Unsigned Only Music Competition 2023 announces winner

As proud prize partners of Unsigned Only Music Competition 2023, Play MPE is thrilled to share big news!

Unsigned Only Unsigned Only Music Competition 2023 announces grand prize winner

The Nashville-based music competition received close to 6,000 entries from almost 100 countries around the world and recently selected Charlotte Sands as the grand prize winner for her upbeat, and hit-worthy single, “Dress.” Submissions were adjudicated by industry legends including Robert Smith (The Cure), Aimee Mann, Rodney Atkins, Hillsong Worship, Walk The Moon, Morgan Wade, Sanctus Real, and more! 

The winning song is “Dress” by Charlotte Sands

Sands’ winning song was written in response to the backlash after Harry Styles wore a dress on the cover of Vogue. Sands’ personal mission is to “create a safe space for people to feel accepted and celebrated for their weirdness and diversity”. Upon release “Dress” soon went viral, and has now racked up more than 45 million plays on Spotify. 

A star on the rise with an impressive trajectory

Raised on the pop-punk bands of the early 2000s and rooted in the storytelling of folk singer/songwriters, Sands has been dubbed an “unstoppable force” by Alternative Press. Sands’ trajectory has just kept rising. She has since charted on Billboard, released a slew of follow-up singles, and toured with Yungblud, all the while growing an impressive fanbase and remaining an indie artist! She tours the US and Europe this Fall. 

“Her music reflects the essence of what it means to be truly exceptional in the world of unsigned, indie artists. We are excited to see how she, as well as our other winners, will shape the future of the music industry.”

~ Candace Avery and Jim Morgan, Co-Founders of Unsigned Only 

Play MPE awards International Music Promotion Distribution

Play MPE will be awarding Charlotte with a comprehensive International Music Promotion Distribution Package, along with additional prizing from Unsigned Only which includes a $20,000 (US) cash prize and more! 

We are also pleased to award the Fandemonium winner with an International Bundle for a single release.  The winner was selected by popular vote which is separate from the winners selected by the official judging panel.

For more information about Unsigned Only and to learn about ALL of this year’s winners head here.

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