Unsigned Only is a unique new international music competition designed for solo artists, bands, and singers
who are not signed to a major label record company or any of its affiliates, subsidiaries, or imprints.
Unsigned Only is not a songwriting competition; instead, it is a music competition with the goal of finding an outstanding, talented performer: a band, singer, or solo artist…a newcomer or veteran…raw or polished – the “gem” that needs to be discovered. Unsigned Only is looking for the total package.
Conceived of and produced by the same team who brings you the prestigious International Songwriting
Competition (ISC), Unsigned Only is a brand new music competition and is completely separate and different
from ISC. It is Not part of the Unsigned Only category of ISC. Unsigned Only is a fresh and novel approach to
other music competitions. Yes, it offers great prizes, recognition, exposure, and the chance to be heard by a
group of judges consisting of high-profile recording artists and industry professionals. But, Unsigned Only also
takes it a step further and puts the Grand Prize winner in direct, personal contact with the influential record
label executives who are the ultimate decision-makers. For the first time ever, a music competition offers the
Grand Prize winner the unprecedented opportunity to be mentored by a group of record company presidents,
A&R reps, and more. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to directly network with the top echelon of record
company professionals and get guidance, advice, feedback, and networking opportunities.
Categories include: AAA (Adult Album Alternative; AC (Adult Contemporary); Christian; Country; Folk/Singer-
Songwriter; R&B/Hip-Hop; Rock; Pop/Top 40; and Vocal Performance.
Judging Criteria: originality, songwriting, vocals, performance, and overall likeability.
All entries must be original music except for the Vocal Performance category which accepts original or cover
songs. Judging criteria in the Vocal Performance category will be based solely on the quality of the vocals. So, if
you’re an artist and you don’t write your own songs – or if you do write your own songs and want to show off
your singing – this is the category for you.
To Enter, Click Here | Sponsors include: Posse, Steamboat Ampworks, Verve Management, and Music Business Registry | Judges | 3 Doors Down |
Jeremy Camp |
Cyndi Lauper |
Robert Smith The Cure |
Kelly Clarkson |
Manchester Orchestra |
Angie Stone |
St. Vincent |
Musiq Soulchild |
Craig Morgan |
Mountain Goats |
G. Love |
Steve Lillywhite Producer |
Matt and Kim |
Lorraine Ali Pop Music Editor Los Angeles Times |
Josh Jackson Co-Founder and Editor-In-Chief Paste Magazine |
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Scott Lapatine Founder/Editor-In-Chief, Stereogum |
and more to be announced…. | Mentors | Monte Lipman President |
Pete Ganbarg Executive VP Head of A&R |
David Wolter Senior VP of A&R |
Pete Giberga Head of A&R |
David Wilkes VP of A&R |
Kim Stephens A&R |
Trevor Jerideau VP of A&R |
Jason Geter President |
and more to be announced…. |