09/02/2026
Unsigned Only Music Awards Announces 2026 Winners:
Brazilian Artist Artur Menezes Named Artist of the Year
Judges Include: Aimee Mann, Janiva Magness, Sanctus Real, Jill Scott, Robert Smith (The Cure), Haliene, Ruthie Foster, and more
Nashville, TN, September 1, 2026... The Unsigned Only Music Awards is proud to announce the winners of the 2026 competition, recognizing an extraordinary group of independent artists from around the world whose music stood out among thousands of entries.
This year’s top honor, Artist of the Year, has been awarded to Artur Menezes for “Once Again.” In addition, Unsigned Only has named winners across its diverse range of categories, celebrating outstanding talent in genres including Rock, Pop/Top 40, Country, Americana, R&B/Soul, Rap/Hip-Hop, Latin, EDM, Jazz, Blues, Folk/Singer-Songwriter, Global Music, and more.
Unlike traditional awards programs, Unsigned Only is specifically dedicated to independent and unsigned artists. Winners are selected by a panel of accomplished recording artists, music managers, booking agents, journalists, and other music-industry professionals with extensive experience in their respective fields. From emerging artists discovering their voices to established independent acts continuing to push creative boundaries, this year's winners reflect the diversity, originality, and ambition at the heart of today's independent music community.
Each winner receives a custom award designed by Society Awards, the company behind high-profile entertainment awards including the Emmy and Golden Globe awards. The Artist of the Year also receives a $20,000 cash prize.
Many past winners of Unsigned Only have gone on to sign major label deals, tour internationally, secure licensing placements, and build successful careers, including: GAYLE, Ingrid Andress, Jordan Adetunji, Gabby Barrett, Coco Jones, Tenille Arts, Faouzia, Jordan St. Cyr, Brett Young, and many more.
Artur Menezes, the Artist of The Year recipient, is a Brazilian-born, Los Angeles-based guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Known for his explosive guitar playing, soulful vocals, and distinctive ability to blend Blues and Rock, Menezes has built an international reputation. His career has taken him from the blues clubs of Chicago to major festivals and stages across the United States, Europe, and South America. He performed at Lollapalooza Brazil 2026 as the only blues rock artist in the lineup. He has shared stages with artists including Buddy Guy, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, and Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, among others.
Upon learning of his Unsigned Only win, Menezes said, "It’s hard to put into words what I’m feeling right now, but one thing I can say is this: besides the art itself, recognition is one of the best things an artist can have. Thank you so much!"
Menezes’ accomplishments already include the Blues Foundation’s Gibson/Albert King Award for Best Guitarist and appearances on the Experience Hendrix Tour and Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival. Guitar Player Magazine selected him one of the ‘Top Best 25 New Blues Artists’, while Joe Bonamassa singled him out as one of the most exciting modern blues guitarists “who shreds the blues and is not afraid to do that.”
“Artur Menezes is the kind of artist Unsigned Only was created to recognize,” said Candace Avery and Jim Morgan, founders of Unsigned Only. “His extraordinary musicianship, distinctive voice, and authenticity come through in every note – and his ability to make the guitar speak with such power and emotion is truly remarkable. You can hear the years of dedication in his playing, but you can also hear the joy, passion, and personality behind it.”
In addition to Menezes, there is a winner in each of the 24 categories. Hailing from all over the world they range from talented amateurs to seasoned performers. For a complete list of winners, go to: https://www.unsignedonly.com/winners.
The complete panel of judges includes:��Recording Artists: Aimee Mann; Sanctus Real; Robert Smith (The Cure); Jill Scott; Chris Culos (O.A.R.); Arty; Mark Chesnutt; Janiva Magness; Masa Takumi; Haliene; Ruthie Foster; I Am They; Webbie; Russ Landau; Lucy Kalantari
Industry Professionals: Anthony DeCurtis (Contributing Editor, Rolling Stone); Paul De Barros (Pop Music Editor/Jazz Writer, Seattle Times); Michael J. West (Reviews Editor, DownBeat); Damon Stewart (CEO, IGA Talent Mgmt & Consulting); Nikita Konkin (Artist Mgr); Cy White (Music Journalist); John Grantz (Owner/Buyer/Promoter, Media Events, Inc.); Tony Gervino (Exec. VP/ Editor-In-Chief, Tidal); Rusty Roberts (Sr. Acct. Mgr., Play MPE); Paul Riario (Tech Editor, Guitar World Magazine); Carys Anderson (Staff Writer, The Austin Chronicle); Melissa Pazornik (Artist Mktg Mgr., Amazon Music); Christopher Caruso (Contributor, DJ Life); Brinson Strickland (President, Collective Artist Management); Claire Green (President, Parents Choice Foundation); Leah Kahan (Sr. Dir. Music & Talent, Creative License); Kevin McNeese (President, NewReleaseToday); Art Tipaldi (Editor, Blues Music Magazine); John Dibiase (President, Jesus Freak Hideout); David Silbaugh (Talent Buyer, Summerfest); Angel Romero (Founder/Sr. Editor, World Music Central); James Kempner (Owner, JMK Connections); Jennifer Taunton (Music Supervisor, Level Two Music); Mark Garfield (Co-Director, Pop-Up Music UK Ltd.); Debra Delshad (Sr. Director, Synchronization and Licensing, Angry Mob Music)
Unsigned Only is sponsored by: Awkward Games, booking-agent.io; iProdigy; Pachyderm Recording Studio; PlaylistSupply; Play MPE; RadioPromo.io
For more information, go to www.unsignedonly.com.
