Unsigned Only

Good news! Unsigned Only, the Nashville-based music competition raising the profile of indie creators across the world, has extended their entry deadline to April 30th.

Unsigned Only positions themselves as “a unique music competition designed for solo artists, bands, and singers who are not signed to a major label,” a smart move considering the well of talent that makes up today’s defiantly indie, Internet-centric music scene.

Songwriting competitions, particularly ones that require entry fees, are sometimes regarded as shady affairs preying on starry-eyed young talent — and that’s often sadly true. But Unsigned Only is as legit as they come. Opened in 2011 as an indie spinoff of the renowned International Songwriting Competition (ISC), Unsigned Only features an impressive roster of recurring judges, including Robert Smith of The Cure, The Mountain Goats, John Oates of Hall & Oates, Black Francis of Pixies, and many more music industry luminaries, executives and tastemakers spanning the gamut of genres (2013’s judges also included Cyndi Lauper, Carly Simon and Iggy Pop).

2012’s Grand Prize winner Lara Johnston gushed of her win: “Definite high point of my career thus far. The mentoring opportunities provided by Unsigned Only are nothing short of incredible: I’ve had in-depth conversations and meetings with the uppermost gatekeepers and leaders of the music industry.” 2013’a winner, Canadian country-crooner Wes Mack, isn’t doing too badly either, judging by his website. Unsigned Only’s site helpfully provides a sampling of the other winners too, so all you hopefuls can see what you’re up against. Talents come from as far as Ireland, Malaysia and Melbourne!

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2013’s Unsigned Only comp took in over 9,000 applicants for the various prizes. With this year’s extended deadline, they’ll probably double that number — but don’t be daunted. If you’ve got the chops, trust in Robert Smith and co. to make the right decision. Read up on the rules, get your demo together and get ready to make music history!

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