Holiday Hits Vol 5: Application

The most Portland one-of-a-kind show there is. All original music. One night only!

Portland Songwriters Guild is looking for Portland-area artists to team up, form one-of-a-kind bands, and write and perform a brand-new Holiday Hit to debut at Mississippi Studios on December 17.

We’re inviting musicians from across the Portland community to form one-of-a-kind bands and co-write an original seasonal song together. Anything goes. From suing Santa Claus to remembering your loved ones over the holidays, we want a mix of songs that capture all sides of the season.

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.

This year, we are looking for NEW band formations! Co-write with someone new and make something completely original.

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 FOUR years we've had hit songs including: Dad Got Woke for Christmas, My Very Sweet Stack of Christmas DVDs, A Very Poly Christmas, 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 (2024)

How to submit your song:

PSG is choosing up to 12 songs/groups to perform at Mississippi Studios on December 17.

Songs must be submitted by 11:59 PM on November 15th for consideration.

Please read carefully:

Your song must be NEW — written specifically for Holiday Hits Vol 5 (2026).
Your song must be co-written by AT LEAST 2 songwriters from the greater Portland area within the past 60 days.
Your song must be related to the holidays or winter season.
You and your bandmates must be 21+ and available to perform at Mississippi Studios on Dec 17.
Only ONE form submission per group needed. Please have one person in your group be your primary point of contact with PSG.
Looking for new collaborators and band formations (not required, but HIGHLY suggested)

Form submissions do not guarantee that you get to perform. Artists will be notified whether their song was chosen or not by November 20.

Submit Your Song

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:

NEW bands! Form a band with your buds or community members for one night only.
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.