Calling All Songwriters: Write Your Future in the World of Music as Signups Officially Open for Tennessee Songwriters Week 2025

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Dec. 12, 2024 – Signups officially open today for songwriters to take part in the seventh annual statewide Tennessee Songwriters Week. Songwriters of all genres can sign up to perform in qualifying rounds all over Tennessee and compete for a chance to play their original music at iconic venues across the state, including The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville. Helmed by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, Tennessee Songwriters Week supports music venues, provides songwriters with live performance opportunities, drives visitation and inspires travelers to experience the state's musical stories, history, attractions and venues. Since its inception in 2019, more than 4,000 songwriters have shared their original songs on Tennessee stages during the annual celebration each February.

In celebration of the craft that helped put Tennessee on the map, Tennessee Songwriters Week begins in late January with qualifying rounds taking place at nearly 50 participating music venues throughout the state. Venues include cafes, listening rooms, breweries, distilleries, museums and historic theaters. From there, select songwriters will move on to one of seven Tennessee Songwriters Week showcases:

- Tuesday, February 25, 2025 - Lafayette’s Music Room in Memphis
- Tuesday, February 25, 2025 - The Bijou in Knoxville
- Wednesday, February 26, 2025 - Ole Red in Gatlinburg
- Wednesday, February 26, 2025 – Paramount Bristol in Bristol
- Thursday, February 27, 2025 - Bessie Smith Cultural Center in Chattanooga
- Friday, February 28, 2025 - The Temple Theatre in Portland
- Saturday, March 1, 2025 – Franklin Theatre in Franklin

The showcase events highlight cities and regions that have played a major role in the musical development of Tennessee across a diverse range of genres including blues, bluegrass, country, gospel, soul, rockabilly and rock ‘n’ roll. One songwriter from each showcase will be chosen to perform at Nashville’s iconic Bluebird Cafe during a private event in March. Each of the finalists will also receive additional prizes, including a one-year membership to Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and a commemorative Taylor guitar.

Songs will be judged by quality of the song (original lyrics/melody and clear narrative) and performance (ability to understand lyrics and connection with the audience). View the 2025 Tennessee Songwriters Week Sweepstakes Official Rules.

Songwriters can visit tnsongwritersweek.com to sign up at a qualifying round venue to compete. Please note, songwriters can only sign up at one qualifying round venue.

The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development partners with The Bluebird Cafe, NSAI, Taylor Guitars, music venues and local convention and visitors’ bureaus, chambers and partners across the state, all committed to ensuring songwriters can share their original work onstage with audiences and other writers. Follow the journey of these songwriters and join the fun by following @tnvacation, #tnsongwritersweek and #tnsoundsperfect on social media.

Photos & Video

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Video: Tennessee Songwriters Week: Where Future Stars are Discovered
Video: Tennessee Songwriters Week: Where Music History is Written

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ABOUT TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF TOURIST DEVELOPMENT

The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) is dedicated to driving economic growth and tourism in all 95 counties. TDTD’s global marketing efforts increase visitation to Tennessee, which boosts tax revenue, creates jobs and attracts new investment across the state. Tennessee is a global destination of choice offering visitors world-class music, live entertainment, family-friendly experiences, charming communities, innovative and classic culinary creations, renowned scenic beauty and outdoor adventure—all centered at the crossroads of rich history and unrivaled hospitality. Vacations “sound perfect” in Tennessee. Visit TNvacation.com and follow @TNvacation on social media for travel inspiration.

Media Contact:

Jill Kilgore

Jill.Kilgore@tn.gov

Lisa Valentine

Lisa.Valentine@tn.gov