Offer
The Unsigned Only Music Awards (UO) is offering one (1) free song submission exclusively to twenty-five (25) ReverbNation/BandLab artists selected by UO. Submit your best song for a chance to win $20,000 along with an Unsigned Only Music Award. The 25 songs selected by UO will be automatically entered into the competition with no entry fee.
To be eligible for this offer, you can not have previously submitted for Unsigned Only 2026 via Opportunities.
Artists can submit directly to Unsigned Only 2026 via their general entry page.
The 2026 Judges Include:
Aimee Mann, Conor Oberst (Bright Eyes), Sanctus Real, Rodney Atkins, Robert Smith (The Cure), Jill Scott, Chris Culos (O.A.R.), ARTY, Mark Chesnutt, Janiva Magness, The Devil Makes Three, Masa Takumi, Haliene, Ruthie Foster, Mario Bautista, Guy Davis, MATTN, I Am They, Kaliii, Webbie, Lucy Kalantari, Chaerin Kim, Russ Landau, Chris Vognar (TV/Pop Culture Critic, The Boston Globe), JJ Italiano (Head of Global Music Curation & Discovery, Spotify), Anthony DeCurtis (Contributing Editor, Rolling Stone), Paul de Barros (Pop Music Editor/Jazz Writer, Seattle Times), John Williamson (CEO, Songfinch), Jason Lipshutz (Music Editor, Billboard Magazine), Michael J. West (Reviews Editor, DownBeat), Damon Stewart (CEO, IGA Talent Mgmt. & Consulting), Nikita Konkin (Talent Manager), Leah Kahan (Sr Dir. Music & Talent, Creative License), Cy White (Music Journalist), John Grantz (Owner/Buyer/Promoter, Media Events Inc.), James Whitting (Partner, Paradigm Talent Agency), Tony Gervino (Executive VP, Editor-in-Chief, Tidal), Roy Hamilton III (Management Team, The Singer’s Company), Paul Riario (Tech Editor, Guitar World Magazine), Carys Anderson (Staff Writer, The Austin Chronicle), Brinson Strickland (President, Collective Artist Management), Claire Green (President, Parents’ Choice Foundation), Kevin McNeese (President, NewReleaseToday), Art Tipaldi (Editor, Blues Music Magazine), John DiBiase (President, Jesus Freak Hideout), David Silbaugh (Talent Buyer, Summerfest), Angel Romero (Founder / Sr. Editor, World Music Central), Brandon Chitwood (Founder/Writer, The EDM Scholar), James Kempner (Owner, JMK Connections), Jennifer Taunton (Music Supervisor, Level Two Music), Debra Delshad (Executive, Creative Music Strategy & Licensing), and Mark Garfield (Co-Director, Pop-Up Music UK Ltd.).
Prizing
- The Grand Prize Winner will be awarded $20,000 in cash plus additional prizes
- All prizes are listed here
- Rules can be found here
- Winners for 2026 will be announced in September 2026
About Unsigned Only
In an era of evolving music landscapes and the ever-growing music community, Unsigned Only has always strived to be at the forefront of innovation. As such, we are excited to announce a significant transformation as the Unsigned Only Music Competition shifts from hosting a traditional music competition to an online music awards entity with no physical event to attend. The new Unsigned Only Music Awards reflects its ongoing commitment to recognizing and honoring exceptional talent of independent artists while encouraging creativity, innovation, and the pursuit of musical excellence. The focus will continue to exclusively be on unsigned artists, providing a level playing field for all artists who have not secured a major label record deal.
As always, the winners will be selected by a panel of judges comprised of accomplished musicians, producers, record label executives, journalists, and other professionals with extensive experience and knowledge in their respective fields. Each category will have one winner, such as Best Rock Artist, Best Country Artist, Best Latin Artist, etc. Additionally, one artist will be selected Artist of The Year and will be awarded a $20,000 cash (US) prize. All winners will receive a stunning custom, abstract sculpture/award designed by Society Awards, known for designing and manufacturing high-profile entertainment awards, such as the Emmy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and more. Receiving a prestigious award such as this is a milestone for an artist, reflecting their dedication, creativity, and hard work and will empower and motivate them to continue evolving and striving for excellence.
Unsigned Only would like to extends its gratitude to all the artists, supporters, and music enthusiasts who have been a part of our journey to date. We are excited about this transformation, so stay tuned as we embark on this exciting new chapter and continue to celebrate the artistry and passion of up-and-coming artists who define the future of music.