FAQ

Q: Is there a limit on the number of songs I can enter?
A: No, you can enter as many songs as you like but you cannot enter the same song in more than one section.

Q: Can a song be entered into more than one category?
A: No, a song can only be entered into one category (not multiple categories).

Q: How do I submit my song(s) to Song Central’s online entry site?
A: You complete the entry form on the Song Central platform (https://www.foom.songcentral.com.au) and submit your MP3 file and/or you upload your lyrics in PDF format. Once you have completed your entries your payment will be processed via PayPal (credit cards are fine if you don’t have a PayPal account). Once your payment has been processed your entries to the contest will be saved on the platform ready for judging.

Q: What is required (MP3 / Lyrics?) to enter this competition?
A: The Live category requires the submission of LYRICS (PDF) only and the Lyrics/Libretto category just require submission of LYRICS (PDF) only.
The Demo Unreleased category requires the submission of an MP3 file and lyrics (PDF).
The Instrumental category requires the submission of an MP3 file only. 

Q: Who do I contact if I experience problems entering/uploading songs to the competition?
A: If you experience any technical problems entering, uploading songs etc. using this site then please contact admin@songcentral.com.au for assistance. Please include a description of your problem and your phone number.

What should I do if my songs are not in the right format?
A: If your songs are not in the right format then you will need to convert them to MP3-128kbps files. There are MP3 apps available on the internet that you can use to convert your files.

Q: Who should I contact if I have questions about the competition e.g. deadlines, rules, category queries, judging etc.?
A: If you have any questions to do with the competition itself, then you will need to contact scalafoom@gmail.com.

Q: When should I expect to receive my feedback?
A: Judges’ feedback will be provided sometime after completion of judging.

Q: Can I become a member of SCALA upon entering the competition online?
A: No. You will need to organise and pay for your membership directly with SCALA. See our website www.scala.org.au

Q: Do I have to be a member of SCALA to enter?
A: No, non-members of SCALA are welcome to enter the contest although membership is most definitely encouraged.

Q: Do the judges know whose song(s) they are judging?
A: No. The judges listen to your entries without knowing who the songwriter(s) is/are.

Q: What are the options for payment to enter the FOOM songwriting competition?
A: The Payment options are:
Payment via the PayPal site (but you don’t need a PayPal account!)  You can select the ”pay by credit card”  link and pay by either Amex, MasterCard or Visa

Q: What happens to my songs once the competition is over?
A: All songs entered into the competition will be deleted from Song Central’s server once the competition (and all judging) is complete.

Q: What file format is required?
A: The Song Central site will only accept MP3 files and PDF files.

How much does it cost to enter FOOM?
A: If you are a SCALA member cost of entry is $15.00 per entry, and if you are a non-member the cost of entry is $37.00 per entry.

Q: I have put words to a traditional tune. Does that qualify as ‘original’?
A: The intention of the competition is to encourage new material. You should enter such a song in the Lyrics/Libretto Only section.

Q: My song has been sent to radio stations, and a few have been sold at gigs etc. can I enter them in FOOM?
A: Please refer to Rule 3.  Original musicians who have the means to offer their songs to the public through sales or radio airplay can choose to not distribute their material before the competition is completed for the year.

Note also that the aim of the FOOM song competition is to encourage the writing of new, unreleased material.