I’ve just finished being the final judge of the lyrics division of the Great American Song Contest.
I have had the pleasure and honor of doing this judging for many years, and I always enjoy it.
I’m fascinated by the entries, and I try to always give notes to help the songwriters.
My judging is based on originality, interesting use of language, strong plot ideas, communication level of ideas, not being repetitive, being lyrics not poems, and my own lifetime of intuition as to what the French call the “je ne sais quoi” — meaning, that ephemeral quality that makes a good song a good song.
I congratulate the 4 winners of this year’s contest!
How exciting for them. And to all the songwriters who entered, I congratulate you for putting yourself out there, and participating.
The one contest you’ll never win is the one you never enter!
I think songwriters are some of the luckiest people in the world, as we have a way to express our thoughts and feelings, putting them on paper, setting them to music, and hearing them sung.
Many people in the world simply hold those feelings and thoughts inside, and never have the chance songwriters do to express them.
In that sense, all songwriters are winners.
Writing is a gift we give ourselves!
—Pamela Phillips Oland, March 17, 2020
Are you ready to get your songs heard and reviewed by experienced music-industry pros? Are you seeking opportunities to win prizes, gain recognition and promote your songs with publishers, producers and music media?
The Great American Song Contest™ is uniquely designed to offer these very opportunities — and benefit every songwriter, lyricist and composer who participates.
22nd ANNUAL GREAT AMERICAN SONG CONTEST OPENS MAY 15th, 2020
Time permits only a few Songwriter Consultations and song evaluations.
But I really do enjoy helping songwriters to take a look at their work, and recognize the flaws in their thinking process that somehow keep good ideas from becoming great songs.
There are definitely tips and tricks that a successful writer learns along the way. I try to impart some of them to those who are willing to listen.
Contact me for a Lyric Evaluation & Songwriting Consultation and I will will happily respond
Time permits only a few Songwriter Consultations and song evaluations.
But I really do enjoy helping songwriters to take a look at their work, and recognize the flaws in their thinking process that somehow keep good ideas from becoming great songs.
There are definitely tips and tricks that a successful writer learns along the way. I try to impart some of them to those who are willing to listen.
Contact me for a Lyric Evaluation & Songwriting Consultation and I will will happily respond