For the first time, the organisers of Record Store Day are launching “RSD Talent 2026”: they are looking for one outstanding newcomer band or solo artist from Germany, Austria or Switzerland (all genres). Deadline to apply is January 28, 2026.
Prize
- Vinyl pressing of your music + release on the official RSD 2026 list
- Optional in-store gig at Rough Trade (Berlin)
About Record Store Day (RSD)
Record Store Day (RSD) is the international day for independent record stores. In 2026, it takes place for the 19th time. Around 400 exclusive and limited releases from international artists (e.g. Talking Heads, Sam Fender, Billie Eilish, Charli XCX, The Cure) as well as major German-language acts (e.g. Bilderbuch, Die Fantastischen Vier) will be available for one day only in 240 participating record stores across Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
For the first time, the organisers are launching “RSD Talent 2026”: they are looking for one outstanding newcomer band or solo artist from Germany, Austria or Switzerland (all genres).
Key facts
- Participation is free of charge
- One song per artist/band
- Final vinyl release will contain 1–6 songs (depending on the winner’s availability)
- All genres welcome
Timeline
- Start: 10 December 2025
- Deadline: 28 January 2026
- Winner notification: by 3 February 2026 (latest)
- Delivery of premaster + cover artwork: by 15 February 2026
How to participate
Submit the following together with the completed entry form (page 4):
- Song (audio file) – MP3 or WAV
- Artist/band name
- Complete press kit / EPK (bio/info, photos, social links, etc.)
- Names, contact details and signatures of all members
- A social post of your choice: Why are you the next RSD Talent?
- Post/Reel, tag @recordstoredaygsa and use #rsdtalent
Submit via email to: info@recordstoredaygermany.de
Note: Please send all files via a file-sharing platform (Dropbox/Drive/WeTransfer/etc.).
Eligibility
Eligible participants:
- Individuals 18+ from Germany, Austria or Switzerland
- Bands/artists not signed to a label
- Artists who own all necessary rights to the submitted song
The submitted song (and all songs on the final product) must:
- Be written and produced entirely independently
- Be free of third-party rights
- Contain no samples without a full licence
- Not be AI-generated or AI-assisted
Not eligible:
- Employees of the organisers and their relatives
- Artists already signed to record companies or with comprehensive 360° contracts
- Songs that infringe on third-party rights
Prize details
- Vinyl pressing of 200 records (including 100 for the band’s own use)
- Includes: standard inner sleeve; printed 4c outer sleeve (front: band artwork, back: RSD branding); and GEMA exemption
- Release on the official Record Store Day 2026 list for Germany/Austria/Switzerland
- Shipping to an address within Germany/Austria/Switzerland
- Media presentation via Record Store Day GSA channels
- Option for an in-store gig at Rough Trade Berlin (date TBC)
Important:
- No alternative prizes
- Prize is non-transferable
- Winner must provide the vinyl premaster (audio master)
- Winner must provide printable/high-resolution cover artwork (front)
- Any travel expenses (e.g. studio/PR appointments) are covered by the winner
Jury & selection
The jury consists of music-industry professionals from: Marshall, Universal Music Germany, MINT Magazin, VISIONS Magazin, Rough Trade, Cruise Records, Record Store Day GSA.
All entries are reviewed by RSD GSA, then evaluated by the jury based on:
- Creativity
- Musical expression
- Songwriting
- Production
- Originality
- Feasibility on vinyl
Legal recourse is excluded.
Production
Vinyl production time follows the regular timelines of optimal media GmbH.
Don’t be shy, apply!