“We could make some noise, you and I…

Are you ready? Are you willing to try?”

- Pizzazz (I Like Your Style)

Welcome to the first-ever JemCon 2024 Songwriting Contest!

One huge reason the Jem cartoon has stayed in our hearts all these years is the music team’s ability to steadfastly put pen to paper and create songs we still sing today for each episode. They had a style that was simple to adapt for each situation the series called for. 

Our instruction for you in this challenge is this: Write the lyrics to a short song with an intro, a bridge, a chorus to repeat, and an outro, 5-7 verses in total length, in the style of the songs in the series. We’re keeping it simple; no need to write the musical notation or perform any vocals or instruments. Just create some words that are engaging and enjoyable for you in the way the Jem team’s songs you love are!

It can be in any way you choose! You could write a song by the main bands of the Holograms, Misfits, or Stingers, not to mention a single character’s song (like “I’m Gonna Change”) or a collaboration among bands (like “It’s Working Out/It’s Doing Me In”) or individuals (like “I’m Okay”). Maybe you think the Limp Lizards need a full song to their name or would like to give an out-of-the-box pairing (Roxy & Raya! Minx & Jetta!) a chance to see how unique they can be. We’re here for any way your creativity takes its shape, as long as it fits the Jem series’ spirit!

Since this is our first go at this type of contest, here is an example of an original song and how we are looking for it to be formatted:

Head in the Sand – The Misfits

 

(Pizzazz)

We’re cruising up into this blazing desert,

And it’s plain to see we’re mighty and grand,

If you think you’ll ever reach our level

You must really have your Head in the Sand!

 

(Roxy, Stormer and Jetta) If you can’t see we’re superior…

(Pizzazz talk-singing) Your head is down.

(Roxy, Stormer and Jetta) And we get all the demand…

(Pizzazz talk-singing) We’ll have you buried!

(All) Your head’s in the sand, blind to our power

(Pizzazz) And we’re here to enact our mightiest plans!

(Roxy, Stormer and Jetta) EVER!!

 

(Pizzazz)

You’re with the snakes and birds and scorpions,

Trying to survive on drops of our fame

No matter if you think your praise is growing, girl,

You’ve got your head in the sand. All. The. Same.

 

(Roxy, Stormer and Jetta) If you can’t see we’re the Desert Queens…

(Pizzazz talk-singing) On top and loving it!

(Roxy, Stormer and Jetta) And we win the strongest hand…

(Pizzazz talk-singing) Your game is over.

(All) Your head’s in the sand, blind to our power

(Pizzazz) And we’re here to enact our mightiest plans!

(Roxy, Stormer and Jetta) EVER!!

 

(Pizzazz)

You must really have your Head in the Sand!

Soon I’ll finally have the world in my hand!

(outro notes, punctuated by Jetta saxophone riff)

Contest Rules and Guidelines

All entries must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on September 13, 2024, to jemconforever@gmail.com with the subject line "JemCon 2024 Songwriting Contest Entry".

  1. All entries must be typed and presented in a serif or sans-serif 10- to 12-point font such as Arial or Times New Roman. Acceptable file formats include Microsoft Word, Open Office, rich text, plain text, or PDF documents.

  2. Entries must contain 5-7 verses, and be able to be sung aloud in 60-90 seconds, following the parameters of songs in the series. We will be allowing up to three song entries per person.

  3. All entries must be "PG-rated", meaning no foul language or mature content. We want everyone, including the new Jemeration, to be able to enjoy your songs!

  4. By entering this contest, the entrant agrees that the submitted work is their own original story, without the use of artificially generated or plagiarized material.

  5. By entering this contest, the entrant agrees to allow their original work to be posted online, printed in the program and performed at live and streaming events connected to JemCon 2024. We will not post or distribute them anywhere else, and we will fully credit all writers.

  6. Entrants maintain full ownership of their song/lyrics.

Judging

All entries will be reviewed by a panel of volunteer readers, who will select a winner based on the following criteria:

  • Originality, creativity, and "Universal Appeal"

  • Style and ease of reading (i.e. grammar, spelling, and punctuation)

  • Musicality, entertaining quality, and ease of imagining it being performed

  • Fitting the style and spirit of the series, and the bands/characters involved

  • Adherence to the theme and the rules listed above

Prize

The winning song will be featured in the JemCon 2024 Program and website, and the winner will receive a special prize pack!