Calling all musically talented artists. The estate of the late legendary Hall of Fame songwriter and producer Sylvia Moy (My Cherie Amore, Uptight, Shoo-Be-Doo-Be-Doo-Da-Day) is looking for singers, and musicians, producers, and re-mixers who are game to makeover a classic Motown hit.
Sylvia Moy’s Masterpiece Sound Studios (Masterpiece) is having a Cover Song Contest in partnership with Sony Music Publishing (SMP). It’s a competition open to any amateur individual or independent singer, musician, singing group, or band, from any of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
What is a Cover Song, you ask? A cover song is a new recording or performance of a song by an artist other than the original composer or performer(s). Cover bands, tribute acts, singers, and artist groups often perform cover songs by other artists or music groups. Cover songs are not remakes, which attempt to reproduce the exact sound of the original songs, while others reframe the material in unique or humorous ways. Sometimes these interpretations achieve more success than the original versions.
“The Cover Song Contest is a perfect opportunity to promote and preserve the legacy and mission of our sister, Sylvia Moy, by reintroducing these iconic Motown songs and celebrating the extraordinarily talented songwriters who wrote them,” said Masterpiece Co-Manager, Celeste M. Moy.
“Sony Music Publishing is delighted to spotlight the contributions of our songwriters through Masterpiece’s unique Cover Song Contest,” said Liz Lewis, SVP Catalogue Development.
SYLVIA MOY AND Stevie Wonder at a recording session. Masterpiece Sound Studios is sponsoring a cover song contest.
To enter:
- Select one of these great designated songs: My Baby Loves Me, Nothing’s Too Good For My Baby, I Was Made To Love Her, Ain’t That Askin For Trouble, It’s Got To Be A Miracle, Heaven Sent You (I Know), I’m Still Lovin You, You’ve Made Me So Very Happy, Whole Lot Of Shakin In My Heart, Which Way Is The Sky.
- Cover it in any one of these 10 genres: Classic Motown, R&B, Country, Latin Rhythm, Native American, Middle Eastern Rhythmic, Hip-Hop/Rap, Jazz, J-pop/K-pop, and Reggae/Dance/Afrobeats.
No entry fee is required and the format for submissions is .mp4 or .mov (Apple) Video files by September 5, 2022
Ten lucky finalists will have the opportunity to perform in a Grand Finale Showcase at the Motor City Casino’s Soundboard Theater in Detroit, on April 20, 2023. Three lucky Cover Song Contest winners receive Cash Awards and representation by SMP.
Masterpiece is Detroit’s historic state-of-the-art commercial audio/visual recording studio, founded by the late Sylvia Moy. She was an extraordinary composer and artist who was honored multiple times over the years and inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. She was the first woman in Detroit to build a commercial recording studio. During her lifetime, Sylvia Moy was beloved by the music industry worldwide for paving the way for future generations of producers and engineers who follow in her footsteps.
- Judging will be based on the following criteria:
- Originality/Interpretation (max. 20 points)
- Sound Quality (max. 20 points)
- Overall Performance (max. 20 points)
- Showmanship (max. 20 points)
- Audience Appeal (max. 20 points)
Go to www.masterpiecesoundstudios.com/coversongcontest to enter and stay informed about the contest selection process.
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Elaine Hegwood Bowen
Elaine Hegwood Bowen, M.S.J., is the Entertainment Editor for the Chicago Crusader. She is a National Newspaper Publishers Association ‘Entertainment Writing’ award winner, contributor to “Rust Belt Chicago” and the author of “Old School Adventures from Englewood: South Side of Chicago.” For info, Old School Adventures from Englewood—South Side of Chicago (lulu.com) or email: [email protected].