“I’m gonna hit the big time”
While artists Dualidy and Anna Katarina may not be household names YET, they’re pretty well known to people who follow Play MPE: They are the winners of our Caster Emerge Contest, which wrapped up in July. Back in November of 2024 we announced the Caster Emerge Incubator contest, highlighting unsigned artists across North America. Interested musicians signed up for a free Caster account and submitted at least one broadcast quality song. Play MPE then chose three artists each month for three months (plus one wildcard) to be featured to music industry tastemakers in radio, media, and more. They gave their feedback, and two winners were announced in July – one for America and one for Canada. Both are now receiving music promotion and distribution campaigns for the next year! Anna’s latest single just went out to radio across North America (via Play MPE of course). Make sure to follow her here.
“The best prize life has to offer is working hard”
Let’s face it – these days part of being a musician is the hustle. It’s literally in the job description. Along with making music, playing shows, sending out your songs, following the changes in every algorithm you can think of and curating your social channels, there are legitimate music contests you/your band can enter to try and further your music career. And while you might be rolling your eyes, there’s nothing cringe about industry people getting to hear your music. Think of it as another promotional tool for indie artists.
There are many contests for musicians if you look for them. Just to name a few: International Songwriting Competition, John Lennon Songwriting Contest, International Hans Gabor Belvedere Singing Competition, Unsigned Only Music Awards, Great American Song Contest and The American Songwriter Song Contest.
Play MPE is a proud partner of both American Songwriter and ISC. In fact, we are currently working with ISC on “Promote Your Music like the Pros. If you submit a song between September 3-10 , your track is automatically entered into both the main ISC competition and the special promotion with Play MPE which includes pretty sweet music promotion and radio tracking prizes for one winner and two runners-up. Additionally, you will be able to register for an upcoming panel this Fall with music industry experts who can give you direct advice on music promo, radio, the best practices for following up with curators, and more.
“You’ll never find a rainbow if you’re looking down”
While music prizes run the gamut from money to studio time to free music promotion, there are more reasons than just a prize to enter. One is exposure. Some music contests have very legitimate musicians and label executives judging them, and there’s nothing wrong with being on their radar. Another is that winning a contest is something that’s credible. You could let followers know you won via an email blast, social media post or adding it in your band bio. These contests also give you an opportunity to network. Some competitions may end up with finalists doing a performance and you’d meet the judges and the other performers. That camaraderie could come in handy when you help each other promote a release. And speaking of performances, you’re exposing your music to new people if your participation includes playing a few songs.
Most importantly, think about how good you’d feel seeing your music climb up the leaderboard of a contest recognizing talent, songwriting or musicianship. Go on – do a Google search for some. Try searching up keywords like: music, band, artist, song combined with contests, competitions, and offers.
Speaking of offers, Play MPE also partners with BandLab & ReverbNation for two rolling song contests annually! Members can submit their song for a chance to win music promotion and radio tracking prizes. Play MPE’s very own team selects the final winners from a Shortlist! There are so many opportunities to win out there. You just have to look. Pro tip: keep tabs on our blog for Play MPE prize partner news.