Humans vs AI — one week, one song, one stage.
A six-day songwriting competition where traditional artists go head-to-head with AI-assisted creators. Write, record, and release an original song — then let the crowd pick a winner. No AI required. No approval process. Solo artists, duos, and full bands all welcome.
The Short Version
Humans Track
- No AI tools required — use your own creative process
- Your instruments, your DAW, your workflow
- Solo, duo, band, or team of up to 10
- In Nashville in person, or Remote Open from anywhere ($10)
Hybrid Track
- Use AI tools, partner technology, and custom systems
- Artists + builders working together
- Show what's possible when humans embrace new tools
- In Nashville in person, or Remote Open from anywhere ($10)
Same deadline. Same judges. Same stage. The only difference is the tools.
THE COMPETITION
Humans
Traditional artists proving that craft and raw talent can stand toe-to-toe with AI.
Hybrid
Artists + builders using AI tools, partner tech, and custom systems to push what's possible.
Same stage. Fan-voted winner.
At the end of the week, the crowd votes on the music — not the method. See the partner stack.
The Week at a Glance
Six days. One song. Humans and Hybrid artists competing on the same clock.
Song-to-Stage Sprint
Teams form, write, build, record, and ship a release-ready song with their creative and technical crew.
Voting and Selection
Audience momentum matters. Fan response helps determine who rises out of each track and artist level.
Final Four Concert
Winning teams perform the song they built during the week and compete for top honors.
In-person finalists must be in Nashville by 9:00 AM on Saturday, March 28, 2026 for soundcheck and live championship performances. Remote Open participants compete via their submitted recording — no travel required.
Pick Your Side
The Humans track is for traditional artists using their own creative process — no AI required. The Hybrid track is for artists who want to use AI tools. Both compete on the same stage for the same prizes, judged on the same criteria: the music.
Creatives
The BandHumans and Hybrids
WHO
Artists, singer-songwriters, audio engineers, mastering engineers, musicians, and producers.
WHAT
Create a song, record it, stream it, and get fans to vote. In-person finalists perform live at the Final Four Concert. Remote Open participants compete with their submitted recording.
WHEN
March 23-28
WHERE
Remote and/or in-person
Humans
Create your song without using generative AI music tools or platforms.
Hybrids
Create your song any way you want, but screen-record your process if you use Suno. One-shot or dice-roll generated submissions are not eligible for the grand prize if they advance to the final four concert competition.
Hackers
The BuildersHumans and Hybrids
WHO
Music technologists, AI tinkerers, devs, coders, instrument and pedal creators, clothiers, seamstresses, tailors, and AV innovators who love TouchDesigner.
WHAT
Utilize our partner ecosystem, build from scratch, or bring your own tech and hardware to superpower the band's song-to-stage sprint.
WHEN
March 23-28
WHERE
Remote and/or in-person
Humans
Build or customize anything and everything you can without using generative AI.
Hybrids
Build or customize anything and everything you can to superpower the band's song-to-stage sprint.
Using Suno or AI music generators?
Hybrid track only. If your workflow includes Suno or any other generative AI music tool, you must screen-record your process as you work — not just the output. One-shot or dice-roll generated submissions (prompt it once, submit the result) are not eligible for the grand prize if you advance to the Final Four concert. Humans track participants may not use generative AI music tools.
Want details on partner technologies and what builders can tap into? Visit the Partners Showcase.
HUMANS
Build and create without generative AI. Traditional craft, custom tooling, and human-led execution.
HYBRIDS
Use AI, partner technologies, and custom systems as part of the team's workflow.
ARTIST LEVELS
Emerging or Established — pick the level that fits where you are in your career.
Who Should Join?
Solo artists, partial crews, and full-stack teams are all welcome — in Nashville or anywhere in the world.
Singer-Songwriters
Bring the hooks, lyrics, and point of view that the whole team can rally around.
Either LaneProducers and Engineers
Shape the record, own the sonics, and get the song across the finish line.
Either LaneInstrumentalists
Session players, multi-instrumentalists, and performers who bring the track to life.
Either LaneDevelopers and Technologists
Build software, automations, and systems that expand what the band can do.
Hybrid-FriendlyAV Innovators
TouchDesigner lovers and live-experience builders creating visuals and performance moments.
Hybrid-FriendlyStylists and Fabricators
Clothiers, seamstresses, and tailors who can outfit the band and extend the story.
Either LaneMusic Operators
Managers, marketers, and organizers who help the team stream, launch, and mobilize fans.
Either LaneSolo artists are welcome.
You don't need a full team to register. Solo artists and partial crews can sign up and we'll help connect you with collaborators during kickoff. Or compete solo — the Remote Open track is perfect for artists recording from home.
Prizes and Recognition
Winners take home serious hardware. All finalists gain industry exposure.
Hybrid Track Champion
Partner Technology Prize Bundle
Value: $2,000+
A curated package of partner technology perks and tools, including NVIDIA resources, valued at over $2,000.
Humans Track Champion
Santa Cruz Guitar
Value: ~$3,000+
A handcrafted Santa Cruz acoustic guitar with world-class craftsmanship. Awarded to the in-person overall champion.
All Finalists
Industry Recognition
Value: Priceless
Exposure to Nashville's music industry and a global partner network.
Intellectual Property
You own what you create. Here's how it works.
Your Team Owns Your Song
- Your team keeps 100% ownership of what you create during MCM
- FirstRule, sponsors, and partners do not take ownership of your IP
- You're free to release, license, or commercialize your track after the event
Using Sponsor Tools
- You still own your project code, recordings, and creative work
- Use of sponsor APIs/SDKs is subject to their license terms. View participating partners.
- Check relevant terms if you plan to commercialize after the event
Team Agreements
By joining a team, participants agree that team members can use and present the shared project. If your team plans to continue after MCM, we strongly recommend agreeing in writing on ownership splits, licensing, and future use.
How to Register
In-person in Nashville or fully remote — from $10.
In person · Nashville
- Full event access + competition entry
- "In The Mix" VIP social Friday evening
- Early expo access Saturday (11am vs 12pm)
- Priority communications
Groups of 10+: $30/person
In person · Nashville
- Full event access + competition entry
- Compete in your chosen track
- Workshop and mentor access
- No VIP social or early access
Flat rate - no group discounts
Fully remote · anywhere
- Compete from anywhere — submit a recording
- Humans or Hybrid — one combined remote track
- Partner perks + mentor access online
- In-person prizes (e.g. guitar) not eligible
No approval step. Your spot is confirmed the moment you pay.
Organized by
MCM is part of FirstRule's mission to position Nashville as a global hub for responsible AI in music.