To hear more about the nominees download Radio 1's Best of Unsigned podcast

Rachel Laven - Can't Concentrate (USA)

Rachel is a 14-year-old singer/songwriter from Texas, US. She attends The Northeast School for the Arts, majoring in musical theatre. Rachel performs regularly with her family band, The Lavens.

Listen to Rachel Laven


NiC - Take A Look Into My Eyes (Malawi)

Nick Giannakis wrote this track to describe the trials and tribulations he goes through trying to excel in the music industry in Malawi. The song touches on issues like drugs, loyalty and peer pressure.

Listen to NiC


Serpantin - Phantom Chase (Russia)

Serpantin are Sergo, Pankrat and Tina, three 17-year-olds from Yakutsk in Russia. "Stop chasing phantoms" is Serpatin's message through this song. "Have the courage to face the world as it is."


Listen to Serpantin


Silva - I Like (Armenia)

Silva is 17-years-old and from Armenia. The track was composed by Silva's sister Mane and produced by Edgar, her brother.

Listen to Silva


The Skagz - Whitwell (UK)

Whitwell is about Skagz's singer getting attacked by yobs in a village near where they live. Dave from Skagz says "Like all Skagz songs, it's about real life experiences, it's honest and it's real."

Warning: this song contains strong language

Listen to The Skagz


Rotschwein - Fly Away (Mexico)

Rotschwein, means red pig in German. "It makes fun of how the word 'pig' is used to describe the lowest qualities of humans" say the band, "and actually, physiologically humans and pigs are very alike."

Listen to Rotschwein


MLK and the Dreamers - Great Man (USA)

Made up of six musicians from three different local schools, MLK and the Dreamers were drawn together by their love of music. The band like to describe their sound as "original, playful, and energetic."

 Listen to MLK and the Dreamers


Stefan Abingdon - My Dunks (UK)

My Dunks is an observation of the fashions and trends of teenagers today. Stefan says "It's my protest against fashion victims, which blatently includes myself!"

Warning: this song contains strong language

Listen to Stefan Abingdon


Sweet Cherry Fury - Cold Blonde Body (Brazil)

Sweet Cherry Fury are a six piece girl band from Brazil who share a passion for rock and roll.

Listen to Sweet Cherry Fury


Thomas Barrett - Forever And Ever Again (USA)

Thomas Barrett is 16-years-old and lives in Orange County, California, United States. The track, Forever and Ever Again, was recorded by Thomas on his home computer.

Listen to Thomas Barrett

Some of these tracks have been recorded by participants using their home computers. Therefore, the audio may vary in quality.