Update: The deadline to enter has been extended to the 11th of April, 2012.

Unsigned Only is a new international music competition for artists and performers who are currently not signed to a major label record company.

This new contest for unsigned artists is brought to you by by the same team that organized the prestigious ISC - International Songwriting Competition.

The aim of Unsigned Only is to discover talented and outstanding performers: be it a band or a solo, raw or polished, newcomer or experienced veteran. Unsigned Only is looking for that hidden "gem" that needs to be heard by the world.

Unsigned Only, much like many talent search contests offers great prizes, recognition, exposure, and the chance to be heard by a group of professional judges consisting of high-profile recording artists and industry professionals. However they take it a step further by giving the Grand Prize winner a direct and personal contact with influential record label executives. This means that the Grand Prize winner is to be mentored by big name industry players and executives. Joining the contests gives you a once-in-a-lifetime chance to directly network with the who's who of record company professionals and get valuable advice, guidance, feedback, and networking opportunities.

The high profile mentors include: Pete Ganbarg (Executive Vice President/Head of A&R, Atlantic Records); Monte Lipman (President of Universal Republic); David Wolter (Senior VP of A&R, RCA Records); Trevor Jerideau (VP of A&R, J Records); Kim Stephens (President, Forward Entertainment and A&R/Capitol Music Group); David Wilkes (VP of A&R, eOne Music); Jason Geter (President, Grand Hustle Records); Pete Giberga (Head of A&R, Razor & Tie Records); and more.

The current list of judges include: Cyndi Lauper; Craig Morgan; Kelly Clarkson; Robert Smith (The Cure); Jeremy Camp; Manchester Orchestra; Steve Lillywhite (Producer); Matt and Kim;St. Vincent; Josh Jackson (Co-Founder and Editor-In-Chief, Paste Magazine); 3 Doors Down; The Mountain Goats; Scott Lapatine (Founder/Editor-In-Chief, Stereogum); and more to be announced.

Contestants are to be judged according to vocals, performance, originality, songwriting and overall likeability. The Grand Prize winner will receive $5000 in cash plus additional prizes. First place and second place winners will be selected per category. Winners are to be announced on July of 2012.

Categories:

• AAA (Adult Album Alternative)
• AC (Adult Contemporary)
• Christian
• Country
• Folk/Singer-Songwriter
• R&B/Hip-Hop
• Rock
• Pop/Top 40
• Vocal Performance

Only the Vocal Performance category will allow cover songs, all the other categories require original music to be submitted.

For more information on how to join and other details, head over to UnsignedOnly.com.

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