Photo Credits: MPMG

In 2026, Seoul’s indie music scene is gearing up for a fresh surge of new talent as MPMG WEEK launches its latest audition project, “New Wave in BLUE OCEAN.” The annual showcase, run by respected independent label collective MPMG MUSIC, is opening its doors to undiscovered artists who want to break into Korea’s thriving live and recording circuit. With its playful, bedroom-studio artwork and the promise of a “blue ocean” of new sounds, the audition is positioning itself as a gateway for musicians who feel ready to take their songs from small rooms to big stages.

This year’s BLUE OCEAN audition combines the convenience of a fully online first round with the energy of on-site, in-person finals. According to the official announcement, the online audition window runs from December 21, 2025 (Sunday) through January 20, 2026 (Wednesday). During this period, aspiring artists can apply from anywhere in the world, giving overseas musicians who dream of performing in Korea a realistic way to throw their hat in the ring. Successful candidates from the digital screening will then be invited to the offline rounds, scheduled for February 12–13, 2026 (Thursday–Friday), which will be held in Seoul under the umbrella of the wider MPMG WEEK festival.

Entry is designed to be simple and artist-friendly. Applicants begin by visiting the official MPMG WEEK platforms—either the website listed on the poster (mpmg.co.kr / mpmgmusic.com) or the link-in-bio on the MPMG WEEK Instagram account (@mpmgweek). There, artists can access a dedicated audition page or online form. After filling in basic profile details such as name, contact information, and artist or band name, applicants are typically asked to submit links to performance materials, such as a music video, a live session, or high-quality demo recordings. Most MPMG projects prefer easily accessible links via platforms like YouTube, SoundCloud, or other streaming services rather than file attachments, which makes it easier for the judging team to review hundreds of submissions efficiently.

The audition is open to solo acts, duos, and full bands across a wide mix of genres, reflecting MPMG’s own eclectic roster that spans indie rock, folk, electronic, and experimental pop. There is no strict age limit mentioned in the visual or the accompanying Instagram post, but as with many Korean music auditions, minors are usually required to obtain a guardian’s consent and may need to provide additional contact details for a parent or responsible adult. Applicants are encouraged to present at least one original song in their materials so that judges can fully understand their songwriting vision and long-term potential, rather than just their ability to cover existing hits.

To stand out, hopefuls are advised to showcase performances that feel authentic and well-produced, even if they are filmed in a bedroom or rehearsal room. Clean audio, stable video, and a clear sense of identity can make a crucial difference. A brief self-introduction in either Korean or English—sharing artistic influences, performance experience, and the story behind a song—can help judges connect more deeply with the act. Since the BLUE OCEAN theme emphasizes discovering “new wave” voices, artists with distinctive styles, fresh genre blends, or vivid storytelling are especially likely to capture attention during the screening process.

The benefits on offer go beyond a single performance slot. Selected acts can expect opportunities to appear on MPMG WEEK stages, meet industry professionals, and potentially explore deeper collaborations with labels under the MPMG umbrella. In past years, MPMG-related showcases have led to festival bookings, label interest, and media exposure for emerging musicians who previously only existed on small streaming playlists and underground gig lineups. By wrapping the audition inside a well-established week-long music event, the organizers ensure that new artists are introduced to both fans and professionals at the same time.

On-site finalists attending the February 2026 offline audition should be prepared for a more traditional showcase-style setting. Bands may be asked to perform one or two songs live, and vocal or solo acts might be evaluated on stage presence as much as vocal technique or instrumental skill. Participants should bring any necessary instruments other than standard backline equipment, arrive early for sound checks, and have a short set rehearsed so they can adapt to time limits. Comfortable clothing that fits their artist image, backups of instrumental tracks on USB or laptop if needed, and printed set lists are simple details that can make the offline round run more smoothly.

For international artists considering entry, the online-first format is particularly appealing. Even if traveling to Seoul for the final round might require additional planning, time off, or visa arrangements, the initial step—submitting an online audition—costs little more than time and creativity. Many Korean indie fans are increasingly open to multicultural and multilingual acts, and BLUE OCEAN’s branding suggests that the organizers are actively interested in fresh perspectives, not just familiar local sounds.

As with any audition, reading the fine print is essential. Applicants should double-check all rules on the official MPMG WEEK and MPMG MUSIC sites before submitting, including any restrictions on existing contracts with other labels or agencies, required consent for media use of audition footage, and deadlines for uploading materials. With the online application window closing on January 20, 2026, artists have a limited but manageable window to polish their recordings, refine their clips, and make sure they present their best possible selves when they click “submit.”

With its blend of playful visual identity and serious career-building potential, the “New Wave in BLUE OCEAN” MPMG MUSIC Audition is shaping up to be one of the more artist-centered opportunities on the Korean indie calendar. For musicians who have been waiting for the right moment to emerge from their bedroom studios—just like the character on the poster, perched on a bed with a guitar amid scattered amps and keyboards—this might be the year their sound finally finds its stage.

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