German songwriting awards
Showcase Your Music to a Jury of International Music Industry Experts
The German Songwriting Awards (GSA) are back for their 10th edition, offering an incredible opportunity for songwriters, producers, artists, and music creators of all levels to showcase their talent directly to the decision-makers of the music industry. Whether you’re a newcomer or an established artist, this is your chance to have your music heard by some of the biggest names in the industry. To showcase the full spectrum of musical creativity and offer as many opportunities as possible, the GSA features multiple categories and genres—from Singer-Songwriter & Pop to Music for Motion Picture and even Lyrics Only. Scroll down to see the categories for 2025.
Submit your songs and present yourself to a prestigious jury of top music industry experts from labels like Universal, BMG, Warner, Sony, Guesstimate, BTA, and many more. This year’s competition provides an unparalleled platform to connect directly with the professionals who shape the music industry.
The GSA 2025 Award Show will take place on December 2025, as part of the We Create Music Community & Music Industry Networking Event in Berlin. This exciting event brings together songwriters, producers, artists, and other music creators in a dynamic environment designed to foster collaboration, networking, and exposure. Learn more about the event and secure your spot on the We Create Music page.
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.
For more information on submission details, dates, judges, and prizes, visit our German Songwriting Awards Website.
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!
Best Immersive Mix: Together with Dolby, we are once again searching for the best Dolby Atmos production! Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Tidal consider immersive sound "the future of music" and actively support artists presenting their work in Dolby Atmos. Finalists will be showcased on March 7, 2025, in the Dolby Atmos Experience Room at We Create Music. 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 just like Layla? Then submit it to our Party Schlager/Schlager category! Our jury includes Universal Music A&R Andreas Keul, the mastermind behind signing and launching Layla, the biggest summer hit of 2022!
Urban: We are looking for fresh urban sounds that blow our jury members away!
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!
Ballads / Wedding Songs: The most special day of a lifetime—you know what we mean! We are looking for powerful melodies and touching lyrics that truly move people.
Lyrics only: Are you an exceptional lyricist? Then this is your category!
JUDGES
Uli Kleppi, CEO Budde Talent Agency
Matthias Noelte, Budde Talent Agency
Michelle Leonard, multi-platinum selling Songwriter & Publisher
Sat Bisla, Founder & President A&R Worldwide and MUSEXPO L.A.
Alexander Kralisch, Director Repertoire Development Believe
Ann-Sophie Balle, A&R Guesstimate
Moe Phoenix, Artist & Label Owner
Alexander Schedler, A&R Schedler Music
Sarah Jane Nicholson, Paradise Worldwide & Founder Africa Rising Music Conference
Jens-Markus Wegener, Senior Consultant Guesstimate
Stefan Friedrich, Head of Service & Solutions at Energy Radio
Andreas Keul, Senior A&R Universal Music