Terms and Conditions: Red Hill Country Music Festival Original Song and Talent Competition
1. Key Dates & Deadlines
Entries Open: September 15th
Entries Close: December 15th
Finalist Notification: Entrants selected as finalists will be notified via email or phone prior to the event.
Finals & Main Stage Performance: Sunday, February 7th
2. Eligibility & Submission Limits
General Eligibility: Open to songwriters and performers of all ages.
Entry Limit: Entrants may submit up to five (5) original songs.
Finalist Restriction: A songwriter or team may submit multiple entries, but only one (1) song per songwriter/team can qualify for the live finals shortlist.
Release Status: Songs do not need to be commercially released. If a song has been released, it must have been released within the last 12 months prior to entry.
Originality: Songs must consist of original music and lyrics, and must not have previously won a prize in any other contest. Songs in languages other than English must include a full English lyric translation.
3. Entry Fees & Payment Terms
Fee Structure: $15 AUD per song submission (up to a maximum of 5 songs / $75 AUD total).
Payment Method: Payment must be completed via the official online submission portal at the time of entry.
Non-Refundable: All entry fees are strictly non-refundable, including for withdrawn or disqualified entries.
4. Song & Performance Specifications
Genre: Singer-songwriter focus spanning any country sub-genre (e.g., Country Folk, Country Pop, Bluegrass, Traditional Country, Bush Ballad).
Length: Maximum running time of five (5) minutes per song.
Sound Sources: Submissions and live performances are limited to a maximum of four (4) active sound sources (e.g., 2 instruments/2 vocals, 1 instrument/3 vocals, or 4 vocals solo).
Acoustic Preference: Acoustic-leaning recordings under 4–5 total instruments are strongly preferred, though all styles are accepted. Entries judged to exceed four live sound sources may be disqualified.
5. Prizes & Awards
Award Distribution: Prizes will be awarded to the Top 3 Finalists as determined by the live judging panel on Sunday, February 7th:
1st Place: To Be Announced
2nd Place: To be Announced
3rd Place: To be Announced
Prize Conditions: Cash prizes will be paid via electronic bank transfer within 14 business days following the festival. Studio time is subject to vendor availability and non-transferable for cash.
6. Live Performance & Travel Obligations
Attendance: All finalists must be available to perform live on-site at the Red Hill Country Music Festival on Sunday, February 7th.
Expenses: Travel, accommodation, and personal expenses are the sole responsibility of the finalist.
7. Media, Promotions & Image Consent
Media Obligations: Finalists agree to participate in reasonable media interviews, press calls, or promotional opportunities arranged by festival management.
Image Release: Entrants grant the Red Hill Country Music Festival perpetual rights to capture and use photo, video, and audio assets recorded during the festival for promotional, marketing, and archival use.
8. Judging & Finality
Judges' Authority: Judging criteria will assess songwriting quality, vocal/instrumental performance, and stage presence. The panel's decision is absolute, final, and non-negotiable.