Culture

Liverpool’s Aloft hotel to host annual competition finale

Liverpool’s Aloft hotel is to play host to an annual music competition finale this month.

Radio and television presenter, Gemma Cairney, has joined forces with global, music-driven Aloft Hotels to launch the second UK edition of Project: Aloft Star, a music competition looking to unearth and give centre stage to the hottest unsigned talent.

Entries are now open for talented, unsigned singers, musicians and producers to submit their tracks for a chance of winning an all-expenses-paid trip stateside to perform at an Aloft hotel in New York, as well as a cash prize of £5,000 (terms and conditions apply).

Submissions will be shortlisted for a public vote via the entry website, with the top six acts then being invited to perform live in front of a judging panel at Aloft Liverpool on 18th October, where the overall winner will be crowned.

Former Radio 1 presenter Cairney said, “As a DJ myself, I know how important it is to have your first big break in the music industry. I love to be involved with new talent and this competition gives unsigned acts across the UK a chance to be discovered. I can’t wait to see the shortlisted acts perform at the finale in Liverpool.”

Gemma will be joined on the judging panel by last year’s winner, Shan Smile. The London-based singer-songwriter was crowned the Project: Aloft Star UK winner last year by previous judge BBC Radio 1’s Huw Stephens. Shan has had a busy year since her participation in Project: Aloft Star and is currently working on her latest EP.

Starting out in the music industry is tough but the platform that Aloft Hotels offers rising talent is a great way to open doors and create opportunities for unsigned acts”, said the 2016 winner. “Liverpool is a really buzzy city with such heritage in music so it’ll be a great experience for anyone who gets through to perform. Good luck to everyone and see you in Liverpool!”