Halestorm’s Lzzy Hale Helps Curate 4th Annual Grammy Amplifier Program

The music business is more competitive than ever, and while there are more options in which artists can get recognized, it is no less daunting for aspiring acts to get that opportunity that puts them over the top. One such program that is helping musicians do just that is the Grammy Amplifier program, which is entering its fourth year of existence.

This year, Hyundai and the Recording Academy are teaming up to launch the annual competition, with the eventual winners getting a chance to receive a studio recording session with a Grammy-winning producer, an opening touring slot for a noted act at either a series of dates or festival shows and the filming of a music video done by a celebrated director. Three artists from different genres are also helping in the selection of the acts, as this year's curators are Halestorm's Lzzy Hale, hip-hop artist Big Sean and country superstar Sam Hunt. The curators are responsible for listening to the submissions and choosing the three winners, who will each receive the recording session, tour and video package.

"Whether you’re a player, singer or songwriter, the Grammy Amplifier program can help you find your voice,” said Hale. “I've been in Halestorm for 18 years and I know that this is a really tough business that takes a lot of hard work and sacrifice, but it also requires great risk and a lot of determination proving yourself gig after gig. The talented artists that have entered this program in the past have received so much in the way of advice, but most of all they've been given an opportunity, and as musicians that is the one thing we all hunger for — the opportunity."

"Grammy Amplifier is an amazing program that not only inspires and encourages new artists, but also provides important resources that will help throughout their musical journey,” said Big Sean. “The Internet is an incredible tool and I know firsthand how it can help build an artist's career, profile and fan base."

"I’m honored to be part of a program where I can help elevate new and emerging talent,” said Hunt. “It wasn’t long ago I was an unknown artist, and I couldn’t be more grateful to the people who helped me with the tools I needed to start my career. I look forward to shining a light on these aspiring musicians.”

The Grammy Amplifier program is currently open for submissions and will close on Dec. 16. Program hopefuls can upload their song to the Grammy Amplifier website and drive their fan base to "amplify" the track via social media support. The top 25 acts with the most amplifications will then become semifinalists and will continue to amass points through Jan. 4, at which time the top 10 will be presented to the curators to make their final decisions.

The finalists will then be flown to Los Angeles to participate in a Music Business Immersion Day with the goal of educating them on social media promotion, copyrights, and publishing, among other topics. The final three winners will be announced during GRAMMY Week in February 2016.

Learn more about the program in the trailer above and head over to the Grammy Amplifier website to upload your submissions.

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