Unsigned Only Music Competition is open to all artists (including solo artists, bands, and singers) who are unsigned to a major record label (indie labels are eligible). Unsigned Only's goal is to give artists exposure, recognition, and validation for their artistry. Unsigned Only is the premier music competition in the world for unsigned artists.
The complete list of categories includes: AAA (Adult Album Alternative); AC (Adult Contemporary); Americana; Blues; Christian; Country; EDM (Electronic Dance Music); Folk/Singer-Songwriter; Instrumental; Jazz; Latin; R&B/Hip-Hop; Rock; Pop/Top 40; Screen Shot; Teen (18 or younger); Vocal Performance; and World Music. The Screen Shot category accepts music that is appropriate for placement in movies, TV shows, commercials, video games, and more.
Since Unsigned Only launched nine years ago, many winners have been signed to record label deals, making Unsigned Only a leading source for transitioning new talent into major label record deals. Some of UO's winners include three-time Grammy nominee Ingrid Andress (Warner Nashville) and Faouzia (Atlantic) who just released the single "Minefields," a duet with the iconic artist John Legend. Many more winners have also secured licensing deals, publishing deals, better gigs, and more recognition after winning the competition.
The Grand Prize winner is awarded $20,000 USD in cash (plus additional prizes) and one-on-one mentoring by an elite group of record company executives. Prizes are also awarded to First and Second Place winners in each category.
Unsigned Only is sponsored by: 351 Studio, Celebrity Access, Disc Makers, Eventric, IK Multimedia, Lurssen Mastering, Merch Cat, Mojave Microphones, The Music Business Registry, TuneCore, Zildjian, and more to be announced.
