We select material for Samizdat using a “peer review” system. When we receive your material we send out copies to two referees. They listen to the work and let us know whether they think it should be accepted, whether it should be rejected.

They can also recommend that a song is provisionally accepted. For example they may say that it is a good song but suggest the vocals should be re-mixed or that some percussion should be added.

About referees

Our referees are either:

Songwriters. Some have achieved commercial success, some not, but everyone we have approached has written some good songs.

Musicians. All styles are represented, some have made hit records, some play in local bands, all are into good songs.

Passionate punters. Every time you go round they want to play you this great track they heard. They don’t play background music.

The identities of the referees are confidential, and referees are not allowed to referee any music where they personally know the artist. If the two referees totally disagree, a third referee is asked to decide.