The Unsigned Only Music Competition is excited to announce its 2024 winners, highlighting an impressive group of independent artists from around the world. This year’s competition attracted thousands of entries, spanning various genres from pop to rock, hip-hop to country, and beyond, showcasing the vast diversity and creativity in the global independent music scene.
Established in 2012, Unsigned Only is a prestigious, international music competition known for discovering and supporting independent, unsigned artists. It acts as a benchmark for excellence in the arena of contemporary music and seeks to find new, breakout artists. Previous entrants have included Ingrid Andress, Jordan Adetunji, Gabby Barrett, Coco Jones, Tenille Arts, GAYLE, Faouzia, Jordan St. Cyr, Brett Young, and many more.
Winners share in over $150,000 in cash and prizes split among 38 winners. The overall Grand Prize winner takes home a prize package of $20,000 USD as well as additional music equipment and services. Prizes are also awarded to First and Second Place winners in each category. A winner is also selected in Fandemonium, the online vote which allows the public to vote for their favorite artist and is separate from the regular winners selected by the official judging panel.
Unsigned Only is pleased to announce that rising pop singer/songwriter AJ Mitchell has been named the 2024 overall Grand Prize winner. His winning song, "Flowers On The Moon," captivated the competition’s high-profile panel of judges, which included iconic recording artists, prominent music executives, producers, and more.
Upon learning that he was the Grand Prize winner, Mitchell said, “I feel extremely honored, especially because I get to do what I love very day – making music. Being recognized in the competition is one of the best feelings in the world!”
Hailing from Belleville, IL, USA, Mitchell first gained recognition through YouTube and Instagram, and his meteoric rise on social media has showcased his raw talent, allowing him to build a loyal fan base from an early age. Mitchell's songs, which often explore themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, resonate with his listeners, particularly young audiences who relate to his authenticity and vulnerability.
His debut studio album, Skyview, was released in 2021 and demonstrates Mitchell's melodic, heartfelt style that blends pop with elements of R&B. His music has racked up more than one billion streams across social media platforms. As he continues to evolve as an artist, he is establishing himself as one of the bright new voices in contemporary pop music, and his newest album is set to be released soon.
“We are incredibly proud to recognize AJ Mitchell and all of this year's winners," said Candace Avery and Jim Morgan, Co-Founders of Unsigned Only. "Each artist brings something special to the table, whether it's through their musicality, performance, or songwriting. The level of talent this year has been outstanding, and we’re excited to follow the journeys of these independent artists as they continue to make their mark in the industry.”
In addition to the Grand Prize winner, many other artists are deserving winners in each category. Hailing from allover the world (42% of this year’s winners come from outside the USA), they range from talented amateurs to seasoned performers. For a complete list of winners, go to: https://www.unsignedonly.com/winners.
The complete panel of judges includes:
Recording Artists: Aimee Mann; LeAnn Rimes, Robert Smith (The Cure); Rufus Wainwright, Jill Scott, Arty, Rodney Atkins; Sanctus Real; I Am They; Chris Culos (O.A.R.); Nicholas Petricca (Walk The Moon); TheDevil Makes Three; Janiva Magness; Ruthie Foster; DameEvelyn Glennie; Russ Landau; Chaerin Kim; Vertical Worship; Masa Takumi;Miles Kane; Tinariwen
Industry Professionals: Anthony De Curtis (Contributing Editor,Rolling Stone); Michael J. West (Reviews Editor, DownBeat); Jason Lipshutz (Music Editor, Billboard Magazine); Bob Clear mountain(Producer/Engineer/Mixer); Lyndsey Parker (Managing Editor, Yahoo Music); Christopher Scapelliti (Editor-In-Chief, Guitar Player); Kevin McNeese(President, NewReleaseToday); Ole Obermann (Music, TikTok); Damon Stewart (CEO,IGA Talent Mgmt & Consulting); Jeff Zuchowski (VP, Artist Marketing/IndustryRelations, Pandora); James Whitting (Partner, Paradigm Talent Agency);
Carys Anderson (Staff Writer, The Austin Chronicle); John Dibiase (President, JesusFreak Hideout); Angel Romero (Founder/Sr. Editor, World Music Central); Cy White (Editor of Music & Culture, The Austin Chronicle); Hilary Saunders (Managing Editor, No Depession); Art Tipaldi (Editor, Blues Music Magazine);Paul Riario (Tech Editor, Guitar World Magazine); James Kempner (Owner, JMK Connections); Jennifer Taunton (Music Supervisor, Level Two Music); Mark Garfield (Co-Director, Pop-Up Music UK Ltd.); Ole Obermann (Music, TikTok);Paul De Barros (Pop Music Editor/Jazz Writer, Seattle Times); Brinson Strickland (President, Collective Music Nashville); Cyrus Kyle Langhorne (Founder,AttackTheCulture.com);
Debra Delshad (Sr. Director, Synchronization andLicensing, Angry Mob Music); Alison Bonaguro (Freelance country music journalist): Dylan Berry (Owner, SmashHaus); Brandon Chitwood (Founder/Writer,The EDM Scholar); Nikita Konkin (Artist Manager); and Daryl Berg (VP of MusicStrategies/Licensing, Hallmark, Crown Media)
Unsigned Only is sponsored by: Adam Audio, Eventric, Disc Makers, Fairytale Brownies, Indie Bible, IronHorse Amps, MakeMusic, Merch Cat, MICCO, Modern Musician, Play MPE, Schecter Guitar Research, SE Electronics, Songbox, Stringjoy, The Church Studio, The Music Business Registry
