USINT’s “Compón Un Song” Songwriting Contest Returns

One of the winning groups of “Compón Un Song” 2011 performs at the Noche Musical. April 29, 2011.

For the second consecutive year, USINT invites Cuban musicians to participate in the "Compón Un Song" songwriting contest by submitting recordings of original compositions in any one of five genres.  Prizes include studio recording time and an invitation to perform at a concert hosted by USINT on May 4, 2012.

Compositions may be from the jazz, traditional Cuban, pop-rock, hip-hop/reggaetón or fusion genres and each contestant may submit a maximum of two (2) compositions.  The closing date for entries is April 8, 2012.  Three (3) minute recordings of the compositions should be submitted as digital MP3 files no larger than 5Mb to havanaprensaycultura@gmail.com.  Compositions may also be submitted on CD or USB; participants should email havanaprensaycultura@gmail.com or call 833-3967 to arrange a date and time for delivery to USINT.  All entries must be accompanied by a biography of the composer/s and full contact details, including name, address, telephone number and email address. 

One winner will be selected from each genre.  The winning composition in each genre will receive a certificate for studio recording time.  The winners will also be invited to perform at a concert to be held in Havana on May 4, 2012.

The contest is part of USINT's celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month, celebrated every April across the United States and by its foreign missions.  Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM) recognizes the important role of jazz in U.S. culture, and the contributions of American musicians to the genre.  JAM 2012 is dedicated to Frank Sinatra.

Click here for a complete set of rules (PDF 69 KB).