European songwriting awards

Showcase Your Music to a Jury of International Music Industry Experts

Returning for its 8th edition in 2025, the European Songwriting Awards (ESA) continue to be an outstanding international competition for songwriters, producers, and artists looking to gain exposure in multiple global music markets. Designed as a high-profile platform, the ESA connects emerging and established talents with influential industry professionals from around the world.

With a jury composed of top-tier A&Rs, publishers, producers, artists, and successful songwriters from key players in the industry, the ESA provides an exclusive opportunity to showcase your work to those who shape the international music landscape. The competition is structured to reflect the diverse nature of the industry, covering a wide range of categories from Pop, Rock, and Singer-Songwriter to EDM and Best Engineered Song.

Beyond the competition, ESA offers exceptional networking opportunities and an international reach that extends far beyond a single country. Winning entries receive unparalleled exposure, industry connections, and a strategic campaign to maximize the song’s success across different markets.

The ESA Award Show 2025 will take place in early August 2025 and, to ensure easy access for participants from all over the world, it will be hosted via live stream online. This allows songwriters, producers, and artists to attend from anywhere, making the event truly global and inclusive.

What You Can Win

• A release package, including a full marketing campaign, to launch your music into the industry.

• Amazing additional prizes from our partners and sponsors.

How It Works

You can submit your songs in various categories until July 31, 2025. After a thorough pre-selection process by the ESA team, the songs will be sent to our expert jury for their final nominations and selection of the winners.

Categories

• Singer-Songwriter: Together with our friends at GEWA Music, we are looking for the best songwriter and performer in one! Just you and your instrument – pure and authentic. Beyond the quality of the song, we value vocal expression, individuality, and personality.

• Best Engineered Song: This category highlights outstanding sound engineers and mixers who create the perfect sound with precision and creativity. We evaluate clarity, depth, spatiality, dynamics, and detail—from recording to mixing to the final mastering.

• OPEN: No limits, no restrictions! Whether instrumental, band, solo artist, or a track that doesn’t fit into any other category—everything is welcome in the Open category!

• POP: We’re looking for top-tier pop music! As a special bonus, our friends at Immersive Lab will gift you a free Dolby Atmos mix of your song—taking your sound experience to the next level!

• EDM: Together with our friends at Genelec, we are on the hunt for powerful EDM tracks that make you want to hit the dance floor instantly!

• Music For Motion Picture: This category is for compositions suited for film, TV, or advertising—music that tells a story and sets the perfect mood!