Record Store Day UK and Breed Media are bringing back RSD Unsigned, giving one unsigned UK artist the chance to have 500 copies of their music pressed on vinyl for free.
For independent artists, releasing music on vinyl isn’t always financially possible, so the competition offers a brilliant opportunity to get their music into physical record shops without having to cover the manufacturing costs themselves.
The winning artist will have their records produced by Breed Media, with copies made available through independent record shops across the UK. They’ll also be able to sell the vinyl directly to fans, giving them another way to support their music.
And there’s a little something extra included in this year’s prize.
Alongside the 500 records, the winner will receive a pair of Bowers & Wilkins 607 S3 bookshelf speakers and a Marantz Stereo 70s amplifier.
Entries are open now, with artists from all genres and backgrounds encouraged to take part.
To enter, artists simply need to upload an original piece of music to YouTube, TikTok or Instagram using the hashtag #RSDUnsigned, then submit the link through the Breed Media website.
A judging panel featuring BBC Radio 1’s Jess Iszatt, Key Production Group founder Karen Emanuel and Vinyl Countdown owner Mark Fulton will choose this year’s winner.
Jess, who has spent the last decade championing emerging musicians through BBC Introducing, is particularly looking forward to hearing the entries.
“There is nothing better than sharing and shouting about incredible new finds and watching them go on to smash it in their careers,” she says.
She also recalled welcoming Olivia Dean into the studio back in 2019 and recently seeing her perform at The O2, describing the experience of watching that progression as something quite special.
For Breed Media, the competition is also about helping independent musicians find more ways to make their work sustainable.
“Physical music, particularly vinyl, can be a valuable way for emerging artists to generate revenue, connect with fans, and build a lasting audience,” explains Graham Worsfold, Head of Production at Breed Media.
Previous RSD Unsigned winners include Zo Lief, 4 The Brotherhood, Currls, Amy Fitz Doyley, Sister Cookie, Heavy Rapids and Barbudo, with artists going on to receive radio support, perform at festivals and tour across the UK.
Entries close on 24 November 2026, so there’s still time to get involved.
Whether you’re making music in your bedroom, recording with a band or already playing gigs around the country, RSD Unsigned is open to unsigned artists across the UK.
You can find more information and submit your entry through the Breed Media website.
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