game recognizes game
2027 Songwriting Competition Announcement
musical foundations for songwriting and live events
Lyrics4Life.ca is pleased to announce Songwriting Competition Selection Curators!
Solid musical foundations
In early 2026 Lyrics4Life.ca formed a not-for-profit organization to raise awareness and funds for CHEO Foundation. Developing a music competition to showcase local songwriting talent at a live event fundraiser, and partnering with local businesses and industry like the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Ottawa, Rogers, The Audio Recording Academy (TARA), Empress Effects, and the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition (OMIC), we’re building momentum for something special.
Spotting true talent and recognizing strong songwriting isn’t something we take lightly. Lyrics4Life is very proud to present the 2027 Songwriting Competition selection curators:
Shannon MurrayOwner, Raven Studios, & music educator
John BroomanPresident, Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival, & vocalist, songwriter
Erin BenjaminPresident, Canadian Live Music Association, & music industry leader
Byron PascoeEntertainment Lawyer, Edwards Creative Law
Jessy LindsayOttawa Music Industry Coalition, & music industry professional
Joey VinegarOttawa music staple! & music educator
Colin MillsAlgonquin College Music Industry Arts, & songwriter guitarist
Luigi FideliaHip-hop artist, local entrepreneur & community builder
Read each curator's full bio →
Production quality is not one of the things we score. Four criteria are — lyrics and storytelling, melody and composition, originality, and emotional impact.
How the committee scores
songwriting Competition
The Lyrics4Life Songwriting Competition is OPEN NOW! Learn more about our event, and how to enter songs!
Wait a sec! WHAT IS IT? Lyrics4Life is a Competition for songwriters, and an opportunity to have your art heard and seen on the Main Stage. Competition finalists will earn cash prizes, recording time, rehearsal time with our House Band, the Uninvited Guests and the opportunity to participate in the live Awards Show in February 2027.
Lyrics4Life is still looking for submissions! ARE YOU a local musician or songwriter? Do you know somebody who might be interested in the L4L competition? Share the word about Lyrics4Life.ca to organizations like yours!
live event fundraiser
Songwriting Competition finalists have their submissions showcased at a live event fundraiser, with winners selected via live audience voting!
Every song submission and event ticket sold supports CHEO Foundation, and finalists’ submissions are front and centre at the live event fundraiser at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Ottawa on February 25, 2027.
Key dates
November 8, 2026 — entries close
November 2026 – January 2027 — the committee curates
January 14, 2027 — nine finalists announced, three per category
February 25, 2027 — live Awards Show at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa, winners chosen by live audience vote
We're focused on quality songwriting, and we're aiming high! Stay Looped for more information about the Competition and the live event!
Enter the competition Stay Looped
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