Industry news & advice blog

This month sees the launch of a new talent competition which is set to provide an alternative to the mainstream TV competitions such as X Factor and The Voice. The idea behind the Salute project is to create an accessible and fair opportunity for a diverse range of songwriters and music producers to showcase their talents, tapping into the DIY generation of music. 

Backed by music industry legend and ex-frontman of The Undertones, Feargal Sharkey, Salute will fuse social media and TV, working with some of the world’s leading brands and platforms, including Facebook, Vice Media and Unilad.

Artists, bands & producers can upload their music which will be listened to and rated by the SALUTE team, plus a number of respected curators, to narrow down to the top 100 tracks. After this, a public vote will choose the final 6 who will each receive £10,000 and take part in the Salute Finals TV show. Each and every entry will get paid when their songs are listened to on the Salute platform. With a different theme each week, the contestants will be required to create original material to perform, and will battle it out for the ‘Salute Music Maker’ title and a prize of £40,000, taking their total winnings to £50,000 – the biggest of any talent show worldwide.

Feargal Sharkey commented: "British music can justifiably claim to conquer the world but that incredible success is built upon one thing, talent. In an age of television static and bewildering musical consumer choice, it is now more important than ever that we give the right, focused support and opportunity to the next generation of great British talent. Salute is set to make that happen."

The competition is now open for access to all entrants. The listening phase commences on 19th June, ending in July when the top 100 will be announced and the music will be showcased via the Salute platform. Live shows are set to begin in September with a winner being crowned this October. Register your info with Salute now to take part. Entries are £20, check the competition rules here to ensure you can apply.