The contest’s winner will walk away with an artist package deal with UM valued at $250,000.
UnitedMasters is looking to add to their expansive roster and give independent artists a chance to join the software and service platform’s team. Billboard learned on Tuesday (Aug. 13) that UnitedMasters has launched the DEBUT+ subscription tier in the United States, which will equip emerging artists with UM’s resources and forward-thinking tools needed to properly elevate in the industry.
Priced at $19.99 annually, artists can access the UnitedMasters library through the new subscription tier and upload their music to all streaming platforms while retaining 100 percent of their royalties.
UM looks to capitalize on laying the foundation for artists signed to the distributor that have made quantum leaps to stardom in recent years like Anycia and BigXthaPlug.
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“Making it in music has never been more possible for independent artists, but it still requires the right partner. UnitedMasters presents the most compelling offering for independent artists in any genre at every stage of their careers,” UnitedMasters CEO Steve Stoute said in a statement.
He continued: “With DEBUT+ and the Make Your Debut Challenge, we’re welcoming the next wave of independent artists into our ecosystem and empowering them with the technology, education, and growth opportunities to launch sustainable careers on their own terms.”
The Make Your Debut Challenge mentioned by Stoute is set to be a contest for U.S.-based artists that will find them entering their tracks on UM. Ultimately, the grand prize winner will become a partner artist in the deal with UnitedMasters. It’s still unclear how a winner will ultimately be selected.
Valued at $250,000, the lucrative package includes A&R and marketing budget resources, a performing slot at SELECTCON in NYC, and access to a “full-service music team” that can form an “artist development” and personalized marketing action plan.
To enter the Make Your Debut Challenge, potential applicants must be in the United States and enrolled in either the DEBUT+ or SELECT plans as members. As for the track in the entry, it must have been released on UM’s platform after June 1, 2024.
Artists will also have to post the track to Instagram or TikTok with their sound and tag UnitedMasters with the hashtag #DebutContest included in the post before filling out the proper contest paperwork on the company’s website.
