Highway 309 Studio Sessions Contest

WGLT is searching for Illinois State University’s best musical talent!

Highway 309 Studio Sessions, inspired by NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest, gives students a chance to share their music with the ISU campus and the Bloomington-Normal community. The contest is possible with support from our presenting sponsor, CEFCU. A panel of judges will select a grand prize winner who will receive a $1,000 prize and the opportunity to perform a live session at the WGLT studios. Fans will also choose a fan favorite honoree.

Whether you dream of a music career, hope to enter NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest one day or just love making music, this is your chance to shine!

HOW IT WORKS

Open to all ISU students
Submit your original music (five minutes maximum length)
Solo acts, bands and all genres welcome
One winner and one fan favorite honoree
Winner performs at WGLT’s studios on ISU’s campus

OFFICIAL CONTEST RULES

Submissions will be accepted through Oct. 19 at 11:59 p.m.
Must be 18 years of age or older.
Must be an enrolled ISU student (and at least half of your group).
Performances cannot exceed five minutes in length.
Must be original work, no covers. If the song is not written by the performer, the submission will be disqualified. The song that is submitted must be appropriate for the public. The entrant’s work must not contain trademarked or copyrighted material. No profanity, hateful words, or slander in the lyrics of the original song. No material that violates federal, state or local laws.
Instruments are allowed but not required. Participants must provide their own instrument and equipment they find necessary. Instruments can supplement performance but won’t provide an advantage.
No lighting or microphones needed, however low sound quality for judges to accurately hear could impact overall performance score.
Overall winner will receive $1,000 credited to ISU student account(s).
Fan favorite honoree will receive $500 credited to ISU student account(s).

FAQs