rules
HOW TO ENTER
Mail-in entries must include:
- A completed entry form (photocopy is acceptable) with original signature.
- The song(s) on CD or tape. If you want to submit an MP3, you may enter online. 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.
- Two copies of the lyric sheet for each entry (please include English translation, if applicable, and type or print legibly). Please include your email address on the lyric sheets. Do not send sheet music with your entry.
- Entry fee of $30 (US) per entry. When you enter multiple categories, the entry fee must correlate to the number of songs and categories. For example, if you enter one song in one category, the fee is $30. If you enter one song in two categories, the fee is $60. If you enter two songs in the same category (or in different categories), the fee is $60. If you enter three songs in different categories, the fee is $90, and so forth.
- Checks and money orders should be made payable to: Unsigned Only
- Payment from countries outside the US must be in the form of a bank check, money order, cash, or credit card. 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.
- Mail entries to:
Unsigned Only (please mark this clearly on your package)
1307 Eastland Avenue
Nashville, TN 37206 USA - Unsigned Only offers several platforms to enter online. The entry fee is the same for all entry methods. To enter online, please click here.
The final deadline is March 5, 2012. Entries must be posted/postmarked on or before March 5, and all online entries must be made by midnight EST (US) on March 5, 2012. Unsigned Only reserves the right to extend the deadline past March 5, 2012 and to increase the entry fee during the extended deadline period.
Categories include: AAA, Adult Contemporary (AC), Christian, Country, Folk/Singer-Songwriter, Pop/Top 40, R&B/Hip-Hop, Rock, and Vocal Performance*
*The Vocal Performance category is judged solely on the vocal performance. All genres of music are accepted in this category. Songs do not need to be original music in this category only.
All entries submitted (except in the Vocal Performance category) must be original songs and shall not infringe any copyrights or any other rights of any third parties. Entrant shall, by entering, indemnify and hold Unsigned Only harmless from and against any claims inconsistent with the foregoing.
Entrant retains all ownership rights to all submitted 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.
This Contest 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.
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 who are not signed to a major label record company and/or its affiliates or subsidiaries. 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, the signature of a parent or guardian is required.
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 extend the entry deadline with an increased entry fee.
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 judging committee consists of high-profile music industry professionals including record label executives, producers, and artists.
Winners will be announced in July, 2012. 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. Winners in all categories except the Vocal Performance category will be required to sign an affidavit confirming that winner's song is original and he/she holds rights to the song. Failure to sign and return the form within the required time period or provision of false information may result in disqualification and an alternate winner may be selected. Affidavits are subject to verification by Unsigned Only and its agents. Entry constitutes permission to use winner's name, likeness, and voice for future advertising and publicity purposes without additional compensation.
All prizes will be awarded to the first entrant as it appears on the entry form, and division of prizes among artists is the responsibility of winners.
There will be no transfer and substitution of prizes except as necessary due to availability in which case a prize of equal or greater value will be awarded. All winners agree to release Unsigned Only and sponsors from all liability regarding prizes won. All federal, state, and local taxes, and customs fees, when applicable, are the sole responsibility of winner. Unsigned Only will not pay any winners' taxes or custom's fees. 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.
© 2012 Unsigned Only, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of the contents of this website may be reproduced without written permission. Site design by Melodic Virtue.