RECORD STORE DAY UNSIGNED RETURNS TO SUPPORT GRASSROOTS TALENT
The nationwide competition returns from Record Store Day UK & Breed Media to offer unsigned artists the chance to win their music pressed to vinyl
Thursday 8th October 2026: It's back! Record Store Day UK and Breed Media are thrilled to announce the return of RSD Unsigned - the competition offering one exceptional unsigned UK artist the chance to have their music ressed onto 500 vinyl records.
This incredible prize provides emerging artists with a unique opportunity to showcase their talent and take their musical careers to the next level by having their music pressed to vinyl for free, courtesy of Breed Media - a music manufacturing and vinyl pressing platform which specialises in supporting emerging artists. The vinyl will then be available from independent record shops across the UK, and the winning artist will also be able to sell copies directly to their fans.
In addition to having their music pressed on vinyl by Breed Media, this year's winner will also receive a pair of Bowers & Wilkins 607 S3 bookshelf speakers, courtesy of longstanding RSD UK partner, Bowers & Wilkins, and a Marantz Stereo 70s amplifier to support their ongoing music creation journey.
Submissions are open from today and will close on 24th November 2026.
Entry is simple; artists must upload their original music to YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram using the hashtag #RSDUnsigned, and then submit the link via the Breed Media submission page here. Submissions are encouraged from artists across all genres and backgrounds.
The competition will be judged by a panel of industry experts, including:
• BBC Radio 1’s Jess Iszatt
• Key Production Group’s Founder and CEO, Karen Emanuel
• Owner of Vinyl Countdown, Mark Fulton
The judging panel will come together to select this year's RSD Unsigned winner from entries submitted across the UK.
Jess Iszatt, BBC Radio 1 DJ said: “I have been championing new music and artists coming through the UK via BBC Introducing officially for ten years now! There is nothing better than sharing and shouting about incredible new finds and watching them go on to smash it in their careers - I remember having Olivia Dean in the studio in 2019 and watching her at one of her multiple sold out O2 gigs this year was nothing less than iconic (may have shed a tear!). It's a privilege to be asked to judge at RSD Unsigned 2026/27, and I cannot wait to hear what's coming through, and be a small part of the winner's journey. Roll on the music x”
Karen Emanuel, Founder and CEO, Key Production Group, said:
“As a passionate advocate for emerging talent, I am delighted to return to the Record Store Day Unsigned judging panel. This competition plays a vital role in launching the next generation of artists, and I wish all of this year's entrants the best of luck”
Mark Fulton, Owner, Vinyl Countdown said: “It is a pleasure to be asked to judge for this year’s RSD Unsigned Campaign, as a former musician I know how difficult it can be to get your music heard. New music is the lifeblood of this industry and will also become the
inspiration for future generations to come and is therefore incredibly important.”
Graham Worsfold, Head of Production at Breed Media, added: “Unsigned artists are the future of music, so Breed Media is pleased to be supporting this competition. Physical music, particularly vinyl, can be a valuable way for emerging artists to generate revenue, connect with fans, and build a lasting audience. Best of luck to everyone taking part!”
Record Store Day Unsigned has previously supported winners including Zo Lief, 4 The Brotherhood, Currls, Amy Fitz Doyley, Sister Cookie, Heavy Rapids, and Barbudo - who have gone on to enjoy radio play, UK-wide tours, and festival appearances.
Don't miss your chance - submit your music today and see if you could be this year's RSD Unsigned winner.
