Issue N°01 — Entries Open
12 STREAMS
ISN'T A
CAREER.
$5 gets your track scored by real judges, a public spotlight, and a shot at a genuine paid magazine feature — no algorithm, no gatekeeper, just the work.
Secure checkout via Stripe · one song per entry · takes 90 seconds
Results published
Press Access
THE
FEATURE
FUND
Entrant No.
00147
Cycle
001 · Aug 2026
ON MERIT
This Cycle
0 artists entered
Profile photos appear here as entries roll in — one by one.
The Problem
You made something real.
Nobody's hearing it.
01
Streaming algorithms are built to reward artists who already have plays. Starting from zero, you're invisible by design.
02
"Playlist pitching" and "PR packages" are mostly pay-to-play with no real editorial behind them — you pay, nothing changes.
03
Real press requires connections most independent artists simply don't have yet. So the same names keep getting covered.
How It Works
Three steps. No shortcuts.
01
Submit
Pay $5, drop a link to your track, and pitch it in one sentence. Takes under two minutes.
02
Get judged
A panel scores every single entry on the same rubric — songwriting, production, originality, story. No random draw, no popularity contest.
03
Get seen
Every artist gets their scorecard and a public spotlight. The highest-scoring entry each cycle gets a real, paid magazine feature.
Every Entry Includes
Even if you don't win the feature, you don't leave empty-handed.
01
A real scorecard
Written feedback across four categories from an actual listener — not a bot, not a form letter.
02
A public spotlight
Your track added to that cycle's Spotlight Roll on our site and social channels — real discovery, not empty promises.
03
The Press Starter Guide
A short guide on how independent artists actually land coverage — the pitches, the outlets, the timing. Read it here.
04
Prize eligibility
Automatic entry into that cycle's judging for the Feature Fund grand prize.
This Cycle's Prize
One artist.
One real magazine feature.
The top-scoring entry gets a genuine, paid feature placement with an independent music publication — clearly disclosed as sponsored, exactly as advertising law requires, because we're not interested in pretending. You'll also get a written press piece and a promotional push across our channels.
The specific outlet is confirmed and posted before judging closes each cycle, once the placement is locked in — we don't advertise a name we haven't already secured.
See exact prize value & official rules →Grand Prize
Paid magazine feature
Est. retail value posted each cycle
Runners-Up (2)
Featured interview on our own platform + extended promo push
Cycle 001 — Founding Round
We're brand new. Here's exactly how we work.
No bought followers, no fake reviews, no "as seen on" logos we haven't earned yet. This is our first cycle — every score, every rule, and every dollar's purpose is public. Read the Official Rules before you enter; it spells out exactly how judging works, what the entry fee covers, and how the prize is funded.
Judging
Fixed rubric, published in the rules. Never random.
Refunds
Entry fee covers real work delivered — see the refund policy.
Run by
An independent operator, not a network or agency. [Add your name/bio here.]
Questions
Straight answers.
Is this a lottery or a scam?
No. This is a skill-based contest — every entry is scored against a published rubric by real judges. It is not a random drawing. Full mechanics are in the Official Rules.
What magazine will I be featured in?
A real, independent music publication, confirmed and posted before judging closes each cycle. It will always be a genuine, disclosed sponsored placement — we tell you exactly what you're getting, no surprises.
How exactly are winners picked?
A panel scores every entry 1–5 across four categories (songwriting, production, originality, story/brand) for a max of 20 points. Highest score wins. Ties are broken by a second judge's review — never by chance.
What if I don't win the grand prize?
You still get your written scorecard, your spot in the Spotlight Roll, and the Press Starter Guide. The $5 pays for that regardless of where you place.
Can I get a refund?
The entry fee is non-refundable — it covers judging, feedback, and the spotlight, all of which are delivered whether or not you win. We do refund duplicate charges or verified technical errors; contact us within 7 days.
How many times can I enter?
As many as you like — one $5 entry per song. Each song is judged and featured independently.
Do you take any rights to my music?
No. You keep 100% ownership. We only link to your track for the spotlight, and if you win, we'll use your name and a clip for promotion — standard for any press feature.
STOP WAITING
FOR THE ALGORITHM.
US & Canada · 18+ or age of majority · one song per entry