Call for entries: 2020 Unsigned Only Music Competition

The opportunity is open to artists who have original music and all credit will go to the performing artist(s). Unsigned Only is intended for solo artists, bands, and singers all over the world who are looking for exposure, recognition, and a chance to be noticed by industry professionals. The goal of Unsigned Only is to find an outstanding and talented performer.

The grand prize winner will be awarded $20 000 in cash (plus additional prizes) and one-on-one mentoring by an elite group of record company executives. First place and second place winners would also be selected in each category and will be awarded prizes. The first-place winner in the Screen Shot category will also be mentored by a group of music executives who place songs in film, TV, advertisements, and video games. All prizes are listed on the prize page.

Interested artists can submit their videos here. The entries deadline is 20 March. Winners for the 2020 competition will be announced in September.

“Because Unsigned Only does not have a music video category, this will be the only opportunity to enter a music video in the competition this year,” reads a statement. “Unsigned Only offers many categories/genres for you to enter, including screen shot, which is geared toward getting your music into film, tv, video games, and other licensing opportunities.

“You can enter as many songs as you like in as many categories as you like. Since Unsigned Only is looking for an artist, it is advantageous to enter multiple songs so that the listening committee can know who you are as an artist.”

Artists can submit entries in any of the following categories:

• AAA (Adult Album Alternative)
• AC (Adult Contemporary)
• Americana
• Blues
• Christian
• Country
• EDM (Electronic Dance Music)
• Folk/Singer-Songwriter
• Instrumental
• Jazz
• Latin Music
• Pop/Top 40
• R&B/Hip-Hop
• Rock
• Screen Shot (original songs in all genres suited for placement in Film/TV/Advertising/Gaming)
• Teen (for artists 18 years old and younger)
• Vocal Performance
• World Music

NB: Unsigned Only accepts original and cover songs in all categories, except for the Screen Shot category, which accepts original songs only. Entries in the Vocal Performance category will be based solely on the quality of the vocals. Unsigned Only accepts all genres of music in the Teen, Vocal Performance, and Screen Shot categories.

View original call here.