the deadline for the Granite State Songwriting Contest approaches

The Granite State Songwriting Contest is back for its second year, and the July 5 submission deadline is rapidly approaching. “Last year we received about 40 submissions,” said Ron Noyes, president of the contest committee. “We have about 10 or 12 entries so far, but usually they come flooding in during the last 10 days, so we’re looking to get a whole lot more than last year.”

Noyes started the contest last year in an effort to promote undiscovered musical talent in New Hampshire. “I thought there were a lot of great writers out there that usually go under the radar, and it would be great to get them out there,” he said.

Interested bands or artists must complete a simple entry form and submit a recording for evaluation, along with a listening fee ($20 for the first song, $10 for each additional tune). “There are no genre preferences. We keep it wide open,” Noyes said. “Last year we had everything from heavy metal to just straight folk.” 
Last year’s winner, Pat Goches, wrote a song called “Strawberry Bitter-Chase,” which Noyes described as “a kind of eerie Radiohead type of ballad.” Goches is now pursuing a career in the music field, and is studying at the Berklee College of Music in Boston.

A panel of five music experts, including a producer, radio promoter and an audio engineer, will judge the entries and determine a winner. Prizes include $250 cash, a free press kit design courtesy of Stretch The Skies, a spot onstage at Matt Bonner’s Sneakers and Speakers event at the Capital Center for the Arts on July 14, a full day at Rocking Horse Studio in Pittsfield and a 10-station college radio campaign courtesy of Impact Player Music. The winner will also receive an online “Music Button” through FYE and a full press release for media coverage. The top five finalists of the contest will also have the privilege of performing at the “Finalist Showcase” on Wednesday, July 11 at the Stone Church in Newmarket.