Could you write an eco-hit?

Gabriel Gurrola
A new competition seeks simple, compelling songs that will inspire, uplift, and call to protect our planet.

The aim of the competition is to bring the revolutionary power of music into environmental activism.

An international competition to find an anthem for the global ecology movement has been announced by Artists Project Earth (APE) and The Resurgence Trust, which publishes The Ecologist online and the Resurgence & Ecologist magazine.

Musicians from around the world are encouraged to participate, regardless of their recording setup. Whether from professional studios or home recordings, all submissions are welcome as long as they have not been released previously. The competition offers three cash prizes of up to £2000, and winners will have the opportunity to get their songs professionally recorded in the UK.     

Whether you’re a professional musician or record from your bedroom, we want to hear your song for Mother Earth. Find out more. 

We encourage artists from across the globe to apply. Songs can be recorded in any language as long as translations are provided. Our judging panel includes eco-warriors such as Satish Kumar life-long activist and a member of the management team of the Resurgence Trust.

Listening

He will be joined on the judging panel by Herbert Girardet, author and co-author of many books and TV documentaries on the interaction between a global civilisation and nature, and a trustee of the Resurgence Trust. Molly Astely, an interdisciplinary artist, musician and poet will also be on the panel.

The aim of the competition is to bring the revolutionary power of music into the heart of environmental activism.

Annie Lennox of Eurythmics said: “Eco-Anthem is a timely initiative, calling upon all songwriters to create a simple, inspiring anthem that everyone can sing, to express love and reverence for Nature, Humanity, and Future Generations. I love this idea and am curious to hear the winning Eco-Anthem!”

Mick Jones of The Clash also endorsed the competition. He told The Ecologist: “I am pleased to endorse this international competition. The world needs uplifting messages, and there is no better way to present them than as songs that people may want to sing together. I am looking forward to listening to the songs that emerge from this competition.”

This competition not only aims to celebrate the wonders of our Earth but also emphasises the importance of standing up to protect our vital oceans, rivers, forests, and precious ecosystems. We look forward to hearing the inspiring anthems that will emerge from this global call! 

APE has supported hundreds of ecological initiatives worldwide for 20 years, backed by some of the world’s leading artists, including Bob Dylan, Beyonce, Coldplay, U2, Amy Winehouse and Ed Sheeran. Since 2005, APE has produced Afro-Caribbean collaborations with top international musicians. It supports effective projects and awareness raising initiatives to combat climate change and raises funds for natural disaster relief.

This Author 

Yasmin Dahnoun is a freelance writer currently based in London. She is part of the editorial team at Resurgence & Ecologist, and works alongside the Green Dreamer podcast team. 

To submit your songs, please send an MP3 or WAV as an email attachment or as a link to a shared drive to yasmin.ecoanthem@gmail.com by Monday, 30 September 2024. Please include your name, where you’re based, and any links to social media links if you have any available. Please read the eligibility criteria before applying.

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