Read below to understand the full rules and regulations for Music Prize 2026. It includes details that may answer some of your burning questions about what’s required to compete and what Prize Foundation commits to on our end.
If you have questions, contact Gregory Kallenberg: gregory@prize.foundation.
To compete, you must register as a Music Act – there is no fee for registration. The registration form will collect information about the act, the performers. You may register and upload your Audition Video to the Musician Portal anytime between Wednesday, December 17, 2025 and Tuesday, July 7th, 2026 at 11:59pm Central Time.
Music Acts must submit a 10 to 20 minute performance video of the band or act playing live (original music only) for Prize Foundation for consideration. The video file — which must be uploaded by Tuesday, July 7th, 2026 at 11:59pm Central Time — should be no higher resolution than 1920x1080p and no larger than 2GB. All framerates are accepted. The video should include NO OVERLAYS, WATERMARKS, OR LOGOS.
At least two members of the Music Act must be in Shreveport, Louisiana AND attend both days of MPCon on October 16-17, 2026 starting at 10:00 a.m. Central Time. Attendance at MPCon is required to compete. Each Music Act will receive two tickets to MPCon as a part of their acceptance into the Finals. Additional tickets will be available to more band members as space allows. Managers, agents, and professional affiliates of the Music Act may attend and solo acts must have an additional person (manager, collaborator, etc.).
MPCon (Music Prize Conference) is a one day, intimate and powerful music conference that allows bands and acts to connect with our Music Prize Mentor Judges. 50% of the vote for the Music Prize winners comes from a participation score. It’s also an unprecedented opportunity to connect with music industry professionals. Past Music Prize Mentor Judges have included Russell Ziecker (Lionsgate Film and TV Music), Rel Carter (A&R ROC Nation), Celeste Dubro (Creative Control, Sync Licensing), Maggie Gaus (Universal Music).
The Music Act is willing and able to play in Shreveport, Louisiana on either October 16th or 17th, 2026. Which night you perform is determined by lottery after the Finalists are announced. Musicians must be present for both nights.
Prize Winners will be determined by Music Prize Mentor Judge vote during the Music Prize Finals and will be announced after the final performance. $10,000 will be awarded to the Grand Prize Winner; $2,000 to the Second Place Winner; $1,000 to the Third Place Winner. An Audience Award winner of $1,000 will be determined by an audience vote at the Music Prize Finals.
Finalist Music Acts will be announced the week of August 3, 2026. Selected Music Acts will advance to the Music Prize Finals to play live during Prize Fest 2026. All finalists will receive: a payment of $1,000 to perform and VIP Passes for each of the performing members of the Music Act. Acts originating more than one (1) hour’s drive from Shreveport, Louisiana will be eligible for a travel stipend. Payments for your performance, reimbursements, and winnings will all be paid at the Music Prize Awards Ceremony on Saturday, October 17, 2026.
If you have specific questions about the competition, rules, or requirements, please email Chris Lyon at chris@prize.foundation.