Discover Draft Class Season One, a global music opportunity from BeatStars, Boom.Records, and Voloco. With over 4,000 submissions and standout winners My Friend Shawn and akalibe, this contest became a worldwide celebration of independent talent.
What happens when BeatStars, Boom.Records, and Voloco join forces to find the next wave of global talent? You get Draft Class, a new kind of opportunity designed to give artists the recognition they deserve. With a community-first approach and Grammy-nominated producer Kato On The Track serving as lead judge and A&R, Season One brought in over 4,000 music videos and songs from artists across the world.
This wasn’t just a contest. It was a moment for artists to show who they are, and for the world to listen.
After 30 days of listening sessions, artist spotlights, and behind-the-scenes A&R content, the first-ever Draft Class winners were revealed on May 15:
Meet the Winners: My Friend Shawn and akalibe
My Friend Shawn | 📍 Florida [@urfriendshawn]
A smooth, melodic artist whose songwriting and delivery instantly stood out. His submission brought clarity, confidence, and real replay value.
akalibe | 📍 France
A genre-bending artist with haunting vocals and cinematic visuals. Her entry stopped the A&R team in their tracks and stayed stuck in our heads.
These two artists now represent the next wave of Draft Class talent. They were selected not just for their sound, but for their ability to connect through music and creative direction.
A Record Label Vibe with Global Reach
Draft Class felt less like a contest and more like an international talent search. Every step was transparent and content-rich, from the first call for submissions to the final reveal. The campaign featured:
- Kato Reacts: Short-form videos of Kato giving live feedback on submissions
- Submission Spotlights: Clips of standout entries, chosen by the A&R team
- Scout Room Sessions: Candid moments of the review process
- Discord Livestream – a live finalist reveal with Kato and the team answering questions, reacting in real time, and showing love to the entire community
- 4 Days of YouTube Lives – featuring live reviews, interviews, and top picks as they happened
Each week introduced new standouts, emotional arcs, and honest feedback. The message was clear. We see you. And we’re listening.
Relive the Journey: Listen to the Top 99 and Top 10
Want to hear what 4,000 submissions sound like at their best?
Explore the official Draft Class YouTube playlists:
Top 99 Entries: A wide-reaching look at the voices, genres, and energy that came through
Top 10 Finalists: The artists who made it to the final round and left a lasting impression
Whether you’re an artist, a fan, or just curious what’s next in music, these playlists are full of the next generation of hitmakers.
What’s Next: Producers, Get Ready
Draft Class is just getting started. Phase 2 is coming soon, and this time it’s all about producers. The challenge will be to create a beat that feels like it was made specifically for My Friend Shawn or Akalibe. Think about what they would want to record on. Think about how you can elevate their sound. Then make it real.
This is a rare opportunity to collaborate directly with breakout artists and show how your production skills can shape the next hit.
Why Draft Class Matters
In a time where independent artists are rewriting the rules, Draft Class offers a new path forward. It celebrates talent across borders, invites community engagement, and connects creators with tools and teams that can help them grow.
From the very first submission to the final reveal, Draft Class has proven that great music travels. And the next season could be your moment.
