The Unsigned Only Music Competition has rebranded as the Unsigned Only Music Awards, expanding its mission to celebrate independent artists worldwide.
For over a decade, Unsigned Only has provided a platform for emerging musicians, offering industry exposure, cash prizes, and career opportunities. The transition to an awards format broadens its recognition of unsigned talent, aiming to spotlight artists who have yet to secure major-label representation.
Within the roots music categories, the awards include the following categories: Best Global Music (world music) Artist; Best Blues Artist; Best Americana Artist. The revamped awards will feature an expanded set of categories, including Best Rock Artist, Best Country Artist, Best Latin Artist, and Best Male and Female Vocalists. A single Artist of the Year will be awarded a $20,000 cash prize and studio time at The Church Studio in Tulsa, OK. Winners will receive a custom-designed trophy by Society Awards, the manufacturer behind prestigious honors like the Emmy Awards and Golden Globes.
“We are thrilled to unveil the Unsigned Only Music Awards as the next chapter in our mission to empower and celebrate independent musicians,” said Candace Avery and Jim Morgan, Founders of Unsigned Only. “This marks the next step in a journey we began 12 years ago, and we are excited to award independent musicians for the talent, passion, and dedication that they pour into their work.”
Judges include an array of high-profile musical artists including Aimee Mann, LeAnn Rimes, Robert Smith (The Cure), Jill Scott, Ruthie Foster, Chris Culos (O.A.R.), The Devil Makes Three, Janiva Magness, Miles Kane, I Am They, Dame Evelyn Glennie, Chaerin Kim, and more. Also included are industry professionals from Rolling Stone, Billboard, Seattle Times, DownBeat, Guitar World, Pandora, Yahoo, and many more.
Unsigned Only is sponsored by The Church Studio, Play MPE, and Music Business Registry.
For more information, including how to enter, visit unsignedonly.com.
Author: World Music Central News Room
World music news from the editors at World Music Central