As the music industry continues to embrace digital innovation, renowned producer Scott Storch has launched an independent music contest through Openwav, inviting aspiring artists worldwide to showcase their talents. The competition, announced as part of Storch’s 2025 partnership with the direct-to-fan music platform, asks participants to submit at least 16 bars over a Storch-produced beat through the Openwav mobile app.
Acclaimed hitmaker Scott Storch opens doors for indie talent globally through Openwav’s innovative digital contest platform.
The contest represents a significant shift in Storch’s approach to talent discovery, moving away from traditional record label structures toward a more democratized model. Artists who enter have the opportunity to win $3,000 in cash and, perhaps more valuable for career advancement, a featured spot on Storch’s upcoming record. This combination of immediate financial reward and high-profile exposure offers independent musicians a rare opportunity to break through industry barriers.
Openwav’s platform was specifically selected for its focus on indie artists and direct fan engagement capabilities. The platform enables artists to keep larger earnings without label interference, making it an ideal home for Storch’s independent music initiative. The digital-only submission process eliminates geographical limitations, allowing participants from around the globe to compete on equal footing. Unlike conventional talent searches, this contest requires no entry fees, emphasizing accessibility and opportunity for artists regardless of financial resources.
Judging criteria will focus primarily on creativity and performance quality, with Storch personally involved in selecting the winner. The contest structure deliberately bypasses traditional gatekeepers, giving talented individuals direct access to one of music’s most influential producers. The platform has already generated excitement with fans expressing engagement through multimedia and tagging friends to spread awareness. This approach reflects Storch’s recognition that independent artists increasingly find success outside conventional industry channels.
Beyond the immediate benefits to the winner, the contest aims to strengthen the broader indie music ecosystem by highlighting diverse voices and fostering community through Openwav’s interactive features. The initiative will also emphasize brand storytelling to help contestants connect with audiences on a deeper level. For Storch, the initiative represents both a strategic business decision and a commitment to nurturing emerging talent in an evolving musical landscape. This contest model aligns with emerging trends where independent artists can now establish diverse income streams through direct fan relationships rather than relying solely on traditional royalty systems.
As digital platforms continue reshaping how music is discovered and distributed, this collaboration between Storch and Openwav potentially offers a blueprint for future artist development models.
