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Record Store Day Unsigned Returns for 2023!

August 15, 2023

Launching on August 15th August 2023, RSD Unsigned will invite emerging musicians to showcase their music by submitting a 2-minute sample of their original work to TikTok or YouTube using the #RSDUnsigned hashtag.

Music enthusiasts and aspiring artists, get ready to make some noise!


Record Store Day is delighted to announce the highly anticipated return of the RSD Unsigned competition, now in partnership with Breed Media, a KEY Production Group company. The nationwide contest is a unique opportunity for one exceptionally talented unsigned artist to have their music pressed onto 500 vinyl records pressed using ‘Bio-Vinyl’ (this uses a new more sustainable but acoustically identical vinyl compound). On top of that, the winner will be invited to a mastering session at the world-famous Abbey Road Studios, supported by RSD official partner Bowers and Wilkins, whose flagship 800 Series loudspeakers have been used as reference monitors in countless iconic recordings at the studios over the past 40 years. 


Launching on August 15th August 2023, RSD Unsigned will invite emerging musicians to showcase their music by submitting a 2-minute sample of their original work to TikTok or YouTube using the #RSDUnsigned hashtag. Then they will need to finalise the submission by following and completing the details here: https://www.breedmedia.co.uk/rsd-unsigned/ before 16th October – the process couldn’t be simpler!


A panel of music industry experts have also been assembled to judge the competition and listen to the music submitted, these include:

·       Dan Smith – Lead Singer, Bastille

·       Eva Davies – Artist and Label Manager, Come Play with Me

·       Karen Emanuel – CEO, Key Production Group

·       Martin Black – Record Store Owner, Spinning Discs

·       Nadia Khan – Women in CTRL Founder


"This collaboration between Record Store Day and Breed Media is a testament to our commitment to supporting independent artists and recognising the important role they play in their communities," said Alan Jordan of Reflex Records in Newcastle and the RSD Board. "RSD Unsigned aims to celebrate the diversity and innovation in new music and shine a light on the role record shops all around the country play in supporting new and breaking talent”


The winning artist will not only receive the prize of their music being pressed onto 500 Bio-Vinyl records, but they will also be given the chance to perform at KEY Production Group’s 33 1/3 birthday party in a legendary London venue in November. This performance will expose the winner to a unique audience of industry executives and music fans.


Karen Emanuel, CEO of KEY Production Group, said: “Since its inception in 1990, the Key Production Group has always championed independent artists. I’m delighted for Breed Media to be partnering with RSD to give an amazing opportunity to an unsigned act”

The RSD Unsigned competition has supported four previous winners including: Amy Fitz Doyley, Sister Cookie, Heavy Rapids and Barbudo. They have accrued success with mainstream radio play, UK-wide tours and festival appearances.


Aspiring artists are encouraged to act swiftly, as the RSD Unsigned competition will close on October 16th, 2023. For more information and to submit your entry, visit https://www.breedmedia.co.uk/rsd-unsigned/.


Stay tuned for updates and exciting announcements on Record Store Day and Breed Media's social media channels.

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