FAQ
FOOM 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 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 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.
The Recorded category requires the submission of an MP3 file and lyrics (PDF).
The Instrumental category requires the submission of an MP3 file only.
The Lyrics/Libretto category requires the submission of lyrics (PDF) 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.
Q: 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 converters 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 foom@scala.org.au.
Q: When should I expect to receive my feedback?
A: All judges’ feedback will be available upon 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 via their 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: via PayPal either via (a) PayPal account or (b) Credit Card (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: Where does my entrant fee payment go?
A: Song Central forwards payments (collected via its site) to SCALA following closure of the contest for judging.
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. It would be advisable to 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 Rules page : 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 material.