German songwriting awards

Showcase Your Music to a Jury of International Music Industry Experts

The German Songwriting Awards (GSA) return for their 10th anniversary edition — a unique chance for songwriters, producers, artists, and music creators of all levels to put their talent directly in front of the people who make things happen in the music industry.

Whether you’re an emerging talent or an established artist, this is your moment to be heard by some of the most influential names in the business. To celebrate the full spectrum of musical creativity, the GSA features a wide range of categories and genres — from Singer-Songwriter and Pop to Music for Motion Picture, Best Engineered Song, and even Lyrics Only. Scroll down to explore the 2025 categories.

Over the past 10 years, the GSA has developed into a unique platform for connection — a place where we discover and support new talent, enable the next steps in music creators’ careers, and contribute to shaping the future of music. We regularly introduce innovative categories — such as Best Immersive Mix — that reflect the direction in which the industry is evolving.

Submit your songs and present your work to a prestigious jury of top industry experts from companies such as Universal, BMG, Warner, Smash The House, Guesstimate, BTA, A&R Worldwide, and many more. This is more than a competition — it’s your opportunity to connect directly with the decision-makers who are shaping what comes next in music.

The GSA 2025 Award Show will be held in December 2025 as part of the We Create Music! Community & Industry Networking Event in Berlin — a vibrant gathering that brings together songwriters, producers, artists, and music influencers in an inspiring environment designed for collaboration, networking, and career growth.Learn more about the event and secure your spot here.

DATES

• August 1, 2025:
  Start of the competition phase for the 10th German Songwriting Awards

• November 28, 2025:
  End of the competition phase

• December 2025:
  Award ceremony at the We Create Music! Convention in Berlin

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.

The German Songwriting Awards are all about celebrating the creators behind the music—songwriters, lyricists, producers, and musicians who are the heart and soul of the music industry. Without their work, there are no artists to perform, no income for the industry, and no music for the fans. We put the music creators in the spotlight!

How It Works

You can submit your songs in various categories until November 28, 2025. After a thorough pre-selection process by the GSA 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 Ovation Guitars, we are searching for the ultimate combination of songwriter and performer — all in one. Just you and your instrument: pure and authentic. Beyond the quality of the song, we value vocal expression, individuality, and artistic personality.

• Best Engineered Song: Together with our friends at Genelec, we honor outstanding sound engineers and mixers who craft the perfect sound with precision and creativity. We evaluate clarity, depth, spatial imaging, dynamics, and detail — from recording to mixing to final mastering.

• OPEN: No limits. No restrictions. Whether it’s instrumental, a band, a 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 — fresh, bold, and right in tune with the now. Songs that stand out from the crowd, surprise us with clever hooks, and stay stuck in your head for days. We want pop that feels authentic, alive, and impossible to ignore. As a special bonus, our friends at Immersive Lab will gift the winner a free Dolby Atmos mix of their song — taking the listening experience to the next level!

• EDM: We’re on the hunt for high-energy EDM tracks that light up the room and make it impossible to stand still. Think irresistible drops, infectious grooves, and a production that hits just as hard on the dance floor as it does in your headphones. We’re looking for songs that don’t just follow the beat — they own it.

• Best Immersive Mix: Together with our friends at Dolby, we are once again in search of the best Dolby Atmos production! Immersive audio has become a game-changer for both artists and the music industry, opening up new creative possibilities and redefining how audiences experience music. Finalists will be showcased in December 2025 at the We Create Music! Convention in the Dolby Atmos Experience Room. Please submit your track via WeTransfer to nadja@songmonk.com after purchasing your ticket.

• Schlager: Got a Schlager or party hit that could light up any celebration, such as Layla? Then submit it to our Party Schlager / Schlager category! Our jury includes Universal Music A&R Andreas Keul — the mastermind behind numerous hit songs in this genre, including the biggest summer hit of 2022, Layla!

• Urban: We are looking for fresh urban sounds that blow our jury away — tracks with irresistible energy, sharp lyrics, and a strong sense of identity. Whether it’s hip-hop, R&B, trap, dancehall, or a fusion of styles, we want music that feels authentic, captures today’s vibe, and connects instantly with listeners.

• 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! Sync licensing has become an increasingly important source of income for music creators, offering opportunities for their work to reach wide audiences. It’s also a true art form: finding the perfect piece of music to amplify emotions, enhance storytelling, and leave a lasting impact on the viewer.

• Ballads / Wedding Songs: The most special day of a lifetime — you know what we mean! We’re looking for unforgettable songs with powerful melodies and heartfelt lyrics that touch the soul. Music that captures love, joy, and hope in a way that makes every moment even more magical. Whether it’s a timeless ballad or a fresh, modern anthem, this is about creating the soundtrack to memories that last forever.

• Lyrics only: Are you an exceptional lyricist? Then this is your category! We’re looking for words that spark the imagination, paint vivid pictures, and resonate long after the song has ended. Whether it’s clever wordplay, raw emotion, or storytelling that pulls listeners in, this category celebrates the craft of turning language into unforgettable music.