Anyone. Wherever you are in the world, if you write songs, you’re welcome.

Yes – it’s 100% free to enter.
 There’s no catch. Paddy Byrne and goodsong created this competition to inspire and uplift songwriters everywhere. We believe that the world is an open door for your success, and that your best work will do the work for you – if you get it out into the world.
 This competition is a stepping stone, a gateway, and a launchpad for songwriters to be seen, heard, and celebrated.

If you’re selected as the grand winner in November 2025, you’ll receive: A co-writing session with Paddy Byrne and Gez O’Connell. A professionally produced, mixed, and mastered recording of the song you write together. A free place on ‘On a Winter’s Night’, a five-day Winter Song Camp in December 2025. This prize is valued at over £5,000, but it is not transferable, not exchangeable for cash, and must be taken as offered.

One original song recorded as a rough voice note, demo, or finished track.
 You can optionally include your lyrics – but it's not required.

Yes – but only one entry per person, per month. Running from 1st of each month until the last day of that month.

We're not looking for any one genre or production style – we’re looking for a goodsong. 
Songs that make you feel something. That’s what matters.

A winter wonderland of Christmas songwriting – five days of warmth, creativity, and collaboration at the heart of the season. Held December 1–5, 2025, it’s a festive online songwriting camp designed to encourage the most authentic, heartfelt songs of the season. The week includes masterclasses, workshops, cowriting sessions. You’ll leave with finished productions to take with you into the most Christmassy of musical Christmasses . The finished songs can be shared with friends and family over the holidays… but more importantly, they’ll be pitched directly to top advertising executives, music supervisors, and industry insiders in May and June 2026 for Christmas ads, films, and TV opportunities. Details and applications open autumn 2025.

Each competition month runs from the 1st of the month to the last day of that month. 
For example: July entries = July 1st to July 31st One exception is the first 'month' which runs from May 27th to June 30th A monthly finalist is selected on the 11th of each month, from all eligible entries received during the previous month.

The last day to enter is October 31st, 2025 (11:59 PM UK time).
 No entries will be accepted after that. The grand winner will be announced on November 11th, 2025.

Yes – but you must have express permission from all co-writers before submitting. Only you, as the submitting songwriter, will be considered for the prize. If your song wins, you will be the person who co-writes with Paddy and Gez and attends On a Winter’s Night.

Yes – as long as you wrote it, and you have full permission from all co-writers, you’re good to go.
 We’re listening for expression, heart and craft, not exclusivity.

Yes – if your song wasn’t selected in one month, you can submit it again another month.


Once you’ve submitted your song, it’s locked in for that month.
 But if you create something new, you’re very welcome to enter again next month.

Due to the volume of submissions, we’re unable to offer feedback on every entry. 
However, shortlisted writers and finalists may receive direct comments.

goodsong can’t get involved in disputes between co-writers.
 We trust that if you’re submitting, it’s with everyone’s agreement. Let’s keep things respectful and clear from the start – it’s the goodsong way.

All entries are listened to by Paddy Byrne, short listed, and then played to a trusted team of established songwriting collaborators and top music industry professionals. 
Finalists are selected based on originality, craft, emotional resonance, and potential.

Paddy is a multi-platinum songwriter and record producer who’s worked with artists like Tom Grennan, Paloma Faith, Olly Murs, Joy Crookes, and Will Young.
 He’s also the founder of goodsong – the deeply inspiring and heart-led songwriting platform helping writers craft their greatest songs from heart to chart. He hosts The Daily Do podcast, which is a daily two minute dose of "non-nauseating positivity" - The Sunday Times

Gez is an international hit songwriter, known for his deep talent across lyric, melody, music, and concept.
 He’s written hits with and for Dua Lipa, Kylie Minogue, Kygo, Dermot Kennedy, and Cat Burns amongst many others – and is in great demand for his ear for unlocking the heart of a song, his emotive and melodic vocal ability, and lyrical quality.