HYBE Corporation, the South Korean company behind the biggest music acts such as BTS, ENHYPEN, LE SSERAFIM, and more, is seeking the next generation of music producers through its global audition program, Next New Creator. Could it be you?
Four of their biggest labels – BIGHIT MUSIC (BTS, TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT), CORTIS), BELIFT LAB (ENHYPEN, ILLIT), PLEDIS Entertainment (SEVENTEEN, TWS), and YX LABELS, alongside HYBE JAPAN (&TEAM) – will be participating in the program.
The audition is open to aspiring pop music producers aged 18 and older worldwide. There are no restrictions on educational background or professional experience. Individual and team submissions (teams must have each team member submit their own application and indicate their team) are available on the Official Next New Creator site from July 14 at 10 am KST to August 12 at 2 pm KST (August 11 at 10 pm PST).
To apply, applicants must submit two to five demo tracks that showcase their “originality, individuality, and the potential to create globally competitive pop music.” Along with the demos, a list of credits for the demo must be included (composer, lyricist, arranger, guide, and source if sampling was used). Demo files cannot be submitted by mobile DAW. All entries will be evaluated based on creativity, distinctive color or music identity, and an understanding of global music trends. Use of A.I. is prohibited. HYBE has its own A.I. programs and software, so they can tell.
After initial screening and selection, applicants will undergo multiple evaluation stages before entering the main competition. Those selected through the final evaluation will receive 5 million KRW (~$3,300 USD, taxes may apply) for both the individual and the team, and the opportunity to work with one of the participating HYBE labels. There have been several international producers who have worked with many of HYBE’s groups, including OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder, Melanie Fontana, The Stereotypes, Jermaine Dupri, David Stewart, Diplo, Mike WiLL Made-It, Flume, Kevin Parker of Tame Impala, El Guincho, Tyler Spry, Andrew Watt, Cirkut, JVKE, Peter Chun, Softest Hard, BloodPop, J Lloyd & Lydia Kitto, Alex Bilowitz & Sir Noland, and more.
With the Next New Creator program, HYBE aims to discover new talent in the next generation while also expanding its global network. For more information on the program and to apply, click here.