Does my song have to fall under a particular genre?
Nope! Any and all types of music are welcome. So please, send us your contemporary, your classical, your folk, your hip-hop, your jazz, your mariachi, your metal, your chillwave, your avant-garde, your all of the above. Indiana has a rich and diverse songwriting history, and participants are encouraged to re-think, re-imagine, and re-create it as they see fit.
Is there a limit to how long my song can be?
No, but we advise participants to keep their songs concise. If you feel this is the moment to unveil a twenty-seven minute prog-jazz ballad about the I-65 wind farm, every second should count.
Does my song need lyrics?
Nope! If your music says all you want to say, then that is more than okay.
Can I sample or interpolate another song in my song?
Of course! The committee, however, cannot select your song to be a finalist if it contains another artist’s copyrighted music.
Can I submit multiple songs?
Yes, but a participant can only receive one award for one song.
Can my band submit a song?
Yes, but for the committee to consider your song for an award, your band must choose one member to be the “principle” songwriter and claim the award, if selected. The committee will not select a group as a finalist.
I’ve never written a song before. Does that matter?
Not at all! Go ahead and give it a try.
I don’t play an instrument. Does that matter?
Nope! Voices, hands, and feet are the original instruments. They’ll do just fine.
What if I don’t have “good” recording equipment?
High-level recording equipment is not necessary for the contest. The committee will not consider the quality of the recording as part of its assessment of a song. Most phones and laptops come with basic recording software, and there is free recording software available on the internet. The Monroe County Public Library also has professional recording equipment that students can access with a library card.
If I submit a song, can I request that it not be shared publically?
Yes, and we will respect your request. In the spirit of the contest and Indiana Remixed as a whole, however, we encourage you to share your work with others.
How will my song be shared?
Songs may be shared on the Arts & Humanities Council's website and social media platforms, as well as other online outlets such as SoundCloud.
I have more questions!
Please send additional questions to Gerard Pannekoek at gpanneko@iu.edu.
