2024 International

Winners List

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pamithe anatomy of plantsthis is a collection of recent songs, reflecting a period of my life where I have been thinking a lot about nature, technology, history and the future; held together by alternate tunings and the beautiful collaboration and recording engineering of Jake NicollSingleFolk, Singer-SongwriterCaféSt. John'sNewfoundland and LabradorCanadaLINK
GUCCI eggFEBRUARYA beat tape built for the February cold. Kick back and relax someEPHip-HopCaféLethbridgeCanadaLINK
ChallengedFish out of waterRock and comedy. Don't fall off the boat.EPRock, ComedyLoungeSouth BurlingtonUSALINK
JRNLDemo 3I had planned to make 29 unconnected songs for this year's RPM but seasonal depression got me in the ass so I took the best few demos I had recorded on my phone and finished them in a single day.EPGuitar, PunkBasement Dive BarSt JohnsNewfoundland and LabradorCanadaLINK
Mariya BoykoEcho in the Cyber Sky HallImagine a large building made of concrete and glass. It towers over the rest of the buildings. And it is completely empty inside.AlbumExperimental, AmbientCaféOakvilleOntarioCanadaLINK
fencepostCaesuraBoxed SetExperimental, Field RecordingAlternative ClubBlack FenUKLINK
Ali Kilpatricksky machineAlbumGuitar, ExperimentalArt GalleryUKLINK
EFSPACMRPM Challenge 2024we have an online platform where we send and share music release it once a month around certain topics ,this time rpm was the topic we work to create a alternative music scene around underground genres.AlbumElectronic, NoiseBasement Dive BarantwerpenBelgiumLINK
acousticRPM 2024Did the 10 song album. Seems at least somewhat better quality than past years. Used basic GarageBand.AlbumSinger-SongwriterCaféNorthfieldNew HampshireUnited States of AmericaLINK
Global Sleep CrisisEye in the SkyGuitar, feedback, static. I sing. The sky is the only one who knows.SingleExperimental, DarkArt GallerySt. John'sNewfoundland and LabradorCanadaLINK
Beyond the LimesSunset of a MindsetInstead of the guitar-driven Power Pop I usually go for, these songs were written on keys and, as a theme, is a reflection on the passage of time.EPIndie, Singer-SongwriterLoungeBrooklynNew YorkUSALINK
MieremetCleansing #3I started this cleannoise act 3 years ago, because I hated the aesthetics of gorenoise, provoking to rpovoke, so I counter with cleannoise and now every february I make a new albumEPNoise, ExperimentalBasement Dive BarGroningenNetherlandsLINK
Breaking LightAbstract ObliqueAn EP of ambient live looped guitar noises focusing on using the guitar pedal tools Ibanez DE7 Echo and Delay Line 6 DL4. MKIIEPAmbient, GuitarArt GalleryFort WorthTexasUSALINK
Citric AstridSlices of LifeTwelve songs serendipitously depicting a cross section of human lifeAlbumIndie, RockCaféNorth HavenConnecticutUSALINK
Mike KayWaimarieWaimarie (te reo Māori for 'fortunate' or 'lucky') was created as a response to moving back to Aotearoa New Zealand after several years away. It tells a tale of journey and joy. Instrumentation was largely Eurorack synthesisers, with a bit of Synthstrom Deluge in there as well.EPExperimental, ElectronicAfterhours ClubŌtepoti DunedinNew ZealandLINK
Travis HatcherFever DreamIt’s been 12 years since I’ve been able to complete the challenge. Between life, moving, jobs, family, and disaster – there always seemed to be “something” getting in my way. In 2023 I was determined and I set out and wrote some tunes and got ready to move and I got a good start on everything, but I didn’t make the mark and I put the files away. This year I got out of my head, and I wrote some new songs and borrowed a few from last year that I thought were worth recording anew. So here we are. Even this year I had so many more ideas but they wouldn’t fit in the deadline, but who knows, maybe I’ll have something else in the near future too …. This was a lot of fun, and most importantly, it got me back to turning the dials again and feeling a little more confident. I’m hoping this is just the start! I hope you enjoy my “Fever Dream”EPIndie, Singer-SongwriterBasement Dive BarDartmouthNova ScotiaCanadaLINK
Javi VinagreGolden Apple, Golden Wormfirst record of that lenght, a instrumental blend of Indie, Psychodelia and ElectronicaAlbumIndie, ExperimentalAlternative ClubGuadalajaraMexicoLINK
Jon GillespieRemainderI made a variety of instrumentals in several different styles. It was made with some care, but also made quickly. It's special to me as I feel it has some good ideas expressed well, and I was able to complete it despite being really pressed for time.EPSoundtrack, ElectronicArt GalleryWest WhittierCaliforniaUSALINK
Smooth Around The BendDreamstealerI did it on purposeSingleAmbient, DarkArt GalleryMiamiFloridaUSALINK
Chris AndersonGoodbye EdenGoodbye Eden is the third consecutive RPM Challenge offering to draw from a well of 283 songs that were written between June & September 2021. After completing last year's The Catalyst, plans were immediately drawn up for a follow-up, drawn from that same well of songs. A tracklist was devised, artwork was created and printed, and a demo sequence was burned to disc. But then I never got around to making it. And so this album stared me down, month after month, as other projects came and went, but really it was just waiting for the RPM Challenge to get me to finally lay it down (which happened to coincide with recovery from major shoulder surgery, so this is also the sound of me regaining my chops). While of course there are bits that could be refined, it's the urgency that the RPM demands that prevents me from overthinking, resulting in a cool, unique presentation, ever single time. This is my 18th consecutive RPM Challenge and, even though I record all the time, this is still my favorite part of the year and I love that this is still a thing.AlbumSinger-Songwriter, RockBasement Dive BarAlexandriaVirginiaUSALINK
Malcolm Worthyi don't have any ideaI tried to keep things simple. All songs are around 3 minutes or less and it's mostly just guitars and vocals. Loose theme is on the nature of reality, but mostly just 10 stripped back pop songs.AlbumIndie, Singer-SongwriterLoungeBallaratAustraliaLINK
WilsunIt's My LifeAbout going against other people's expectations of you. Created out of slight desperation to have something submitted for the 2024 RPM Challenge, even if it's only one song. Written very quickly with only three chords and questionably cliched lyrics. Oh well...SingleSinger-Songwriter, IndieCaféCranfordNew JerseyUSALINK
SUCCULENT SUCCUBUSThus Spoke SpinozaThis album, recorded for the 2024 RPM challenge, delves into the philosophical musings of Baruch Spinoza (1632-1677) through a combination of serialism composition techniques, drone music and field-recording. What started as an EP quickly evolved into a 10-track album, promising an immersive experience that encourages introspection and contemplation, undoubtedly leading the listener to delve deeper into their own thoughts and explore the concept of the one substance.AlbumExperimental, AmbientArt GalleryMontrealQuebecCanadaLINK
DJ GhiaInert MassesMade an EP of really minimal, chill, electronic music. Created with GarageBand and an Akai MPK miniEPElectronicLoungeRochesterNew HampshireUSALINK
Commander SunsetMy PronounsThank you for listening!AlbumElectronic, CountryBarPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSALINK
Anton SamfordThe Eternal IllusionIt's my best album ever, obviously.AlbumRock, GuitarBasement Dive BarDecaturGeorgiaUSALINK
Ben's Ekman SpiralSingularitéI tried to input electro music into mine, so it was the first time I played with virtual instruments and it was really funAlbumExperimental, ElectronicBarSt John'sNewfoundland and LabradorCanadaLINK
NightzSonarRosed DragonsTrap, drill, its pretty good for garagebandSingleHip-HopAlternative ClubTigardUSALINK
LAKE IRREGARDLESSRPMC2024 by LAKE IRREGARDLESSThe way AI influenced Valentines this yearAlbumNoise, AmbientAfterhours ClubOhioUSALINK
ABSTRXNAccidental Hypervelocity: Volume I100% of all sales/streaming/merch proceeds will be donated to Brave Space Alliance, a black-led, trans-led LGBTQ+ center on the south side of Chicago: bravespacealliance.org This album is a short exploration into deep space: The traveller, now in physical form drifts endlessly alone through the deepest reaches of the known universe. Could there be another like them?AlbumSynth, AmbientLoungeChicagoIllinoisUSALINK
Brogan WhiteConstant State of ParanoiaMy new EP "Constant State of Paranoia" consists of 5 of the most personally and emotionally driven songs I've written thus far. It deals with all of my emotional problems in the last however many months with a stripped down sound of just me singing over an acoustic guitar. It may not be for everyone but I really hope at least a few people find enjoyment with it as all of the lyrics mean so much to me.EPSinger-Songwriter, IndieCaféNashuaConnecticutUSALINK
VuxieMoonCrowUpwards RainI was happy and productive one day uwuSingleAmbient, ElectronicAlternative ClubCopenhagenDenmarkLINK
Joe Spuds RiekertBarely BreathingJust started and kept going till it was done.EPRock, SynthAlternative ClubMilfordConnecticutUSALINK
Coyote SenateA Silver ThreadAn album about the return journey from deep space, and how that changes the voyager. Comprised mostly of ambient and electronic tracks, there are also two hard-rock/metal pieces that act as tentpoles. I changed up my recording approach this year and the result is much more fluid and surreal.AlbumMetal, AmbientBasement Dive BarChicagoIllinoisUSALINK
Dimitris Tsironis⋅ Paraphrase ⋅⋅ Invalid Beats ⋅​⋅​⋅ Blink of an EyeEverything conceived, recorded, produced, filmed & released on Monday the 26th of February 2024, Fthiotida, Greece.SingleElectronic, ExperimentalBasement Dive BarThessalonikiGreeceLINK
The Velvet Tomato ExperimentPapermanA tribute to one of our oldest and closest friends. Recorded at our respective home studios in Pittsburgh and Scranton, PA. This one was a long time in the works and prompted by said friend saying we never wrote a song about them. Well, now we have! Long live print media!SinglePunk, PopAlternative ClubPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSALINK
JC FarnhamGame Over Try AgainAs someone who tends to be a little experimental with their music, I just wanted to cut loose and write some short, simple, sometimes-silly-sometimes-not songs. Didn't want to think to hard about production, and I'm actually quite proud of how it turned out! Fun record to makeAlbumPunk, IndieBasement Dive BarChesterUKLINK
GrogbitSerf & TurfSynthwave Surf RockSingleSynth, RockAlternative ClubParadiseNewfoundland and LabradorCanadaLINK
Paste The SkyDeath of a MysteryIt's an exercise in songwriting. Something I'm always working on. There's a bit of homespun production but I mostly stripped it back. Some songwriting influences who shine through on this one are Andrew Fagan, Martin Newell and Patti Smith.EPSinger-Songwriter, IndieBasement Dive BarAucklandNew ZealandLINK
the cosmic lightmusic to pump iron towanted to do something silly. This album was almost called "i have no butt & i must fart". so please don't steal that. But do enjoy the breezy winter spontaneous jams. love you bubs, be good to yourselvesEPRetro, ElectronicAlternative ClubSt. John'sNewfoundland and LabradorCanadaLINK
SchmexBreak a LegA fun ditty about an amorous vaudeville magician. A little bit of jug band influence here.SingleRetro, TraditionalLoungeLouisvilleKentuckyUSALINK
lokey, that strange bass layercongressionrecorded live in one take, this record was improvised from first principles on a recombinant performance engine.AlbumJazz, ElectronicLoungeCalgaryAlbertaCanadaLINK
Marcella DeVelisSome Things I Hatesome stuff i hate. pushed it out. it exists. trans rights- uh yeah. back rooms idk.EPIndie, AmbientCaféSalemMassachusettsUSALINK
w0aINTHAQThis project took about 2 months to make and was made with the intent to try a whole bunch of styles and show off my versatility as an artistAlbumHip-HopLoungeSaint JohnNew BrunswickCanadaLINK
T.Z1WilloughbyI made most of these tracks in Garageband, using the loops and fx I found to be most interesting. I also used Groovepad and Bandlab, sounds from Freesound.org to add some new sounds to my music library. Thanks for listening!AlbumElectronic, SynthAfterhours ClubRockaway ClownshipRockawayUSALINK
Pleasant DitchWordA collection of songs playing with guitars and electronica.AlbumElectronic, GuitarCaféEvantonUKLINK
Estudio ChispaRPM2024Ham-handed demos of latest compositions...EPSinger-SongwriterCaféLa Paz, BCSMexicoLINK
LärmschutzBäycuntExperimental noise based upon melodies written for a Balkanproject from which I was rejected.AlbumExperimental, NoiseAlternative ClubUtrechtNetherlandsLINK
phog masheeenIn Plain SightI chose to use themes from Pre-code Hollywood movies. Jail Breaks, The Depression, Hoboing, Panhandling. There are other songs that came up along the way. "Lost Another Filter" came up in conversation, So I used it. Thank you to The Folks that put on the RPM Challenge. I will continue with the song a month program.EPIndie, ExperimentalBasement Dive BarJoshua TreeCaliforniaUSALINK
ShaundarFeat and FortitudeAs per usual I book a week of holidays to so I could take 5 or 6 days to write and record. It is always just myself for some solitude. No peace and quiet however hahaAlbumSinger-Songwriter, RockBarTorbayNewfoundland and LabradorCanadaLINK
Bennett RabiegaSomewhere Southeast of HereIt is a tribute to 2 of my favorite artists: Jimmy Buffett and The Beach Boys.AlbumSinger-Songwriter, RetroBarYorkPennsylvaniaUSALINK
UnthankRough Play MachinesI wanted to do something out of the ordinary for me. I typically program everything carefully in my DAW and construct songs piece by piece. For this challenge I decided to record mostly on my Tascam 4 track tape machine, committing the drums, bass and either synths or guitars or both to tape, then mixing down to the DAW to finish. This meant the sounds are not tweakable and are rough due to the degradation of tape, and that everything had to be played in and was essentially uneditable. Through necessity I've had to be happy with some mistakes persisting through the process into the finished songs because there was no way to fix them without redoing the whole track. I'm really pleased with how it's turned out, it felt freeing letting go of a lot of my typical perfectionism and revisionism and also writing music simple enough I could play the whole song in one take.SingleElectronic, SynthCaféGlasgowUKLINK
eassaePeachI wrote, recorded, sound designed all from init, and mastered everything your hear here.SingleExperimental, ElectronicConcert HallBrooklynNew YorkUSALINK
TwentiethSentryRocket-Propelled Musicits retro, its vgmAlbumElectronicAlternative ClubSt John'sNewfoundland and LabradorCanadaLINK
thetworegswesta collection of track written and recorded over two weeks in FebruaryAlbumBluesBarSheffieldUKLINK
Port-Aux-PoutinesLe RossignolLe Rossignol draws inspiration from the French-Canadian traditional music repertoire. It is a dreamy and groovy song about an adventure with a nightingale found by the seaside. We created this song with the help of Persio Dominguez on congas, Nulibeth Ortiz on the cello, and Frédéric Blouin on vocals.SingleTraditional, FolkLoungeSt. John'sNewfoundland and LabradorCanadaLINK
Doctor Coffee20 Songs 20 DaysI recorded one song per day for 20 days. They were all mixed by Feb 21st and uploaded to Bandcamp for some friends to hear. The plan is to create a polished album from the best of these tracks.AlbumRock, SynthAlternative ClubBarrieOntarioCanadaLINK
KR SewardKemistreeAggregation of droney noise, noisey drones.AlbumElectronic, NoiseBasement Dive BarSomersetMassachusettsUSALINK
Dave RichardsonSnow MoonAlbumSinger-Songwriter, FolkCaféWindsorVermontUSALINK
King FawnCement + SandCement + Sand is a collection of three tracks produced solely by King Fawn. The writing and recording process was meant to be an exercise in exploring recording and songwriting techniques.AlbumAmbient, ElectronicAlternative ClubPeterboroughOntarioCanadaLINK
EB Reid and MC HunterXylophonic 5 (or Maybe 6. We​’​ve Lost Count)Spoken word, made together.EPExperimental, Spoken WordAlternative ClubSt. John'sNewfoundland and LabradorCanadaLINK
BleepeaterEvilutions10 audio pieces recorded in a variety of locations with Koala Sampler opened in AUM and manipulated with various effects the titles hold a slight reference to The original recordingAlbumField Recording, ExperimentalArt GalleryDinas PowysUKLINK
Melancholic ZombieHeadless HaleySingleRock, MetalAlternative ClubRuins of TurkuFinlandLINK
Guy Capecelatro IIIIllustrious Mind ReadersIt was a collaboration with Ted Ehlers and made in 5 days.Boxed SetIndie, Singer-SongwriterAlternative ClubKitteryMaineUSALINK
dadiiSongs About Men...I'm super into synthwave and 80s sounding music, but I started out wanting to make a country album. All things considered, it came out much better than I thought it would - still lots of room to improve, though. It's not as retro sounding as I would have liked! The first song is a little jokey, but I tried my best to channel my inner Bree Sharp as best I could.SingleSynth, PunkAlternative ClubGreenvilleNorth CarolinaUSALINK
Justin MathewsGame Theory for Non-GamersNo cohesive idea throughout the EP, but I was told it sounded like video game quest music.EPElectronic, ExperimentalArt GalleryWaterlooOntarioCanadaLINK
Olive AstronautRecipe for Disaster VIICollege Rockesque Album. Reminiscent of the 90's. We just wanted to put something fun together, had a great time doing it!AlbumRock, IndieBarRochesterNew HampshireUSALINK
THE DEVIL WOOD PROJECTA Walk In the Forest of EdenThis was my first attempt at making ambient music, I think it went ok. I lost all of my motivation in the middle of the month but I found some time to get this done. I experimented with different sounds on my synth until I found things I thought sounded good, and this is the result! I hope everyone enjoys it.SingleAmbientAlternative ClubSt. John'sNewfoundland and LabradorCanadaLINK
MechaniCrashSilent VenusExternal pressures forced this record to be completed in only 14 days. The time pressures helped yield a more inspired result. It’s a satisfying mixture of funk, Hip-Hop, Trip-Hop and soundtrack music. I’m proud of the result.AlbumIndie, SoundtrackLoungeLos AngelesCaliforniaUSALINK
Abi AiSun Shined and Then RainedI made 'Sun Shined and Then Rained' in Ableton after singing the phrase around my apartment. The growing voices in the song remind me of how I felt after a breakup. It's special to me because I enjoyed layering the harmonies.SingleSynth, Singer-SongwriterAlternative ClubTorontoOntarioCanadaLINK
tinkerHandymanJust a single. It resonates as I've always identified as a DIY/Handyman, so just took the concept a bit further. All done within a couple of weeks inbetween work etc.SingleSinger-Songwriter, FolkCaféRangioraNew ZealandLINK
Unidentified Anomalous PhenomenaUnidentified Anomalous PhenomenaIt's not supernatural...it's natural. It's not paranormal...it's NORMAL. Featuring guest appearances by Rod Serling, Leonard Nimoy and Carl Sagan Featuring Barney and Betty Hill, Charles Hickson and Calvin Parker, and Orson WellesAlbumExperimental, ElectronicAlternative ClubSeattleWashingtonUSALINK
Chai MacaPerché diventi pallida?Shoegaze song in italian. Synth, several guitar layers, vocals, and no drums. A swirling, swooning pit filled with dark flowers...SingleSinger-Songwriter, ExperimentalAlternative ClubMontpellierFranceLINK
pink smog◦ ✶ ✺ kissburn ✺ ✶ ◦Feral neurodivergent lo-fi DIY electropunk bedroom weirdness.EPPunk, ElectronicAlternative ClubSt. John'sNewfoundland and LabradorCanadaLINK
Steve HoskinsMine EPA small collection of pop songsEPSinger-Songwriter, PopLoungeMobileNewfoundland and LabradorCanadaLINK
WreckAsketchC.S.L. and the UnwaveringThis short album was my opportunity to start moving away from all machine played parts and transition into performing all parts by hand. Whether it be a live instrument or a MIDI instrument, this was me in my initial transition phase moving away from a step sequencer playing my rhythms for me.SingleExperimental, ElectronicCaféManchesterNew HampshireUSALINK
Nate MonoxideNEONEONI originally set out to record some new electro/rock/rap songs, but got sidetracked with Synthesizer V software. In the end I ended up with a punk/metal album and added synths to it instead. The whole album was done by February 10th.AlbumPunk, ElectronicAlternative ClubWhitehavenUKLINK
EephusExpose Yourself To ArtIt took three sessions, two under employed gigolos, and some general frustrations with life.Boxed SetMetal, JazzCaféExeterNew HampshireUSALINK
Distinct Kicking MotionEscape PlansI promised "35 minutes of sludge" and it turned into a concept album about isolation and escapism.AlbumMetal, DarkBasement Dive BarRochesterNew YorkUSALINK
GoldparalaxWhere No One Dares To TreadThis is an electronic track that really came together in a short amount of time. Started with some basic melodies and made most of the music before any of the lyrics. The lead synth sound was the last thing I settled on, and feel proud how this came out.SingleElectronic, SynthAfterhours ClubGlen CoveNew YorkUSALINK
JCBurnt SiennaGoing for moody/dark vibe. Produced 100% with AKAI MPK MK2 keyboard controller and Ableton Live 11SingleElectronic, DarkAlternative ClubSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSALINK
Jarrett OsbornMorning StarThis record ended up being mostly about staying on target and remembering what is truly important. Music can balance out so many of the undesirable things we encounter every day.AlbumIndieAlternative ClubSalemNew HampshireUSALINK
Vanishing PointVanishing PointTrip to Cisco Utah in ChallengerAlbumGuitar, RockLoungeLebanonNew HampshireUSALINK
JimBaumerMEFebruary Is a Tough Month (for Love)This was my most diverse release I've put out. I have my usual indie rock, but also some other genres, which was fun to do.EPRock, IndieAlternative ClubLynchburgVermontUSALINK
Peter MenziesI Hate Cell PhonesLong story but I'm joining the push back to misinformation and hate on lineSingleField RecordingBarDawson CityYukonCanadaLINK
juncmoduleIn MotionAlbumElectronicCaféErwinTennesseeUSALINK
particledotsThe arc of fruitless intensificationI made 1 album, 1 EP and 1 single - each one is called "The arc of fruitless intensification" because they all derive from the same sessionsAlbumAmbient, GuitarArt GalleryPhoenixArizonaUSALINK
Stone Age CultTrue Lovethe best i could do in a few sessionsSingleIndieArt GalleryGreenwoodIndianaUSALINK
David ThorleyWe Are Working On Rewinding Your MovieSometimes, when you’re quietly working on an album of avant garde, atmospheric nurdling, Jazz sneaks up behind you, pulls a bag over your head and manhandles you into the back of a van. You fight back of course, but Jazz is strong. Jazz is mean. Jazz takes no quarter. You start to gabble. Maybe you can talk yourself out of trouble. How about a compromise? One album, two sides. It’s the most you can hope for in the circumstances. And inevitably, Jazz takes the A Side.AlbumJazz, IndieBarLondonUKLINK
Black Dragon Fighting SocietyBDFS1A DnB record put together partly from my previous E.P. and tracks I've been thinking about over the last yearAlbumAmbient, ElectronicAfterhours ClubBristolUKLINK
CANCEL FACESelected Akai-based Works 20-24This album, produced entirely on an Akai MPC One, is a finalization of work begun in the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tracks 6 and 7 feature my long-time friend and collaborator Mike O'Rielly on guitar. Track 5 features The Boneless Observer -- I still have a lot to learn about mixing vocals! All other sounds are created from samples and virtual instruments. Thanks for listening.AlbumElectronic, PopAlternative ClubTorbayNewfoundland and LabradorCanadaLINK
AMUCCreatio Ex Tenebris NihilI was trying to world-build with sound this month. In the winter, my voice gets dry and raspy, but it seemed to fit the mood of the tracks.AlbumElectronic, ExperimentalCaféWorcesterMassachusettsUSALINK
AuOHCBT 1 - "the humbler"Interplanetary World Music, made with the Cherry Audio CR-78 plus other effects using the Studio One DAW.AlbumExperimental, ElectronicAlternative ClubWinnipegManitobaCanadaLINK
FilterdriveSodium VaporStreetlight, crystalised.SingleAmbient, ElectronicAfterhours ClubBrayIrelandLINK