Live&Unsigned

Live and Unsigned is the largest national music competition for original artists. It's a National competition for unsigned bands, vocal groups and solo artists to perform live. Over 10, 000 artists enter every year, making it the biggest live music talent search for original bands and acts in the UK.



The competition's unique format allows break through acts to perform in their own genre and style, and the overall aim is to find potential recording artists. Live and Unsigned's uniqueness is derived from its passion for and dedication to live music. It not only endeavours to find talent, but gives opportunities and exposure to bands, groups and singers. As well as offering entrants the chance to perform live to capacity audiences at some of the best venues in the Country, there are also plenty of prizes on offer including festival slots, Tour dates, recording time, equipment, clothing, development master classes and much more. There’s also the opportunity to represent the UK in India and perform to a global audience in the annual Independence Rock Festival, the biggest festival in Asia! With its nationwide status, Live and Unsigned gives acts all over the UK the opportunity to compete to be the UK’s best.



All acts are auditioned live and those who make it through will battle it out in the Live shows to compete in the Live and Unsigned showcase Regional finals in front of Judges from National Radio, Kerrang, BBC Introducing and Regional Press - all in a bid to become the UK's best Live and Unsigned act.



Radio 1 DJ Legend Annie Nightingale

“This is great exposure – competing in a competition like this will get you recognised and winning it will attract great interest.”



Noddy Holder

“I am really looking forward to judging Live and Unsigned because I’m really interested to see a mixture of genres and it will give me a real insight into up and coming acts today”



Alex Baker, Kerrang Radio

“If you’re in a band and you’re looking for a way to expose yourself to more people in the industry, Live and Unsigned is a good opportunity to do that, because there aren’t that many avenues that have the same level of credibility.”



Malcolm McLaren with reference to Judging Live and Unsigned comments

"We live in a karaoke world of entertainment where there is an undeniable thirst to find the authentic. To find it is like looking for a ruby in a field of tin. It requires you to have not just intelligence and bundles of energy, but integrity. That's why I'm the judge!"



Ras Kwame, Radio 1 DJ and presenter

“It’s a great opportunity to expose yourself to the world. It does what it says on the tin. It’s Live and Unsigned and about new talent coming through.”