CJUC Synth-pop Songwriting Competition!
CJUC is turning up the volume this winter, with our first ever songwriting competition! We are looking for local musicians and electronic music producers to join forces and create synth & indie pop hits.
For one night only, the radio station that doesn’t play pop will be hosting a pop songwriting showdown. Think catchy hooks, big hair, dancy-beats, and synth-powered anthems. This is your chance to write something bold, weird, and radio ready, and perform it in front of an audience.
How it works
- Enter as a songwriter, producer, or a pre-formed team.
- After the sign up deadline, you will be given a theme / lyric prompt to include to ensure your song is written specifically for this competition.
- You will have one full month to write, produce, and record your synth / indie pop hit.
- You will perform your original song LIVE at Lefty’s Well, karaoke-style, to an audience and a panel of local celebrity judges.
- Prizes will be awarded for multiple categories, including:
- Best produced
- Catchiest hook
- Best costume
- Best performance
- Audience favourite
Key Details
- Sign-up deadline: November 8th
- Live performance: December 6th @ Lefty’s Well
- Entry fee: $20/per person
- 50% goes to prize pool
- 50% goes to CJUC as part of fundraiser
Contest Rules
- Original songs only. No covers. No “dusting off” songs you wrote in highschool.
- No AI! Don’t be lazy – this is about creativity!
- Style: Songs must be synth-pop or indie-pop, upbeat, with a focus on dancey (four on the floor), big choruses, and a hook driven vibe.
- No guitars in the final recordings – leave the folk ballads at home.
- Songs must be between 3-5 minutes in length.
- Each team must also submit:
- 🎶 1 version with vocals (final track, mp3)
- 🎶 1 backing track without vocals (for the live performance)
- 📻 1 CJUC Station Identifier/Sweeper (e.g., “You’re tuned into CJUC 92.5 FM — The Juice!”)
Examples of Synth Pop / Indie Pop
Need inspiration? This is the vibe we are after:
- 🎹 Classic Synth Pop (80s Foundations)
- West End Girls – Pet Shop Boys
- Sweet Dreams are made of This – Eurythmics
- 🌈 Modern Synth Pop / Indie Pop
- The Mother We Share – CHVRCHES
- Bulletproof – La Roux
Sign up now!
Spots are limited, so don’t wait. Let’s make this competition unforgettable. All synth, no brakes.
👉 Enter HERE!
