So, the good news is (since the promo for this challenge was originally sent out), a “Horse With No Name” was allegedly found meandering in some desert somewhere along a sandy ridge of an arid oasis in search of a country.
The better news is, the horse actually had “horse tags” (similar to dog tags, but much bigger). Turns out the horse had a sort of “race-horse” name , “Two Chord Song.” Yeah, I thought it was weird too.
Anyway, here is the news you’ve been waiting for since the promo to the challenge with the above info was sent out, in case you’re wondering what the heck this guy is talking about.
Download PDF of flyer: MAS Summer 2023 Songwriting Challenge
MAS Songwriting Challenge Dates: May 15 to June 15, 2023
1-Your Challenge Assignment:
Write and record one song and complete one of these three concepts.
- A stranger comes to your door, and/or….
- You find a class ring along a river bed, and/or..…
- You get a phone call in the middle of the night, and/or…
For highly motivated Type A over-achiever songwriters who write in their sleep, you may write a song about two or all three of the above choices. Heck, you can even incorporate all three challenges into one single song, if you have nothing better to do than strum your guitar, cuddle with your cat or walk your dog. Just remember, you don’t get extra credit, but may look “Nashville Prolific” to your fellow songwriters.
2-All Songs Must Include Music & Lyrics
Co-writing is welcome and strongly encouraged, especially if you are only or primarily a lyricist, or you don’t have the means to record a song.
3-There Are No Restrictions Other Than What Is Clearly Stated In The Challenge Outline Above
There is no specific chord pattern or rhyme scheme that must be followed. The purpose of this particular challenge is to be creative and come up with something unique or different….or think outside your guitar case (or grand piano).
4-MAS Will Post A Link To Upload Your Song And Lyrics Once It Is Completed
The procedure will be the same as uploading a song for a review. Song submissions appear on this page.
4-“Story Behind The Song” ZOOM
This Zoom event will be announced for a later date, but hopefully within 5-10 days after the challenge closes at midnight on June 15, 2023. Participating in “Story Behind The Song” is strongly encouraged, but not necessary to participate in the challenge. If we have an “overwhelming” number of submissions, we will try to schedule a second Zoom event.
5-The Song Challenge Is Open To All MAS Members And Those Who Are In A “Trial Membership.”
Footnote: Credit goes to Greg Beck for the challenge concept.
Questions: Contact Paul Nye – paulenye@me.com or 218-507-0081
