The use of AI

1.Originality and human authorship

• All submitted songs must be original works created by the participant(s) and their declared human collaborators.
• The lyrics, melody and core musical composition must be created by humans.
• AI-generated creative content must not be presented as original work by the participant(s).
• Simply providing prompts to AI music-generation platforms does not constitute original songwriting for the purpose of this festival.

2.Prohibited uses of AI

The following are not permitted in submitted songs:

• AI-generated lyrics, whether in full or in part.
• AI-generated melodies, chord progressions or original musical compositions.
• AI-generated instrumental tracks, backing music or musical arrangements.
• Substantial modification of AI-generated compositions or lyrics for submission as original work.

3.Permitted uses of AI and assistive technology

AI and other digital tools may be used solely to facilitate accessibility or provide technical assistance without generating original musical or lyrical content. Examples include:

• Speech-to-text tools for recording original lyrics or creative ideas.
• Assistive communication technologies that enable participants to express their original ideas.
• Spelling, grammar and language correction without generating new lyrics.
• Noise reduction, audio restoration, pitch correction and sound enhancement.
• Technical mixing and mastering of human-created recordings.

4.Accessibility considerations

Participants who require assistive technologies to compose, communicate or perform are encouraged to participate. The Organiser may consider reasonable accommodations involving AI-assisted technologies on a case-by-case basis, provided that:

• The participant retains meaningful creative authorship.
• The technology facilitates rather than replaces the participant’s creative expression.
• The use of such technology is fully disclosed and approved by the Organiser.

5.Mandatory AI declaration

All participants must declare, in the entry form, whether AI tools were used during the songwriting, recording or production process. Participants who use AI must disclose:

• The names of the tools or platforms used.
• The specific purpose of their use.
• The elements of the submission affected.
• The participant’s original creative contributions.

The Organiser reserves the right to request supporting materials, such as lyric drafts, demo recordings, project files or descriptions of the creative process, to verify originality.

6.Non-compliance

Submissions containing prohibited AI-generated content, or involving undeclared AI use, may be disqualified. The Organiser reserves the right to determine eligibility and request clarification where necessary.