NewSong opens 2026 music competition submissions

NewSong Music is taking entries for its 25th annual Performance and Songwriting Competition, with a Sept. 13 deadline and a grand prize that includes a fully funded six-song EP and 300 vinyl records. The Asheville finale will bring eight finalists to perform at The Grey Eagle on Oct. 25.

Why it matters: - The competition gives original songwriters a national stage and a chance to turn winning material into a professionally produced release. - The grand prize combines recording support with physical vinyl, which can help an artist build both audience and industry momentum. - All 2026 entrants can also get a 5% discount on vinyl pressing projects at Citizen Vinyl.

What happened: - NewSong Music opened submissions for its 2026 Performance and Songwriting Competition, the 25th annual edition of the program. - The final deadline is Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST. - The competition finale will take place Sunday, Oct. 25, in Asheville, North Carolina, at The Grey Eagle. - Eight finalists will be chosen from online submissions and will travel to Asheville to perform and compete.

The details: - The winner will receive a fully funded six-song EP. - Citizen Vinyl will press 300 vinyl records of the grand prize project. - The eight finalists are expected to be announced Friday, Sept. 11, 2026. - NewSong plans to share the finalist announcement on Facebook, Instagram, its website blog and newsletter. - Artists can submit original music at the competition entry page. - NewSong Music has staged curated showcases since 2001. - The competition finals were formerly held at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City before moving to Asheville in 2017. - Past winners include Crys Matthews, Jobi Riccio, AC Sapphire and Slow Runner. - Susan Anderson of Asheville won the 2025 grand prize.

Between the lines: - The partnership with Citizen Vinyl ties the contest to a manufacturing prize, not just a performance opportunity. - The Asheville setting continues to position the finale within a music community known for independent artists and live performance culture. - The discount offer suggests NewSong is using the competition to create value for more than just the finalists.

What's next: - Entrants need to submit original songs before the Sept. 13 deadline. - Finalists will learn whether they made the cut on Sept. 11. - The grand prize winner will be selected by a panel of music industry judges at the Asheville finale.

The bottom line: - NewSong’s 2026 competition offers artists a short runway to enter, then a clear path from online submission to a live finale and a release-ready vinyl prize.