Chris Austin Songwriting Contest

The Chris Austin Songwriting Contest, hosted by MerleFest, announces the finalists for the 2017 contest. MerleFest 2017, presented by Window World, takes place from April 27-30, on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, N.C.

Wilkesboro, NC -- MerleFest, presented by Window World, has begun accepting entries for the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest this month and will continue until February 2017. The Chris Austin Songwriting Contest is one of the most acclaimed songwriting contests in roots and Americana music and has a reputation for launching careers and discovering important new talent.

Wilkesboro, NC -- The Austin Stage was packed for MerleFest 2016’s 24th Annual Chris Austin Songwriting Contest (CASC). The Chris Austin Songwriting Contest is a unique opportunity for aspiring writers to have their original songs heard and judged by a panel of Nashville music industry professionals, under the direction of this year’s volunteer contest chairperson Jim Lauderdale. Judging is based on a song’s originality, lyrics, melody and overall commercial potential.

Wilkesboro, NC -- The Chris Austin Songwriting Contest, hosted by MerleFest, announces finalists for the 2016 contest. MerleFest 2016, presented by Window World, takes place from April 28-May 1, on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, N.C. Now in its 24th year, the contest is an extraordinary opportunity for aspiring writers to have their original songs heard and judged by a panel of music industry professionals, under the direction of volunteer contest chairperson, Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Jim Lauderdale. The first place winners will receive $600 cash from MerleFest and a performance slot on the Cabin Stage on Friday night.

MerleFest, considered one of the premier music festivals in the country, is a celebration of "traditional plus" music. The festival presents a unique mix of music based on the traditional, roots-oriented sounds of the Appalachian region, including bluegrass and old-time music, and expanded to include Americana, country, blues, rock and many other styles.

Wilkesboro, NC -- MerleFest, presented by Window World and host of the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest, will begin accepting entries for the songwriting contest beginning October 1. Aspiring songwriters may submit entries to the contest using the online entry form or by mailing entries to: MerleFest/CASC, PO Box 120, Wilkesboro, NC 28697. Early birds take note: during the month of October and November, all entries for the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest (CASC) will receive an early entry discount price of $25 per entry. Submissions received in December and January will require a $30 fee per entry. The deadline to enter the CASC will be February 1, 2016.

Wilkesboro, NC -- Finalists have been selected for the annual Chris Austin Songwriting Contest, hosted by MerleFest 2015. Now in its 23rd year, the contest is an extraordinary opportunity for aspiring writers to have their original songs heard and judged by a panel of music industry professionals, under the direction of this year’s volunteer contest chairperson, Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Jim Lauderdale. MerleFest 2015, presented by Window World, takes place from April 23-26 on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, N.C.

Arden, NC – Crossroads Entertainment and Pisgah Ridge Records extend congratulations to Paul Harrigill of Flatt Lonesome on his first place win in the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest at MerleFest. Along with his sister Amber Nugent, Paul co-wrote “I’m Blue” which took top honors in the Bluegrass category.

Wilkesboro, NC -- MerleFest 2014 congratulates the winners of the 22nd Annual Chris Austin Songwriting Contest. Writers of the following twelve songs were selected from 567 entries and competed on the Austin Stage at MerleFest on Friday, April 25. MerleFest performer Keller Williams served as emcee for the contest. Distinguished songwriters Darrell Scott, Charles Humphrey III (Steep Canyon Rangers) and Niall Toner served as this year’s onsite judges that determine this year’s winners.

Willis, VA -- North Carolina's Ash Breeze is off to a solid start with the word that their song "Without Love" has made it into the finals of the prestigious Chris Austin Songwriting Contest for Merlesfest 2014. The song is 1 of 3 finalists in the Inspirational/Gospel category.

Wilkesboro, NC -- Finalists have been selected for the annual Chris Austin Songwriting Contest, hosted by MerleFest 2014. Now in its 22nd year, the contest is an extraordinary opportunity for aspiring writers to have their original songs heard and judged by a panel of music industry professionals, under the direction of this year’s volunteer contest chairperson, Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Jim Lauderdale. MerleFest 2014 takes place from April 24-27 on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina.

Wilkesboro, NC -- Songwriters Charles Humphrey III, Darrell Scott and Niall Toner will be among the judges that determine the winners of MerleFest 2014’s Chris Austin Songwriting Contest. Now in its 22nd year, the contest is an extraordinary opportunity for aspiring writers to have their original songs heard and judged by a panel of music industry professionals, under the direction of this year’s volunteer contest chairperson, Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Jim Lauderdale.

Wilkesboro, NC -- MerleFest, presented by Lowe’s, now offers three ways for aspiring songwriters to enter the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest. The contest will accept mail-in applications from aspiring songwriters beginning November 1 via U.S. Mail (P.O. Box 121855, Nashville, TN 37212). To enter by mail, visit click here for a downloadable form and instruction. Entries may also be submitted through Sonicbids.
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Asheville, NC -- John Cloyd Miller won first place in the 21st annual Chris Austin Songwriting Contest in the bluegrass category at MerleFest 2013. Miller is a vocalist, guitarist and mandolin player for the Asheville-based band, Red June, a nationally touring acoustic Americana trio that includes his wife, fiddler and vocalist Natalya Weinstein, and multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Will Straughan. The winning song, “Cloud of Dust,” appears on Red June’s 2012 release, em>Beauty Will Come.

Wilkesboro, NC -- One of the annual highlights of MerleFest is the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest (CASC). Finalists were selected earlier for this year's annual Chris Austin Songwriting Contest, hosted by MerleFest 2013. Now in its 21st year, the contest is an extraordinary opportunity for aspiring writers to have their original songs heard and judged by a panel of music industry professionals, under the direction of this year’s volunteer contest chairperson, Grammy®-winning singer/songwriter Jim Lauderdale. MerleFest 2013 took place April 25 through 28 on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. This year, John Cloyd Miller captured the first place prize in the Bluegrass category in the annual Chris Austin Songwriting Contest.