HOW TO ENTER

Online Entries:

Please enter online by clicking here. We accept mp3 or m4a files for songs. You also may provide a link to where your song is online, and Unsigned Only will access it there, so you will not need to even upload your song.

Mail-in entries must include:

1. A completed entry form (photocopy is acceptable) with an original signature.
2. The song(s) on CD or tape. If you are submitting multiple songs or one song in multiple categories, please put them all on one CD or tape, if possible. If entering a CD, submit the entry in a regular-sized CD case (not an ultra-thin case) and label the spine with entrant's name in black marker. Also, be certain that the entrant's name is marked directly on the CD, CDR, or tape. If entering a tape, label the spine of the case with entrant's name. Please include a track listing of the songs in the correct order.
3. A copy of the lyrics for each entry (please include English translation, if applicable, and type or print legibly). Please include your email address on the lyrics. Do not send sheet music with your entry.

Entry Fees:

Early Bird: 12/16/25 - $25

Regular: 3/3/26 - $30

Extended: 5/7/26 - $35

1. Checks and money orders should be made payable to Unsigned Only.
2. Payment from countries outside the US must be in the form of a bank check, money order, cash, or credit card in USD. Personal checks are not accepted from outside the U.S. If you want to make a bank transfer or pay with Western Union, please email info@unsignedonly.com for more information.
3. Mail entries to:

   Unsigned Only (please mark this clearly on your package)
   3940 Gallatin Pike
   Nashville, TN 37216 USA

Entrant retains all ownership rights to all original song(s). Unsigned Only will not have any ownership rights to any song(s) submitted.

Entrant agrees to release, indemnify, and hold Unsigned Only, its sponsors, and judges harmless for liability, damages, or claims for injury or loss to any person or property relating to, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, participation in Unsigned Only.

By entering Unsigned Only, entrant and/or their parents or legal guardian (if such entrant is a minor) agree to accept and be bound by the decisions of Unsigned Only and its judges which are final and binding in all matters. By entering Unsigned Only, entrant agrees to be bound by all terms of these official Unsigned Only Rules And Regulations as established herein. 

Unsigned Only is governed by the internal laws of the state of Tennessee without regard to principals of conflict of laws. All cases and claims pertaining to this competition must be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction in the City of Nashville, TN, without recourse to class action suits.

AI POLICY

Unsigned Only is is dedicated to discovering and recognizing real, unsigned artists and authentic musical performances. As artificial intelligence (AI) technology becomes more accessible in music creation, this policy establishes clear standards to preserve the integrity of the competition and ensure that all submissions reflect genuine human artistry and performance.

For the purposes of this policy, AI-generated content refers to any vocals and instrumentation created or performed by artificial intelligence technology rather than by a human artist.

The use of AI-generated or AI-generated vocals, instrumental performances, or live accompaniments is strictly prohibited. Entrants must personally perform all elements of their entry, including singing, playing instruments, and any live improvisation.

Use of AI tools for production support (e.g., mixing assistance, mastering, or sound design) and songwriting (melodies, chord progressions, lyrics, and arrangements) are acceptable, provided that all core musical performances — including lead vocals, background vocals, and instrumental tracks — are performed by humans.

Entrants must disclose any use of AI in the recording or production process at the time of submission. Disclosure should include:

• The name(s) of any AI platform(s) or software used; and
• A brief description of how the technology was utilized.

Songs that rely on AI-generated performances or vocals (including lead and background) in place of a human artist will be disqualified. Failure to disclose AI use, or misrepresentation of the extent of AI involvement, may also result in disqualification.

Unsigned Only reserves the right to verify the authenticity of any submission and may request supporting information or session materials to confirm compliance. Entries found to violate this policy will be disqualified at the discretion of Unsigned Only.

Unsigned Only will continue to monitor advancements in AI technology and may revise this policy as needed to uphold its commitment to celebrating genuine human artistry and performance.

If any provision of these Rules is found to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction or appointed arbitrator, such determination shall in no way affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision herein.

Unsigned Only is open to all artists worldwide who are not signed to a major label record company and/or its affiliates or subsidiaries (indie label artists are eligible). Unsigned Only is open to anyone regardless of nationality or origin. Employees of Unsigned Only, its families, subsidiaries and affiliates are not eligible. If entrant is under 18 years old as of the last day of the competition year, the signature of a parent or guardian is required or if by entering online, it is agreed that the parents or legal guardian legally allow the submission and are bound by all rules of the competition.

Entrant may submit as many songs as desired in each category. Entrant may also enter the same song in more than one category. It is entrant's responsibility to ensure that the submitted song(s) are complete and playable. All entry fees are non-refundable. Unsigned Only does not give feedback or a critique to entrants.

Entry materials (CDs, tapes, and videos) submitted will not be returned to the entrant. Unsigned Only is not responsible for late, lost, damaged, misdirected, postage due, stolen, incomplete, or misappropriated entries.

Unsigned Only reserves the right to change the category of the entry if the listening committee deems it in the best interest of the entrant/entry.

Unsigned Only reserves the right to extend the entry deadline with an increased entry fee. Unigned Only also reserves the right to offer special promotions during and after the entry deadline.

Entries are screened by an Unsigned Only listening committee who select a group of finalists. These finalists are sent to the judges who select the winners. The judges consists of high profile music industry professionals including celebrity artists and music journalists. 

All Unsigned Only finalists will be included in public voting via our website to determine the Fandemonium Winner. Any attempts to submit false 'bot' votes via fake emails in order to manipulate the numbers will result in the automatic disqualification of that finalist from winning the Fandemonium Award.

UO winners will be announced by the end of September, 2026.

Unsigned Only will post all results on its website and will notify entrants by email that results are posted. Entrant is responsible for providing up-to-date and correct email addresses to Unsigned Only. Unsigned Only is not responsible for entrant's non-receipt of any Unsigned Only emails for any reason, including but not limited to, server or email malfunctions. Unsigned Only will use its best efforts to announce the winners at the designated time but will not be held liable for any unforeseen delays. Winners will be notified by email or phone. Entry constitutes permission to use winner's name, likeness, and voice for future advertising and publicity purposes without additional compensation. 

One award will be given in each category and will be mailed to the contact provided on the entry form. If additional awards are desired, Unsigned Only will provide the contact information for the awards company, and it will be the responsibility of the winner to contact the awards company directly and purchase these awards. 

All winners agree to release Unsigned Only and sponsors from all liability regarding prizes won. If a company who is providing prizes closes its business and is no longer an active business, Unsigned Only is not responsible for the distribution of these stated prizes to the winner. If it is necessary to substitute a prize, Unsigned Only reserves the right to give the winner a cash substitute determined by the wholesale value of the prize. All federal, state, and local taxes, and customs fees, when applicable, are the sole responsibility of winner. Prizes will be sent out within a reasonable amount of time, and Unsigned Only will use its best efforts to send prizes out in a timely fashion. Prizes which are being sent to winners from Sponsors may take longer than prizes sent directly from Unsigned Only. If after 180 days of winners being announced, any winner has not received any portion of prizes, it is winner's responsibility to notify Unsigned Only in writing within 30 days, and by certified mail, as to which prizes are outstanding. If winner fails to notify Unsigned Only, Unsigned Only will no longer be responsible for delivery of prizes.