages—including Mary Gauthier, Terri Hendrix, Ben Kweller, Walt Wilkins, Jaimee Harris, Ian Moore, Susan Gibson, Adam & Chris Carroll, Tony Scalzo, and so many more.

Here is your chance to join that roster for a one-of-a-kind weekend where original music is front and center—always!

Eligibility & Selection Policies

To keep our lineup vibrant, fair, and transparent, please review our core policies before submitting:

• Community-Funded & Non-Profit: Corpus Christi Songwriters is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit operated by an unpaid volunteer team. Your $25 submission fee directly funds the festival—helping us guarantee artist payouts, secure venues, and keep our workshops open. The fee covers our administrative review process and does not guarantee selection or a performance slot.

• Artist Rotation Policy: To keep our stage open to fresh voices and give everyone an opportunity to perform, songwriters who performed in BOTH the 2025 and 2026 festival lineups are ineligible to apply for 2027. (If you played only one or neither of those years, we'd love to review your application!)

• Original Songs Only: We are seeking singer-songwriters showcasing their own original music. No covers, period.

• Genre & Setup: No music genre is off-limits! We’re just looking for folks with a song to sing and a story to share. Think "MTV Unplugged" rather than the NFL Halftime Show—keep it simple, genuine, and centered on the song.

• Stage Presence: On-stage charisma and audience engagement/rapport are a must!

How CCSW Festival Submissions Work

To complete your submission, you will be required to provide:

1. Basic Contact Info: Legal name, Stage/Performer Name, phone number, email, and location.

2. Music & Performance Samples:

   • 1 Original Song File/Link (MP3, WAV, Spotify, SoundCloud, Bandcamp, etc.)

   • 1 Live Performance Video File/Link (YouTube, Vimeo, Instagram/FB video showcasing a live performance)(BOTH an audio sample and a live performance video link are mandatory to complete your submission.)

3. Online & Social Media Presence: Links to active platform pages (Instagram, Facebook, website, etc.) where you highlight your music and engage with listeners.

Requirements for Festival Performers

If selected to play the 2027 Festival, you’ll be responsible for:

• Festival Availability: Holding the official festival dates (February 12-14, 2027) on your calendar and making no outside performance commitments during the festival weekend without prior organizer approval.

• Travel & Expenses: Securing your own travel, transportation, and food (outside of meals/vouchers provided by the festival).

• Gear & Equipment: Providing your own instrument(s), cable(s), tuner, and amp(s) required for your rig. Main sound systems, microphones, and sound technicians will be provided by the festival and venue partners.

• Promotion: Using your social media presence and online platforms to help promote and share the festival leading up to the event.

Perks and Payment for Festival Performers

Selected 2027 CCSW Festival Performers will receive:

• Guaranteed Flat Fee: Payment for your performance(s).

• VIP All-Access Pass: At check-in, performers receive an official wristband that grants free entry to ALL festival events including the VIP/Songwriter Dinner, Workshops, Afternoon Song Swaps, Evening Showcases, and the Sunday Brunch & Awards.

• No-Cost Lodging Option: For out-of-town performers, the festival offers a limited number of rooms/beds available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please indicate on your application if you will need lodging. (Lodging is NOT guaranteed unless confirmed in writing via email by CCSW).

• Awards Eligibility: Every songwriter who submits to the festival is eligible to be nominated for awards presented during the Sunday Brunch & Awards.

• Hospitality Access: Access to the Songwriter Hospitality area with snacks, drinks, and meals throughout the festival weekend.

• Meal Vouchers: Vouchers/tickets redeemable at participating venues during the festival.

• Media & Promotional Assets: Access to download high-resolution photos and video captured by official festival media teams for your own music promotion.

• Social Cross-Promotion: Tagging and linking to your social media platforms across CCSW official posts and marketing materials.

2027 FESTIVAL ENTRY FORM

Enter the CCSW Fall Songwriting Contest!

Submissions for the Corpus Christi Songwriters Fall Songwriting Contest are NOW CLOSED!

Check back soon for the next seasonal songwriting contest.

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Whether you're a seasoned writer or submitting your first original track, we want to hear your music.

All original songs receive a double-blind review from our board and industry final panel, constructive feedback, and an automatic entry into calculations for our annual Festival Awards (Lyricist, Melody, and Songwriter of the Year).  

Before submitting, please make sure you’ve read our Contest Rules & Judging Guide for full details on eligibility, file requirements, and our 50-point rubric.

Choose Your Entry Option Below to Get Started

Select how many songs you'd like to submit. Each link takes you directly to the appropriate submission form:

Submit 1 Song ($20 Entry Fee)

• Submit 1 original song & lyric sheet  

• Direct PayPal link provided upon form submission

Submit 3-Song Bundle ($50 Entry Fee — Best Value!)

• Submit up to 3 original songs & lyric sheets (Save $10!)  

• Direct PayPal link provided upon form submission

What to Have Ready Before You Click:

• Audio Files: High-quality MP3 (direct upload, link, or email).  

• Lyrics: Text/PDF copy of your lyrics.  

• Co-writers: Names of any co-writers or collaborators (if applicable).

Need help or have questions about submitting? Reach out to Abby at abby@ccsongwriters.com

CCSW Seasonal Songwriting Contests: Rules + Guide

At Corpus Christi Songwriters (CCSW), we believe in celebrating the craft of songwriting regardless of genre. Whether you write country, indie rock, hip-hop, folk, or pop, this contest is a judgment-free space designed to get fresh ears on your original music and help you grow as an artist.

How Your Song Is Evaluated (No Random Picks)

We pride ourselves on a rigorous, two-tier review process designed to eliminate bias and ensure every single track gets fair, focused attention.

Round 1: Preliminary Board Review (Double-Blind)

• To keep judging completely objective, all submissions are converted into an anonymous format. Judges do not see your name, location, or background—only your song title and lyric sheet.  

• Every song is scored by our board members using our official 50-point rubric. The top-scoring tracks advance to the Final Panel. 

Round 2: The Industry & Advisory Final Panel

• Finalists are passed to an elite 5-judge panel. We intentionally curate a diverse mix of voices: music industry professionals, seasoned performers, and passionate, music-adjacent fans.  

• Finalists receive anonymous, constructive feedback and notes directly from the panel to help refine their craft. 

Direct Pipeline to Annual Festival Awards

Your contest entry doesn't end here! Scores earned in this contest automatically count toward calculations for our annual Festival Awards: Lyricist of the Year, Melody of the Year, and Songwriter of the Year.

Judging Rubric (50 Points Total)

Every song is scored on a 1–10 scale (using 0.25 increments) across five criteria:  

• Lyrics (10 pts): Storytelling, original imagery, emotional impact, and how well words pair with the rhythm. (Feeds Lyricist of the Year)  

• Melody (10 pts): Memorable hooks, earworm potential, chord integration, and harmonic flow. (Feeds Melody of the Year)  

• Structure & Arrangement (10 pts): Clean execution, clear verse/chorus/bridge definition, and pacing.  

• Commercial & Lasting Appeal (10 pts): Broad listener connection, playlist fit, and timelessness.  

• Overall Impression (10 pts): Standout artistic impact and overall listener experience. (Note: This is an independent holistic score, NOT an average).  

Submission Guidelines & FAQs

Is this "Pay-to-Play"? No. CCSW is a non-profit organization, and entry fees serve as a critical fundraiser supporting year-round songwriter resources, showcases, and community events. In exchange, you get guaranteed listens from industry judges and constructive feedback on your work.  

What are the submission fees?

• Fees vary according to the active contest at the time; see current active contest entry info post for more info.

Can I submit an instrumental track? No. Because lyrics account for a significant portion of our official scoring rubric, all submissions must include lyrics.  

What file formats are required?

• Audio: High-quality MP3 audio link/upload.

• Lyric Sheet: A text/PDF document containing full lyrics. If your song is non-English or features complex vocals, a lyric sheet is required for clarity.

Do I retain the rights to my music?

Yes, 100%. You retain full ownership and copyright of your work. By entering, you grant CCSW non-exclusive rights to stream winning tracks for promotional purposes related to the contest.