19th January: Record Store Day are excited to announce the return of #RSDUnsigned – the competition that gives unsigned artists the ultimate prize of having their music pressed onto 500 vinyl records for free.
Pressing vinyl can be a daunting and expensive experience for many artists starting out. Record Store Day, Sound Performance and Gigwise want to help with that by kickstarting the career of a talented independent UK artist with this special prize.
Submissions to this year’s competition will be watched by a panel of expert judges who will go on to select a winner:
- Alex Rice –Sports Team
- Jessie Atkinson – Editor, Gigwise
- Steve Courtnell – Owner, Pie and Vinyl Record Store
- Chris Marksberry – Managing Director, Sound Performance
- Sister Cookie – Previous RSD Unsigned Winner
Alex Rice said: “New music is in an incredible place at the moment. I’m really grateful for everything Record Store Day do, and I can’t wait to be one of the first people to hear the artists that will ultimately replace me.”
Jessie Atkinson said: “I'm buzzing to have been asked to be a judge for RSD Unsigned. As Editor of Gigwise I get hundreds of tips for new musicians every week. I love to highlight them when I can, and having this opportunity feels like another excellent way of pushing fresh talent. Without initiatives like this, there would never be anything new and exciting to listen to; grateful we have them!”
The competition returns for a fourth year having been previously won by Sister Cookie, Barbudo and Heavy Rapids. The winners have gone onto to perform headline record store tours, secured slots at major festivals, secured press interviews in well-known music outlets as well as enjoying support on national radio stations such as BBC 6 Music.
(Left to right: Sister Cookie, Barbudo, Heavy Rapids)
Entering the competition is easy, as artists simply need to upload a one-minute video showcasing their music here.
The competition opens today and will close on the 21st March.
Please submit your entry via www.soundperformance.co.uk/submit
Record Store Day is set to return for its 15th year on Saturday 23rd April 2022. The event is the biggest record buying day on the calendar as thousands of independent record shops across the globe host parties and stock hundreds of limited-edition releases to celebrate.
ENDS