Hard Rock Cafe Baltimore is putting the city’s musical talent on a global stage. The venue announced today that it is accepting entries for Hard Rock Rising, an international competition designed to launch the careers of emerging singers, bands, DJs and songwriters.
Grand prize and competition details
The winner will receive a recording session at the state‑of‑the‑art Coke Studio L.A. Live facility, complete with flights, accommodation and a $10,000 cash award. Additional perks include a performance slot at Hard Rock Orlando, a two‑night stay at the Hard Rock Hotel Orlando with passes to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, distribution of the artist’s music on all major streaming platforms, and a set of Marshall amplifiers and accessories.
Hard Rock Rising will run in 34 countries across 64 Hard Rock Cafes, including the Baltimore location near the Inner Harbor. Submissions close on August 18, so local musicians are urged to act quickly.
Local involvement and voting
“Hard Rock Rising gives us the opportunity to showcase the incredible musical talent right here in Baltimore,” said Katie Gupten, Sales & Marketing Manager at Hard Rock Cafe Baltimore. “This competition is a real opportunity for our local artists to get discovered on a global stage.”
After the submission deadline, Baltimore fans will vote online to move artists forward through four live rounds scheduled for September 2, 9, 16 and 23. Voters will score each act on musicianship, fan support, vocal talent, originality and stage presence. The global winner will be announced on October 5.
Partnerships behind the contest
Hard Rock International has partnered with Coca‑Cola to host the competition. Multi‑platinum, GRAMMY‑ and Juno‑nominated executive producer Rob Rettberg leads the Coke Studio team, which operates a professional recording studio in Los Angeles dedicated to helping the winning artist develop a sustainable career.
“This partnership taps into Hard Rock’s unparalleled reach and iconic stages while leveraging Coke Studio’s production expertise to transform talented musicians into the next generation of recording artists,” Rettberg said.
What this means for Baltimore’s music scene
The competition adds a high‑profile opportunity for local musicians to gain exposure beyond the city’s vibrant live‑music venues. With fan voting and a series of live rounds, the event also promises to draw audiences to the Inner Harbor area, supporting local businesses and reinforcing Baltimore’s reputation as a cultural hub.
Artists interested in entering can submit their work through the Hard Rock Rising website. For more information, visit the Hard Rock Cafe Baltimore page or follow the competition’s social‑media channels for updates on voting and live events.
Original reporting: Baltimore Fishbowl — read the source article.
