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Coming FALL 2026

Artist Growth and Devlopment Program - TELL YOUR STORY!

Artist Entry OPEN - ALL GENRES - Online Viewing & Voting   

Songwriter entry OPEN - all genres - we will pick top 10 from Illinois Entries & top 10 from Iowa Entries

- These 20 artists (picked by elimination rounds) will compete for the top 3 spots for both Illinois & Iowa - Top 3 each state cash prizes!

We will then take the top 3 from each state for a showdown to see which side of the river wins the Best of the Midwest!

Texas Winners will close out the show -  we look forward to blending the best of the states =) 

****   Songwriters will pay $20 entry & submit 2 songs mp3 to director@officialillinoisdirectory.com. 

Please include Facebook & Spotify link!

Songwriters will each perform 2 original songs in front of judges- audience will participate with online voting for audience favorite!

 Official Illinois Directory & Official Iowa Directory
Iowa Songwriter Entry

    Iowa Songwriter Entry

    Songwriters, get your submissions in. ~Submission will get you a post on both of our Facebook pages & Sites - (soon to be setup) www.iowastatesongwriters.com www.officialiowadirectory.com a preview reel of your song Read more

    Songwriters, get your submissions in. ~Submission will get you a post on both of our Facebook pages & Sites - (soon to be setup) www.iowastatesongwriters.com www.officialiowadirectory.com a preview reel of your song shared across Illinois music groups & our Texas Brew Radio Artist Support Group *Spotify Included on our email announcement blasts for the competition

    Top 10 will be chosen to compete LIVE in front of judges. January we will start online voting elimination rounds (tons of exposure)

    Top 10 artists from online voting will perform 2 songs live in front of judges. You will tell your story - how long have you been performing, what inspired you to become a songwriter, who influenced your style? Sing a song, tell the story behind it and repeat. Top 10 artists songs will be sent out to our radio contacts for download & support. (about 6k stations) Top 3 artists - will win 1st $300 2nd $200 3rd $100 - Each will receive 1 free video credit on www.truetvplus.com which goes out to Amazon Tv, Fire Tv, Android Tv, & Roku Tv More prizes soon to be announced - Please check out www.texasstatesongwriters.com for the history of these statewide events.

    In cart Not available Out of stock
    $20.00
    Illinois Songwriter Entry

      Illinois Songwriter Entry

      Songwriters, get your submissions in. ~Submission will get you a post on both of our Facebook pages & Sites - www.illinoisstatesongwriters.com www.officialillinoisdirectory.com a preview reel of your song shared across Read more

      Songwriters, get your submissions in. ~Submission will get you a post on both of our Facebook pages & Sites - www.illinoisstatesongwriters.com www.officialillinoisdirectory.com a preview reel of your song shared across Illinois music groups & our Texas Brew Radio Artist Support Group *Spotify Included on our email announcement blasts for the competition

      Top 10 will be chosen to compete LIVE in front of judges. January we will start online voting elimination rounds (tons of exposure)

      Top 10 artists from online voting will perform 2 songs live in front of judges. You will tell your story - how long have you been performing, what inspired you to become a songwriter, who influenced your style? Sing a song, tell the story behind it and repeat. Top 10 artists songs will be sent out to our radio contacts for download & support. (about 6k stations) Top 3 artists - will win 1st $300 2nd $200 3rd $100 - Each will receive 1 free video credit on www.truetvplus.com which goes out to Amazon Tv, Fire Tv, Android Tv, & Roku Tv More prizes soon to be announced - Please check out www.texasstatesongwriters.com for the history of these statewide events.

      In cart Not available Out of stock
      $20.00

      🎼 Core Song Elements

      Melody: Is it fresh, memorable, and pleasing to the ear? 

      Judges look for melodic creativity and “hummability” — something that sticks with listeners.

      Lyrics: Are the words original, cohesive, and emotionally resonant? 

      Strong lyrics often use poetic devices like metaphor, rhyme, and rhythm to create vivid imagery.

      Structure: Does the song flow well?

       Judges assess whether verses, choruses, and bridges are well-balanced and contribute to the overall arc.

      Hook: Is there a catchy phrase or musical moment that anchors the song? 

      A strong hook can elevate a song’s memorability.

      Prosody: Do the lyrics and melody match in tone and mood?

       This harmony between words and music is key to emotional impact.

      🎤 Performance & Presentation

      Live Delivery: Contestants perform their songs live. Judges evaluate vocal delivery, emotional connection, and stage presence.

      Dynamics & Contrast: Songs that build, shift, and surprise tend to score higher. 

      Judges appreciate when different sections feel distinct yet cohesive.

      Resolution: A satisfying ending — musically and lyrically — helps leave a lasting impression.

      🌟 Overall Impact

      Originality: Songs must be original and not infringe on copyrights. 

      Unique perspectives and fresh ideas stand out.

      Emotional Effect: Judges often respond to songs that evoke strong feelings or tell compelling stories.

       The “overall effect” can be the deciding factor.

      🎤 Voice Quality & Tone: Judges assess clarity, control, emotional expression, and how well the vocal tone matches the song’s mood and message.

      🗣️ Pronunciation, Clarity & Enunciation: Judges listen for crisp delivery, clear word articulation, and how easily the lyrics can be understood.

      🎭 Stage Presence: Judges evaluate chemistry with the audience, confidence in delivery, and how the outfit complements the artist’s style and message.

      Sponsor opportunities

      Get exposure for your brand!   MORE SPONSOR OPPORTUNITIES WITH OUR SUPPORT STATION COMING SOON!

      Illinois - SPONSOR SHIRT

        Illinois - SPONSOR SHIRT

        Iowa State Songwriters Logo on front radio on the sleeve & Your business / band / brand logo on back. Help us spread the word & shamelessly plug your own business! Listed as sponsor on our sites & social media Read more

        Iowa State Songwriters Logo on front radio on the sleeve & Your business / band / brand logo on back. Help us spread the word & shamelessly plug your own business!

        Listed as sponsor on our sites & social media www.texasbrewradio.com/subscribe www.texasstatesongwriters.com/sponsors www.kacreations.art (our design partners) www.illinoisstatesongwriters.com www.officialillinoisdirectory.com

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        $50.00
        Iowa - SPONSOR SHIRT

          Iowa - SPONSOR SHIRT

          Iowa State Songwriters Logo on front radio on the sleeve & Your business / band / brand logo on back. Help us spread the word & shamelessly plug your own business! Listed as sponsor on our sites & social media Read more

          Iowa State Songwriters Logo on front radio on the sleeve & Your business / band / brand logo on back. Help us spread the word & shamelessly plug your own business!

          Listed as sponsor on our sites & social media www.texasbrewradio.com/subscribe www.texasstatesongwriters.com/sponsors www.kacreations.art (our design partners) www.iowastatesongwriters.com (coming soon) www.officialiowadirectory.com (coming soon)

          In cart Not available Out of stock
          $50.00

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          Founding Sponsor

          Est 2025

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          Booking events in 7 IL counties—Adams, Fulton, Hancock, Henderson, Knox, McDonough and Warren.
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          Entertainment Director

          "Radio was originally created FOR the community - it's time to get back to THAT!" ~Cynthia

          Founder of Texas State Songwriters Association - (Director of Texas state songwriters championship - founded by Jimmy - Ninja Cowboys)