LA Music Prize Kicks Off Tonight

From the same wonderful people that brought you LA Film Prize, comes LA Music Prize, which kicks off tonight (Sunday, March 8th) at Bear's on Fairfield in Shreveport.

This year, at least one band will win at least $2500 and a recording session at Blade Studios. But their is much more on the line than that. LA Music Prize is also now affiliated with the Grammy's. And there is ample opportunity for exposure with show's at the Red River Revel as well as opportunities to hob-knob and learn from industry professionals.

For those of us who love live music, there will be plenty of chances to not only see many of the bands perform, but also to cast votes for your favorite bands.

Tonight at Bear's on Fairfield from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., local bands will be able to enter for free as well as see last year's LA Music Prize winner, Soul Track Mind, perform at 8 p.m.

K94-5's Jess and I had the opportunity to talk with Soul Track Mind front-man Donovan Keith.

LA Music Prize is about to turn it up AGAIN!

Music Prize 2015 is happening! That’s right, and this year will blow your mind. We have a raucous schedule of awesomeness for our bands, our attendees and everyone else who wants to bask in the glow of the Louisiana Music Prize!

If you’re a band…YOU HAVE TO DO THIS!

Submissions for the Louisiana Music Prize 2015 are now open, and they close August 1. All you have to do to enter is pay the $20 entry fee and upload three original tracks as MP3 files. Then, pray to the Music Prize Fates that you get picked by our preliminary set of VIP Music Prize judges. If/When that happens, you will be invited to the play during Louisiana Music Prize Weekend (September 30-October 3).

What’s so awesome about Louisiana Music Prize 2015?

Good question. Last year, with our new partnership with the Grammys, we cranked up our event by hosting an incredible showcase of musical talent, offered up some amazing educational opportunities for the bands, and gave away over $5,000. This year, we are expanding our offering by giving the bands more opportunities to play, creating more ways for our bands to evolve themselves and network with one another (a superband? say it isn’t so!) AND we’re giving away more money!

Give us the when, where and how?

This year will offer a number of events for our bands and our attendees:

September 30 – Music Prize U. This is a free night of education for bands. Hosted by the Grammys, Music Prize U will allow musicians to engage and learn from our esteemed panel of music professionals. Last year, we were honored to have Jerry Harrison (from the Talking Heads), Boo Mitchell (producer and owner of Royal Studios), Jennifer Blakeman (Atlas Music Publishing) and others. We will be announcing our panel of judges later this year.

October 1 – Music Prize Showcase: Judge Royale. This will be the main showcase for our finalist bands. They will each play one set for our Music Prize judges. The judges will give real-time feedback and will pick one winner of $2500 AND a recording session with Blade Studios. This year, our judges will be drawn from a pool of industry producers, technicians, and members of the music press.

October 2 – Music Prize: Bar Fight! On Friday, the finalist bands will be given a paid gig at bars around Shreveport. These gigs will be promoted by the Music Prize and can be attended by going to the individual bars. The participating bars and live music venues will be announced later this year.

October 3 - Music Prize Showcase: Power to the People. This will be a raucous day party and showcase in association with the Red River Revel and our brothers and sisters at the Louisiana Film Prize. Each band will play a set at our Music Prize Discovery Stage, and the people (yes, that’s you!) will vote to determine the winner of an additional $2500 in cash.

How can I join up as an attendee?

If you’re wanting to attend this year’s festivities, all you have to is buy a pass (available soon) to the Louisiana Film Prize. All Film Prize passes will allow entry to the Music Prize. Entry at the door will be $20 (to attend the Music Prize only) and $30 for a Film/Music Prize Pass.

So, you guys seem to be really good at giving away prizes, what’s the prize for this?

For our finalist bands, this year’s prizes will melt your face (NOTE: To qualify as a finalist band you must be willing to stay for all showcase events):

– Each of the bands picked as a finalist will receive $350 cash.

– For out of town bands, you will receive a $200 travel stipend and two nights at a hotel.

– For the Judge Royale Showcase, the winner will receive $2500 cash and a recording session at Blade Studios.

– Bands playing during the Bar Fight showcases will be paid by the individual bars.

– For the Power to the People showcase, the winner will receive $2500 cash.

Join the Music Prize fray. Play hard or cheer loud! Together, we’re going to make music history!