Disclaimer: Chris Lyon, the editor-in-chief of Heliopolis, is also the associate director of the Prize Foundation which hosts the Music Prize. Heliopolis may also become a sponsor of the event in the near future because we believe it’s an event that fits within our stated mission objectives for Shreveport that we published earlier this year.
The Music Prize is back this year with a new spin and expansion on the festival. In addition to the indie music competition and workshops that have been held every year since its start in 2013, the festival will also incorporate performances by established bands – some of which include local and regional heavyweights in the industry – such as Dallas, TX indie rockers The Polyphonic Spree, who will headline the event along with K. Flay and Beach Slang. Additional performers will include Austin-based The Blue Bonnets and the formerly-local Kyle Craft who recently signed with Sub-Pop in Seattle.
“Our goal is to create a music experience that connects bands with their audience and musicians with possible mentors. We chose bands that had an energy and pioneering spirit that matched our own,” explains Executive director of the Prize Foundation, Gregory Kallenberg. “Equally, we’re excited to announce the return of our Emerging Artists Competition and the inclusion of more local bands in the mix (to be announced soon).”
The lineup this year will have a wide array of music styles that will have something for all music fans. You will hear include psychedelic and alt rock, pop rock, hip-hop/electronica, and punk. Check a few selected tracks from the performers below.
This year’s Music Prize will take place September 29th thru October 1st, alongside the Louisiana Film Prize and Red River Revel. Kevin Stone, executive director of The Red River Revel explains, “The Revel and the Louisiana Music Prize occur during the same timeframe, so it makes sense that our two organizations come together to share ideas and talent and provide Shreveport/Bossier City with the best of both events!”
But big bands and local music isn’t all that’s in store. Aspiring musicians can submit their original songs at lamusicprize.com/register which will put them in the running to be selected for the Emerging Artists Showcase to win a $5,000 cash prize – the same prize won by AJ Haynes, lead singer of Shreveport’s Seratones, who signed with Fat Possum Records last year. The winner will also play an opening slot for The Polyphonic Spree at this year’s Red River Revel. Registration for the Emerging Artists Competition is free this year. Registrations are open now through August 25th.
In addition to the competition, there will be an opportunity to learn more about the music business with a workshop held during the festival called Music Prize U(niversity). You will hear from a wide range of experts in the music industry, giving you access to people in the know about your craft who can provide guidance for your next steps as an artist.
“Music Prize U will be a free event on Friday from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. and offer up lunch and a plethora of knowledge for our band and musician community. Once again, the GRAMMYs will be our major sponsor on this and are promising to bring some major firepower on the mentor side of things. So far, we have band agents, A&R folks, producers, promoters and former rock stars set to attend and, hopefully, help our audience evolve and transform themselves as music artists and businesspeople”, says Kallenberg.
If you are interested in attending this year’s Music Prize, tickets literally went on sale this morning, and you can purchase a pass in advance for $30 or wait and pay $50 at the door. This is the first year you can purchase this pass separate from the Louisiana Film Prize pass and combination Film/Music passes are available starting at $50. All music and combo passes will get you into all the events and concerts which will be held at Aura Ultra Lounge and Red River Revel. The pass also gets you into the Red River Revel all weekend long.
We look forward to seeing what bands are added next, and we’ll update you on Heliopolis as more artists and events are announced.
Get tickets here: lamusicprize.com/tickets