FAQs
THE SIMPLE
VERSION.
Can I listen without an account?+
Yes. Listening and discovery are open. An account is required to save music, rate tracks and submit entries.
What can I submit?+
NEXT SOUND accepts eligible standalone Singles and LPs. A Single is one MP3 track. An LP is one coherent release of 8–16 distinct MP3 tracks.
Does the music have to use generative AI?+
No. The music must have used at least one AI tool in its creation or production, but generative AI is not required. AI-assisted composition, arrangement, sound design, vocals, recording, editing, mixing or mastering can qualify.
How many categories can I choose?+
One. Each Single or LP must enter exactly one of Pop, Electronic, Cinematic or Experimental. Every eligible Single also enters NEXT SOUND — Best Single, and every eligible LP also enters NEXT SOUND — Best LP.
What happens to the songs inside an LP?+
Every eligible track inside an LP automatically competes in the Single award for the LP's chosen genre, while the LP is also judged as a complete release.
How does the $10 LP Competition Pass work?+
One LP Competition Pass covers one LP submission containing 8–16 tracks. If you later want to enter another LP without Unlimited access, you can buy another $10 LP pass.
What is the $20 Unlimited Competition Pass?+
It allows additional genuine, distinct Singles and LPs from the same account during the 2026 edition. It does not permit duplicates, trivial alternate versions, automated submissions or flooding.
What audio format is accepted?+
MP3 only for the 2026 edition. The upload flow shows the applicable technical limits before submission.
How are public ratings used?+
Validated audience ratings contribute 20% of the final score and the professional jury contributes 80%. The audience component is adjusted for sample size and invalid activity rather than using a raw popularity count.
Can voting unlock another free Single Entry?+
Yes. One registered account can unlock one additional standalone Single Entry after completing 100 qualified ratings on 100 distinct eligible tracks during the 2026 edition, subject to the integrity rules.
Can I get another free Single Entry by sharing NEXT SOUND?+
Yes. One eligible public-share reward can unlock one additional standalone Single Entry for the 2026 edition, subject to review and the Competition Rules.
Can referrals unlock entries?+
Yes. A qualifying paid referral from a genuinely new participant can unlock one additional standalone Single Entry. Self-referrals, refunded payments and fraudulent referrals do not qualify.
Can I use more than one account?+
Not to obtain extra entries, duplicate ratings or other benefits. Using multiple accounts to circumvent competition limits is prohibited.
Can previously released music enter?+
Yes, if you still own or control the rights needed to enter the work and grant the limited Awards licence, and no label, publisher, collecting-society or other agreement prevents those uses.
Can covers, remixes or third-party material enter?+
Only if you have the permissions needed for the recording and all relevant music, lyrics, performances, samples, voices, images and artwork.
Do I keep the rights to my music?+
Yes. Your music stays yours. Submission grants NEXT SOUND a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free five-year licence to store and technically process the work, stream it on NEXT SOUND's own website and apps, display its submitted metadata and artwork, and use the work or reasonable excerpts to promote the NEXT SOUND Awards.
Does entering give NEXT SOUND commercial or Business licensing rights?+
No. The 2026 entry licence does not permit standalone sale or distribution, remixes or artistic adaptations, business-venue playback, an independent third-party licence or a commercial music catalogue. Any future commercial programme would require a new, separate acceptance for each work.
Can I cancel a paid pass?+
You may cancel a paid 2026 pass within 14 calendar days of purchase by emailing hello@NextSoundAwards.com from your account email. The full refund conditions are set out in the Competition Rules & Entry Terms.
When do entries close and when are winners announced?+
Entries close 1 December 2026 at 23:59 UTC. Audience ratings close 15 January 2027 at 23:59 UTC. Winners will be announced by 31 March 2027.
Will finalists need to verify their identity or process?+
Potential winners may be asked to verify age, identity, authority to enter the work, rights, the declared AI process and the details needed to pay and report a prize.
Where are the full conditions?+
The complete Competition Rules & Entry Terms are available on their own page and are linked before paid checkout and before each submission.