The annual awards are designed to accelerate the international careers of upcoming European acts through a training program, networking events and live touring in leading showcase festivals around Europe.

27 artists and bands from 9 European countries from Central and Southeastern Europe (Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia) will be selected for the 1st phase of HMA 2023, while 9 finalists will pass to the 2nd phase of the Awards getting the opportunity for personalized support by international music industry experts, together with promo support and live touring among 10 leading festival and Showcase Conferences of the region:

ATHENS MUSIC WEEK (GR) | BUSH (HU) | EXIT FESTIVAL (RS)| MASTERING THE MUSIC BUSINESS (RO)| MENT LJUBLJANA (SI) | PIN MUSIC CONFERENCE (MK) |  | RECONNECT (CZ) | TAK BRZM MIASTO (PL)| TALLINN MUSIC WEEK (EE) | WIANKI FESTIVAL (PL)

The winner will be selected according to the evaluation activities and number of bookings achieved in the second phase of HMA and on top of training programme and networking activities will be honored with a total prize value of € 5,000 to cover content and promotional costs as well as all expenses for a gig in a major European Music Festival!

All nominees at each phase as well as the award winner are selected by an independent international Jury of 27 members including Industry experts, festival organisers, promoters, export offices, venue managers and music journalists from the 9 countries participating in the Awards.

Applicants must be solo artists or bands over 18 years old, living in one of the HEMI countries. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday the 8th of January 2023 at 23.59 CET. Competition is open to any music genre and admission is free. 

Learn more about the process here.

All it takes is to fill in the application form here.