Submissions are closed

Warrior Songs is no longer accepting new Story to Song submissions or starting new projects. We are only finishing Warrior Songs Volume 4. Warrior Songs will close on April 1, 2028.

About the process for existing collaborations

Veteran Story Submission:

• Veterans share their stories through testimony, writings, poems, paintings, or other methods.
• New submissions are no longer accepted through the website or at outreach events.
• Not all stories can be turned into songs.

Selection and Pairing:

• Selected stories are paired with songwriters.
• Veterans may choose to work directly with a songwriter or remain anonymous, working through Warrior Songs.

Songwriting Process:

• Veterans have full control and final approval of the song.
• The "Nashville Rule" applies: “Write a word, get a third” – equal ownership for all involved.
• Veterans may pick their songwriter or allow Warrior Songs to choose one for them.
• Songwriters create a draft, shared with the Veteran for feedback and approval.

Revisions and Approvals:

• Veterans can approve, request revisions, or reject the song.
• If rejected, the process stops, and the song is not released.

Recording Phase:

• Approved songs move to the recording phase.
• Veterans select musicians or provide genre/feeling preferences.
• Recording, mixing, and mastering costs are covered by Warrior Songs.
• Veterans can approve or reject the studio version.

Compilation and Distribution:

• Our remaining recording and compilation work is limited to completing Volume 4.
• CDs are distributed free to Veterans through the “Free and Discounted CDs” program.
• CDs can be requested online or downloaded digitally.
• CDs are also available to organizations for free distribution and to civilians for a donation.