APPLY FOR ORIGINALS SHOWDOWN ’26 – CLICK HERE
ORIGINALS Showdown ’26 is a new live music event organised by the ‘Sussex & Surrey Soapbox’ podcast – created to discover, showcase and celebrate original, local musical talent from across the SUSY 103.4 area.
Throughout November and December 2026, short-listed bands/artists will take to the stage at a series of Thursday night heats – each week a different venue and broadcast LIVE on SUSY 103.4 — Four bands performing their own music in front of a live audience, our seasoned judging panel and listeners across the area.
And this isn’t just about finding a winner – It’s about giving local original music a platform and exposure.
What is ORIGINALS Showdown’26?
ORIGINALS Showdown’26 is a celebration of the musicians, bands and songwriters creating their own music locally.
We want to discover bands/artists/musicians we may not have heard before, introduce them to new audiences and give them an opportunity to perform as part of a live event.
A true Showdown over a series of live shows – we want it to be fun, with each heat at a different venue – audiences will discover new music, and our judging process will ultimately decide who progresses to the ORIGINALS Showdown ’26 Final.
Who can apply?
We’re looking for bands, duos and solo artists performing original music.
You don’t need to be signed. You don’t need thousands of followers. And you certainly don’t need to be filling arenas already.
We’re interested in the music, the performance and the potential.
Whether you’re an established local act or somebody beginning to take those first steps towards a bigger audience, we’d love to hear what you’ve created.
The important bit? This is ORIGINALS… Your own music needs to be at the heart of what you do.
The Dates:
ORIGINALS Showdown ’26 heats will take place on:
Thursday 12 November 2026
Thursday 19 November 2026
Thursday 26 November 2026
Thursday 3 December 2026
Followed by the ORIGINALS Showdown ’26 Grand Final on Thursday 17 December 2026
The Prizes, Venues and Judging Panel will be announced shortly – please join the ‘Sussex & Surrey Soapbox’ Facebook group for the very latest announcements.
How will artists be selected?
Applications will be reviewed by the judging panel and a shortlist created for the live shows.
We’ll be looking at areas including:
-Originality & Songwriting
-Performance
-Musicianship / Vocal Ability
-Potential
-Suitability for ORIGINALS
Above all, we’re looking for artists who make us want to turn the volume up and hear another track.
More Than One Night on a Stage
ORIGINALS isn’t intended to be another talent competition that disappears once somebody lifts a trophy.
It forms part of a wider commitment from Sussex & Surrey Soapbox and SUSY 103.4 to help discover and showcase local original music.
That means introducing artists to new audiences through live events, radio, podcast, video and social media — and hopefully discovering a few brilliant acts along the way.
Think You Should Be On That Stage?
Then we want to hear from you… Applications are now open for ORIGINALS Showdown ’26.
APPLY FOR ORIGINALS SHOWDOWN ’26 – CLICK HERE
ORIGINALS Showdown ’26
Discovering. Showcasing. Celebrating. Local Original Music.
Presented by Sussex & Surrey Soapbox with SUSY 103.4.