Though Manifest is still several months away, Columbia is currently looking for the song that will define the sound of the biggest party of the year. All students are welcome to submit original songs for a chance to win $1000 and perform live at Manifest, opening for the featured performer.

There are a few rules for the competition. Whether the song is the production of a band or a solo act, at least one composer and performer of the song must be a current Columbia student. Students must also maintain a GPA of 2.5 and not have any financial holds on their account. While all genres and styles of music are encouraged, the song needs to be entirely original and reflect this year’s Manifest theme, which is “Own it,” but it does not need that phrase directly within the lyrics.

The Manifest song will not only be featured at Manifest itself, but the song will be played at each graduation ceremony as well as hosted on Columbia College Chicago’s YouTube page. With all of these different venues circulating your work, your unique song can achieve a circulation of approximately 20,000 people, possibly more. That recognition might pay off in a big way, too. Just look at last year’s winner, Rebecca Brunner. Brunner’s song, “Emerge,” was a massive hit at Manifest and throughout the end of the year. After graduating, Brunner has gone on to perform at many large venues in the tri-state area and even made it to the battle round of NBC’s The Voice.

If you want to be considered for the prize of $1000 and to be a featured performer at Manifest 2018, click here to submit your song. The submission period ends February 28th at midnight, so send in your creation today!