North Alabama-based promoters Listen Local Huntsville has announced a new international songwriting contest designed to honor the 50th anniversary of the first successful moon mission.
The contest, entitled Music From the Moon, is presented in partnership with MidCity .
Listen Local Huntsville LLC. founders Alan Little and John Schmitt created the competition as a way to build awareness of the music scene in the Rocket City.
“We believe that by showcasing, promoting, and supporting local singer-songwriters we will fundamentally transform the live listening entertainment culture of Huntsville and Northern Alabama,” Schmitt said, “And as our region grows we will do our part to ensure a robust music culture is sewn into that growth. We’re thrilled that MidCity has come alongside us to present this new contest to the music world.”
Hosted entirely online, the Music From the Moon contest is open to all musicians over the age of 18. Songwriters are invited to write and perform an original song to commemorate the July 20, 1969, Apollo 11 moon landing.
To officially enter the contest, songwriters should add a video of the song to YouTube with complete lyrics included and use #musicfromthemoon, which will notify Listen Local Huntsville of the entry. There is a $25 non-refundable entrance fee, payable on the contest website at musicfromthemooncontest.com. To qualify, songs must be performed in a duo or solo and must be focused on the concept of space exploration, specifically containing an element involving the moon.
The first round of judging will be based on YouTube video likes, but the contest’s celebrity judges also hold the power to advance two songs to the final round despite their YouTube engagement.
MidCity played a major role in securing the judges, who are renowned songwriters. The first judge announced is John Paul White, Grammy-award winning singer and songwriter from Florence, Alabama. White is the co-founder of Single Lock Records, partnering with Ben Tanner of Alabama Shakes and financial consultant Will Trapp to produce and promote independent artists.
“We’re all about growing a vibrant music ecosystem here in Huntsville,” said Shawn Patrick, Music & Artist Development with MidCity. “The birthplace of American music is right here in the Southeast, and we believe Huntsville is the launchpad of the next great music movement. Music From the Moon is a perfect example of the marriage between our scientific and creative communities, and we’re excited to support these guys in their effort to grow national awareness of Huntsville’s music scene.”
The winner will receive $10,000 cash, a three-hour recording session at legendary FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, and the opportunity to be the featured performer at local celebrations of the 50th Anniversary lunar landing supported by the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.
With support from Huntsville International Airport, Listen Local Huntsville and MidCity will provide travel and hotel accommodations for the performer. Additionally, finalists will receive products from Phoenix-based music technology company ToneWoodAmp, “their spirit of innovation and their tireless passion for musicians internationally made them an obvious partnership fit,” Little said.
Huntsville-based entrepreneurial accelerator Urban Engine also plays a role in the Music From the Moon contest, supporting the social media component of the competition. “Growing innovation in this city takes creativity. We’re proud to be involved in something that encourages our entire region to look at the correlation between music and economic development, and excited to support Listen Local in these efforts,” said Toni Eberhart, Executive Director of Urban Engine.
The submission period for Music From the Moon begins Friday, February 15 and will continue through May 15th, 2019. For complete rules and other information, songwriters should visit musicfromthemooncontest.com and anyone can participate by viewing and voting on submission located on the Listen Local YouTube channel.
