NEXT SOUND Awards 2026 — Global AI Music Awards
NEXT SOUND Awards 2026 — Global AI Music Awards is a music competition organized by NEXT SOUND Awards. It is open to participants worldwide, and the current submission deadline is December 1, 2026, 23:59 (UTC). These details come from the organizer's official information, last checked on October 8, 2026.
Overview
NEXT SOUND Awards 2026 is a global AI music competition accepting AI-assisted Singles and LPs in Pop, Electronic, Cinematic and Experimental. The 2026 submission window runs 2026-10-01 00:00 UTC to 2026-12-01 23:59 UTC.
Ten awards of USD 1,000 gross each are advertised. Entrants must be at least 18 and possess rights to their audio; AI involvement must be genuine and disclosed. Entries grant the organizer a non-exclusive five-year hosting/streaming/promotional licence. The first eligible standalone Single is free; LPs and additional entries may require passes.
Who Can Enter?
Open to participants worldwide.
Eligibility details: Entrants must be age 18+ and legally able to enter and receive prizes where they live. One account per entrant. An authorised group representative may submit with the other contributors' consent. Works must have necessary recording, musical and promotional rights.
- Participant types
- Artist
- Entries
- Individual and team entries
- Entry fee
- First eligible standalone Single is free. LP Competition Pass USD 10 covers one 8–16-track LP; Unlimited Competition Pass USD 20 enables additional genuine Singles/LPs. Taxes may be added; passes non-renewing. Organizer offers other conditions for earning free Singles. Verify terms at payment. Free first eligible Single; paid LP/additional entries
Categories and Tracks
Listed under AI Music & Audio. Competition format: Music Competition.
Prize and Benefits
USD 10,000 Prize pool as published by the organizer, in its original currency.
The organizer lists: Ten category awards of USD 1,000 gross each: Pop/Electronic/Cinematic/Experimental Singles; equivalent LP awards; NEXT SOUND Best Single and Best LP. Winners to be announced by 2027-03-31. Entries may win a genre and overall award. Fees are not a condition of winning.
Important Dates
- Submissions open
- October 1, 2026
- Submission deadline
- December 1, 2026, 23:59 (UTC)
Entries close at 23:59 in the organizer's stated timezone (UTC). Convert it to your own time before you plan the submission.
AI Tool and Model Rules
At least one AI tool must materially contribute to musical creation or production (e.g. composition, arrangement, vocals, mixing, mastering); AI solely for administration/artwork/metadata is not enough. AI-tool use and contribution must be disclosed.
Review the official rules for the complete submission terms.
Submission Requirements
Submit an MP3 (minimum 128 kbps on public form), select exactly one of Pop/Electronic/Cinematic/Experimental, identify AI tools used and role, and accept the official rules. Singles comprise one track; LPs contain 8–16 distinct MP3 tracks; first standalone Single eligible for free entry. Account required.
Source Verification
Verified via official source
We last verified this listing against the organizer's official page on October 8, 2026.
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