RAPAL recently launched their 3rd ‘New Gaelic Song Competition’ and are inviting budding songwriters to meet the challenge of creating new Gaelic music in a contemporary style.

“This is a great opportunity to try something completely new and experimental” enthused RAPAL presenter Niall Iain Macdonald. “We are just at the beginning in terms of promoting and actively encouraging new Gaelic songwriting talent and there are no limits or constraints on what direction people can go – just use your imagination and see what happens!”

Last years winners, Na Gathan from Skye and their inter-galactic space travel inspired song “Ruigidh Sinn Mars”, are proof that more and more people are trying their hand at Gaelic songwriting in a variety of exciting and new styles.

“Although it was very hard to choose just one song as an overall winner from the many entries that were sent to us last year, it was also very enjoyable as there was such a diversity of styles and subjects and it reinforced our belief that Gaelic songwriting is suited to any style of music, whether that be dance, indie or hard rock.”

RAPAL has featured many of the songs that have been entered for previous competitions, both on TV and radio, and they hope that this will inspire others to try their hand at writing new Gaelic songs in a contemporary style – whether they be established songwriters or complete beginners!

Once again, the entries will be judged by the RAPAL team, who will be joined by Calum Macdonald from Runrig in trying to decide who will receive the fantastic prize of a portable studio as well as filming their own video for broadcast on the next series of RAPAL TV .

All entries should have complete written lyrics and an accompanying tune but don’t panic if you can’t actually sing or play a musical instrument, as long as you have the words and melody then RAPAL will take care of the rest. Entries can be sent on several different formats: CD, cassette, MP3 or written composition.

The closing date for entries is Thursday 30th April 2009.

For further information, please get in touch with the RAPAL team on e-mail:

rapal@bbc.co.uk

or write to them at:

Rapal
BBC Radio nan Gàidheal
52 Sràid na h-Eaglaise
Steòrnabhagh
Leòdhas
HS1 2LS

or phone:

01851 70 5000

The competition rules and guidelines can be read in full on our website:

bbc.co.uk/rapal