FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

FAQs about entering the MASC

How do I decide which category my song belongs in?

Giving advice about something that seems obvious to the self assured and daunting to the thoughtful is always a tough thing to navigate. Some suggestions below but know that we are not purists at SAW, nor are we a monolith of one opinion. With the many judges we have, the first thing we ask is put the song first. The style and execution are part of the song but the song itself is what really works. That said:

You may want to listen to past winning songs to help determine which category(ies) to select for your submission. Check out our MASC Stories video series on Vimeo or YouTube for a more in-depth look at the songwriting process. Find some similar well-known songs and artists and research how they are labeled. And/or ask your friends and fans for their opinions.

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Remember that you can enter the same song in more than one category. You are limited only by your imagination and your budget.

How polished does my recording need to be?

Making your song as presentable as it can be is never a bad idea. But you don't need to have an elaborate expensive recording to win Gold at the MASC. 

Our judges evaluate the various components and overall delivery of the song itself, not its production or performance. That being said, if your singing is horribly off-key or the rhythm is off, it can detract from the overall evaluation in a way that’s hard to ignore. Try to focus on presenting your song in its most pure and effective form.

What about video entries? What kinds do you accept and how are they judged?

Again, the MASC is all about the song, so we are looking for videos that best support and present great songs. We encourage you to submit any and all types of videos for all genres of songs.

There is much weight put into the thought, song and presentation. As a visual medium, this category does have special considerations about the look and feel of the video. Emotional content can now extend beyond the expressiveness of the voice and the instruments. 

What rules do I need to know and how do I enter?

Read all the fine print on the About the MASC page and go to the ENTER page when you are ready to fill out the online entry form.

I started filling out the form but didn’t finish. How do I go back to where I left off?

You can save your progress at any time. When you click on the save button, you will have the option to copy the direct link to your incomplete form and/or email the link to yourself. Once your entry is complete, you will receive a confirmation email that includes all entry and payment details.

I want to use a credit or debit card to pay the entry fees, I don’t have a PayPal account.

You will see the PayPal logo when you check out because the entry fees are processed by PayPal and deposited in SAW's account. But you don't need a PayPal account to pay; you can use a debit or credit card.

What does my entry fee cover?

Your entry fee, in addition to making you eligible for all the prizes, provides funding for many educational and networking opportunities in the art and business of songwriting, and supports DMV songwriters, other music organizations and music events through SAW programming. SAW provides emerging songwriters with performance opportunities, workshops, and peer critique. For more information about SAW, visit the SAW website.

Still have questions?

Email us at masc@saw.org