Calling all Texas songwriters: Maybe you're a budding musician looking for that big break. Or maybe you always had the dream, but chose a more traditional career. Either way, this upcoming South by Southwest (SXSW) could be the golden ticket you've been waiting for to get your song in front of some big-name industry experts.

The festival has long been known to catapult artists to fame, but a special SXSW-adjacent contest is giving one songwriter the chance to have their work reviewed by Martine McBride, Paul Worley, and Wendy Moten (Season 21 runner-up from The Voice). Hosted by VEVA Collect and Shiner Beer, the Shiner Song Contest will grant one grand prize winner $1,000 cash, as well as direct feedback from these industry experts.

Other prizes include a signed item from Martina McBride and Wendy Moten, a two-day recording session with Blackbird Academy valued at $900, a full-year subscription to Inside Blackbird, a full-year subscription to VEVA Collect’s Pro Unlimited Account, a Shiner branded acoustic guitar, and YETI gear.

The contest is open to all songwriters, with entries accepted from February 15, 2023, to March 31, 2023, and interested participants can head to Vevacollect.com for entry guidelines and rules. Ten randomly-selected runners up will receive a full-year subscription to VEVA Collect's Pro Unlimited Account valued at $600 and a full-year subscription to Inside Blackbird, along with written feedback from a panel of experts.

"We're thrilled to launch this challenge and give songwriters the opportunity to showcase their talent and have their work heard by industry legends," said Deborah Fairchild, President for VEVA Sound, in a release. "Martina McBride's music has inspired generations of musicians, and we're excited to see the creativity and passion that will come from this contest."

Fairchild is also partnering with McBride and Moten for a special SXSW panel taking place on March 15 from 4-5 pm CST at the Austin Convention Center, Room 17AB. They will be joined by Beverly Keel, Dean of MTSU’s College of Media and Entertainment, for a discussion focusing on “Fostering Diversity & Equity in the Music Industry” at the upcoming SXSW Conference & Festival. The panelists will share their stories of triumph and ways they have overcome adversity to sustain and thrive in their careers in the music industry.

"We're excited to bring this important discussion to the forefront at SXSW," said Fairchild in the release. "Women are underrepresented in the music industry, and it's time for us to address this issue and work towards creating a more diverse, equitable and inclusive industry for all."

VEVA Sound is a leading music tech company providing a platform for artists, songwriters, and producers to collaborate, share, and distribute their work. In addition to the contest and the panel, VEVA's SXSW presence will include a special partnership with SoundExchange for the SXSW Artist Village from March 13 to 17; a panel discussion with The Ivors and Credits Due at the British Embassy, entitled "Building Global Recognition of Songwriters – Why The Ivors matter" (10:30 am on Thursday, March 16, at the British Music Embassy); and a sponsored showcase in partnership with legendary record label Kill Rock Stars taking place at Cheer Up Charlie's taking place on Friday, March 18, beginning at 8 pm.

To learn more about VEVA, visit vevasound.com.