August 22nd and 23rd 2026 Montesilvanoon the Adriatic coast of Abruzzo, hosts the first edition of Montesilvano Next Gen Summer Festivala free contest dedicated to emerging artists and bands. I'm directing it Tom Beaver And Graziano Fabrizisupported by a jury of music industry professionals. For the winner of the main category there is an instrumentation prize worth 500 euros.
How we read the notices. When All Music Italia deals with a music contest, it reads the official regulations and summarizes the operational points: costs, requirements, required material, prizes and conditions. We do this so that those who participate can decide with complete information in hand, without having to search for it between the lines.
What is the Montesilvano Next Gen Summer Festival
The Montesilvano Next Gen Summer Festival it is in its first edition and will take place on 22 and 23 August 2026 in Montesilvano, in the province of Pescara. It is born, explain the artistic directors Tom Beaver And Graziano Fabriziwith the aim of offering a platform to emerging people at a time when “It's easier to release a song than to find a stage where you can actually play it”.
The festival is open to artists and bands of all nationalities and musical genres, divided into three categories:
- Kids (6-13 years), dedicated to young talents;
- Next Gen Unreleased (14-35 years), reserved for artists with original musical projects;
- Bandsfor formations composed of at least three members.
What to know before registering for the Montesilvano Next Gen Summer Festival
These are the operational points of the regulation, useful for those evaluating participation:
- Registration cost: Nobody. The regulation (Art. 2) specifies that “participation in the festival is totally free and does not include registration fees or secretarial costs”without any expense required from the artists.
- How to register: by filling out the online form on the official website, after selecting your category.
- Material to send (following the outcome of the application): a 1 minute and 30 second presentation video in high quality, professional photographs in high resolution, two original songs (where required) and a video made with a smartphone.
- What do you bring on stage (Next Gen category): two unreleased songs and two covers, with performances on both days. The maximum duration is 3 minutes per song.
- Backing tracks: they must be provided exclusively in high quality .wav format. The use of backing tracks with backing vocals is permitted, while the presence of the lead vocal track is prohibited; autotune is permitted only with prior agreement with the artistic direction.
- Rights: the regulation does not provide for any transfer of rights to the songs. Artists are only required to declare that the works presented are original and do not violate the rights of third parties.
The prizes of the Montesilvano Next Gen Summer Festival 2026
These are the recognitions provided for by the regulation (Art. 4):
- Next Gen Unreleased Category: a prize worth 500 euros intended for the purchase of musical instruments and equipment (the regulation indicates the Thomann retailer).
- Kids Category: a family stay at the Gardaland Resort, including overnight stay and entrance fees to the park.
- Special prizes: Best Unreleased Song, Best Cover and Best Performance.
In both cases these are prizes in kind: the value of 500 euros can be spent on equipment, not paid in cash.
The festival jury
The participants are evaluated by an official jury made up of industry professionals: David AquinasA&R Consultant of Warner Music Italy/WEA and former Head of ADA Music Italy; Fabio Falconelawyer specialized in copyright law, as well as musician and author, consultant to artists, producers and labels; Massimo Guidirecord producer, publisher, manager and vocal coach, who has collaborated with Warner Music, Sony Music, Universal Music and Sugar Music and followed artists from X Factor, Amici, The Voice, Italia's Got Talent, Sanremo Giovani.
Who should participate?
For cutting and prizes, the Montesilvano Next Gen Summer Festival is aimed above all at artists and bands in the first phase of their career who are looking for a live stage and a discussion with professionals, rather than an immediate financial return. The free participation lowers the entry barrier and the presence of a professional jury represents an opportunity to listen.
Before registering, there are three useful information to clarify with the organization: the registration deadline, any travel and accommodation costs for the two days, and the criteria with which the jury evaluates the material sent.
Official links and info
Montesilvano Next Gen Summer Festival: frequently asked questions
When does the Montesilvano Next Gen Summer Festival 2026 take place?
On 22 and 23 August 2026 in Montesilvano, in the province of Pescara, on the Adriatic coast of Abruzzo. It is the first edition.
How much does it cost to sign up?
Nothing. The regulation specifies that participation is totally free, with no registration fees or secretarial costs.
Who can participate?
Artists and bands of all nationalities and genres, divided into three categories: Kids (6-13 years), Next Gen Unpublished (14-35 years) and Band (minimum three members). Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the entire duration of the event.
What are the prizes?
For the Next Gen Unpublished category, a prize of 500 euros in musical instruments and equipment; for the Kids category, a family stay at the Gardaland Resort. The special prizes for Best Unpublished, Best Cover and Best Performance are also awarded.
Do you have to give up the rights to your songs?
No. The regulation does not provide for any transfer of rights: artists are only required to declare that the works are original.
How do you sign up?
Through the online form on the official website, selecting the category you belong to. The selection takes place through evaluation of the material sent.
