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Below is a two-phase contest designed to spark a national conversation on unity; cast a positive light on Guitar Center; and drive in-store and online engagement. Both phases are powered by user-generated music and video content.
Our Country, Our Songs Contest
America needs to change the station
There’s so much anger, blame, and division out there that it’s easy to view everything as Us vs Them. But we’re all Americans, all members of the same team.
Music can help unite us
We want everyone to turn up their speakers and amps. It’s time to drown out that negative noise and to start uniting the greatest country in the world. How? By bringing our hearts, voices, and instruments together and making original songs that will encourage American pride and unity.
Join us
We’re hosting an ambitious contest and calling for participants. Songwriters, musicians, notebook-scribblers—everyone!—please help us bring our country together.
You can contribute by taking part in one or both phases of our contest:
Phase 1: Chorus. Create the chorus for a unifying song.
Phase 2: Lyrics & Performance. Write and perform a complete song.
Encourage others
Share this page with your friends, family, and fans and encourage them to watch the contest videos and cast votes. Their participation will help everyone hear positive messages about America.
Prizes and a national finale
The videos you create for this contest will spread across the country and help bring Americans closer. Plus, winners will be awarded valuable prizes, including the opportunity to appear in a live, simulcast finale. From beginning to end, Our Country, Our Songs will be a celebration of America, music, and togetherness.
Contest Phase 1: Chorus
Don’t just join the chorus, write one
Brainstorm and record
To jumpstart your creativity, video yourself answering these prompts:
What makes America amazing?
What do Americans have in common?
I’m a proud American because________________
We’re strongest when_________________________
Americans come together when_______________
Write an inspiring chorus
Next, channel your love for America and write a song chorus. If you're not sure where to begin, check out these suggestions from some famous songwriters.
Make a video of your chorus at Guitar Center
After you perfect your chorus, visit a participating Guitar Center and we’ll make a video of you reciting or singing it. All participants will receive a free Our Country, Our Songs T-shirt, ballcap, or turntable mat.
Three will win
After the entries are in, a jury of songwriters will select the 10 best chorus submissions and post those videos for online voting. When the dust settles, 3 contestants will win and their choruses will serve as the foundation for the next phase.
Contest Phase 2: Lyrics & Performance
Write and perform for a better America
Write
Songwriters, vocalists, and musicians—choose your favorite of the 3 winning choruses and write a complete song around it.
Perform
After you've practiced and perfected your lyrics and sound, post a video of you or your band performing your song.
Vote for the best in each category
As before, a jury will narrow the Lyrics & Performance videos and post them for online voting. This time, the jury will select 5 finalists in each of the following 8 categories: Rock, Country, Pop, R&B/Soul, Hip-Hop/Rap, Latin, Electronic, and Student.
Prizes
In the end, America wins
Cash and products
Winners will be awarded prizes valued from $500 - $5,000.
Your chorus or song could go viral
But the best thing is: We’ll all be working together to unite our great country. And every video—whether it wins or not—could be shared across social media, promoting American unity.
Nationwide Simulcast
Celebrate the music we're making together
Winners of Phase 2: Lyrics & Performance will be showcased in a live finale. If you watch the simulcast at your local Guitar Center, you will be treated to a special pre-show featuring local-competitor videos, local awards, and giveaways.
The national show will feature all of the category winners, some appearing live, some in professionally produced music videos.
Join us, and we'll celebrate America and the power of music together.
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