The competition gives five winning DJs and artists the opportunity to host their own guest show on Polaroid Radio along with their winning mixtapes broadcast on NTS Radio.
NTS Radio and Polaroid Music have announced a new global radio competition aimed at music fans, selectors, and artists aged 16-25. Just launched, applicants are encouraged to submit a 60-minute mixtape inspired by one of the five themes on the Polaroid Radio airwaves: Heatwave, Polychrome, Royal Pine, Iris and Itchy Teeth. Each theme is focused on different sounds and moods. Itchy Teeth, for instance, focuses on off-kilter, alternative strains of pop, rap, punk and more, while Heatwave locks into sounds like reggaeton, latin pop and dancehall.
One winner will be selected for each Polaroid Radio station theme. These winners will have their submitted mixtapes broadcast on NTS, and have the opportunity to host their own guest show on Polaroid Radio. Each of the five winners will also receive an NTS merch package and the choice of a Polaroid P2 or P3 Speaker, plus a Polaroid Now+ camera.
This competition marks the latest phase of an ongoing collaboration between NTS and Polaroid Music, for a new radio series called Kaleidoscope. Billed as a series that moves through various genres and eras on film and also on air, each episode shines a light on vital moments in music history that were also captured on Polaroid cameras. The first episode aired on 30 June and featured music from the likes of Diana Ross, Donna Summer and more as part of a Queens of Studio 54 special. Elsewhere, the series has featured a conversations with archivist Sam Knee and photographer Hajar Benjida.
Speaking on the link-up, NTS Radio CEO Sean McAuliffe said: “Over the decades, Polaroid documented and inspired some of the most iconic names and legendary moments in music and culture. As Polaroid diversifies into speakers and radio, we’re excited to help them tell the brand’s history in music to a new generation. Our Kaleidoscope radio partnership is just the start, so watch this space.”
While Nikhil Shah, Director of Digital and Music at Polaroid, added: “We’re excited to partner with NTS Radio for two reasons: the NTS experience is uniquely integrated into Polaroid Music, and we both share deep roots in creative culture. We’re excited to share stories of Polaroid’s history and connection to music. And together we’re creating a space to celebrate young, talented tastemakers on both NTS and Polaroid Radio.”
Submissions are open until 8 August (23:59 BST). Sign up for the competition and find more information about it and the Kaleidoscope radio series here.
