Holiday Hits Vol 4: Application
The most wholesome show of year is happening again on December 10.
Portland Songwriters Guild is looking for Portland area-based artists to team up to write and perform the next Holiday Hit. Whether you want to spread Christmas cheer or write of winter’s woes, we are looking for 12 brand new songs to debut on stage at one of Portland’s most iconic music venues — Mississippi Studios. We sold it out last year and we’re ready to do it again.
There are three main rules:
It must be a winter/holiday related song.
It must be co-written with at least one other songwriter in the greater Portland area.
It must be a new song written exclusively for Holiday Hits.
What is a holiday hit?
This idea came to us in 2022 when we realized how many times you're exposed to Mariah Carey's All I Want For Christmas Is You (great song but — 😭!). Over the past three years we've had hit songs including: Dad Got Woke for Christmas, Jingle Your Bells, My Very Sweet Stack of Christmas DVDs, A Christmas To Tap To (including a choreographed tap dance routine), Jesus Will You Please Talk to Santa, and Bring ‘Em Inside - a song about letting Christmas carolers come inside because it's very cold out.
Listen to Holiday Hits Vol 3 - Live at Mississippi Studios in 2024
How to submit your song:
PSG is choosing up to 12 songs/groups to perform at Mississippi Studios on December 10.
Songs must be submitted by 11:59 PM on November 14th for consideration.
Please read carefully:
Only ONE form submission per group.
We will only consider fully completed forms.
Form submissions do not guarantee that you get to perform.
All groups will be contacted by November 17th whether their song was chosen or not.
The song must be new (written for holiday hits 2025), and co-written by AT LEAST 2 songwriters from the greater Portland area within the past month.
You must be 21+ and available to perform at Mississippi Studios on Dec 10.
What we’re looking for:
Our goal is to create a diverse, welcoming, and inspiring lineup that celebrates the full range of Portland’s songwriting community. When reviewing submissions, we’ll be looking for:
Representation of underrepresented voices — including (but not limited to) songwriters from diverse cultural backgrounds, identities, ages, and abilities.
Unique perspectives and stories — songs that offer something fresh, heartfelt, or unexpected.
Variety in musical genres — from folk, pop, jazz, country, and rock to hip hop, R&B, experimental, and beyond.
Range of tempos and moods — upbeat, mid-tempo, slow, joyful, nostalgic, funny, tender—variety is key!
Variety of performance formats — acoustic duos and full bands are all welcome. We want to showcase as many Portland artists and musicians as we can.
Range of songwriting styles — lyrical storytelling, humorous songs, narrative-driven or character-based songs, reflective ballads, etc.
Mix of experience levels — emerging songwriters and seasoned performers alike are encouraged to apply.
Collaborative spirit — artists open to being part of an inclusive, supportive community event.
Holiday or winter-inspired themes — traditional, spiritual, or creative interpretations welcome.
Important Dates:
October 13: Applications open
October 15: Show announced to the public
November 14: Applications close
November 17: Artists selected & notified
November 19: Artists announced
December 10: Show at Mississippi Studios
Need a writing buddy or group?
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