THE University of Canberra has today launched the international UC-Vision Song Contest, offering musicians the chance to win $10,000 AUD for their original tune.

Individuals or groups from anywhere in the world and all genres are invited to write, perform and submit a video of their original song of four-minute duration.

Songs will be judged on musical quality, appeal and originality by a judging panel that includes Tom Busby of Busby Marou. The focus is on the song itself so they will not consider the quality of production of the music and video.

All songs submitted to the contest will also be open to the public for voting through the contest’s website and the most popular entry will be awarded a $1,000 People’s Choice Prize.

UC Music program director and organiser of the competition, Rasa Daukus, said this is a competition designed to showcase/celebrate the power of a good song.

“This may be the first time an Australian university has run a worldwide song contest, and it shows the University is serious about music. It’s not just a gimmick, we really want to uncover and celebrate what makes a great song, particularly in regard to popular music…we want to take this contest one step further and make it all about the song,” Ms Daukus said.

Entry is open to anyone in the world with the exception of the judges themselves and UC staff. Closing date is September 15, when voting for the People’s Choice award will commence. Winners will be announced on October 30. More information at canberra.edu.au/uc-vision-song-contest