Calling All Creative Types!

If you're like me, your love of music goes way beyond vinyl. And if you're lucky enough to be talented, too... well, then I'm extremely jealous but, more importantly, you should have a go at these two contests. Let the creative juices flow, as they say.

First is the John Lennon Songwriting Contest. Entries are being accepted until October 29 and the winning song will be selected by Yoko Ono. Budding songwriters working in any genre should go to www.jlsc.com and follow the entry procedure. Contestants also will be entered for the chance to win a new electric Epiphone “Inspired By” John Lennon Casino guitar and GHS Strings, or one of two Sibelius and Apple iPod Shuffle prize packs, as runner up. The John Lennon Songwriting Contest is open to amateur and professional songwriters who submit entries in any one of 12 categories. The JLSC features two sessions – with 72 Finalists, 24 Grand Prize Winners, 12 Lennon Award Winners and 1 Song of the Year.

Second is a music video contest for the Josh Ritter song "Long Shadows". Josh and the band made a home-made video for the song and now they're encouraging you to do the same. They're looking for a "one-shot" style video similar to the one they made, with no edits and no fancy video equipment. Check out details here.