by: Thomas D. Mooney
Editor-in-Chief
It’s been one year since The Blue Light hosted their storied Singer-Songwriter Competition.
2017 saw the competition reach new heights with interest by more talented singer-songwriters as well as fans of both local and regional music. After the month-long competition, Lubbock songwriter Will Felty was awarded the winner.
Fall 2018 picks up where 2017’s competition left off. The competition will see a growth in both what the ultimate winner will receive as well as expanding the number of singer-songwriters the competition will host by expanding the preliminary round process.
Fall 2018 will have preliminary rounds at The Blue Light the following Mondays: Oct. 1, Oct. 08, Oct. 15, Oct. 22, Oct. 29 with the Finale taking place Nov. 05.
During those preliminary dates, 12 slots will be available for sign-up, along with five slots on a waitlist per night just in case one of those 12 can’t make it. From those 12 songwriters, three will advance to the Finale on Nov. 05 in which they will compete against those who moved on as well.
The ultimate winner, along with first runner-up and second runner-up will be chosen on Nov. 05.
So far the Prize Package for the Fall 2018 Competition will include the following:
A single produced & recorded and a music video produced by Mount Vernon Studios, a merchandise package from Johnny Velvet Tees, a CD release at The Buddy Holly Center, a custom-made acoustic guitar from Tatum Handcrafted Guitars, a chance at a writing session/co-write with Wade Bowen, CD Release at The Bluelight Live, a slot on Fox34 Good Day Lubbock, session on KTTZ 24 Frames, and more to come.
The Fall 2018 Singer-Songwriter Competition sponsors are Lubbock IV Rejuvenation Station, Mount Vernon Studios, Johnny Velvet Tees, Tatum Handcrafted Guitars, Good Day Lubbock, Wade Bowen, and The Buddy Holly Center.
As far songwriting rules go:
1. Each songwriter will be allowed two songs (Songs shouldn’t be longer than five minutes in length).
2. Each song must be an original. No covers.
3. Songwriters must provide copies of their lyrics for the judges prior to performance. If you do not bring advance copies, paper will be available.
4. Each songwriter must make their own arrangements with regards to instruments. (Bring a guitar, etc).
5. If and when you advance to the Finale, you will not need to perform again in the competition until the Finale.
You will be reminded along with a few further guides and instructions each night by Competition curator Jerry Serrano.
Additionally, we’d love to go ahead and get everyone familiar with our intentions of creating a listening room atmosphere for these specific dates. This is ultimately a songwriter competition which values the craft of lyrics, storytelling, vocals, mood, emotion, and feeling. That essentially means giving the one performing our absolute attention and observation.
Every Monday at Bluelight
2018 is already off to a great start for the Lubbock music scene. Come join Jerry Serrano every Monday night for Singer/Songwriter nights. We are looking forward to another great year supporting our local and regional songwriters. Come join a great group of musicians every Monday. Whether you are a songwriter or listener, everybody is welcome. If you are a songwriter and want to share your work we just ask that the songs you perform on Monday nights are your very own originals. No coversplease. We like to embrace the art of songwriting and the ability to share your original work with a room of listeners. Come rub elbows with songwriters and musicians from all over the state.
Doors open at 9pm every Monday night. If you would like to perform, simply sign your name on the list next to the stage. Performing songwriters 18 and up welcome.
For more information about the Singer/Songwriter nights email us atjerryserranomusic@gmail.comor newslang.editors@gmail.com
Previous Blue Light Singer-Songwriter Competition winners include: Kenneth O’Meara, Casey Berry, Daniel Markham, Zac Wilkerson, Danny Cadra, Amanda Goebel, Erick Willis, Jacob Furr, Jerry Serrano, Zoe Carter, Starfire on the Mountain, and most recently Will Felty
"To be part of what you're singing about is somewhat painful. You've got to climb inside it all." --- Merle Haggard