The search for Long Island’s next big thing is on!
The Gold Coast Arts Center and Love Revolution Org. are accepting submissions for entry into the fourth annual “Your Big Break” competition, which showcases local musicians for an opportunity to win studio time, media exposure, equipment, and more.
“We were talking and thought why don’t we create this thing and call it ‘Your Big Break,’” said Rick Eberle, publicist for the Gold Coast Arts Center. “It gives an outlet to local, young Great Neck and Long Island musicians and gives them the chance to get in front of music executives.”
Musicians aged 15 to 25 can apply for the chance to perform in front of a panel of judges including Neil Rubenstein, the manager of The Emporium venue in Patchogue, Chris Pati of IndiMusic TV, Lou Plaia from Reverbnation.com, Guy Brogna from All Music Inc., and Jerry Lembo, a music industry consultant who has worked with Grammy-award winners.
Once they receive submissions, Eberle said, the arts center gets together and decides who gets to perform at the “knockout rounds” of the showcase on Jan. 30 and Feb. 6.
He added that the winners of the knockout rounds would join on March 12 for the semifinals, and the winners from there will perform at the finals on April 2.
“It’s been very successful and that’s why we keep doing it,” Eberle said. “We have foreseen the future in some cases because some of the artists who have won went on and worked with major producers.”
Prizes include the chance to open up for a national act at The Emporium, recording time at IndiMusic Studios, a feature on Reverbnation.com, musical equipment from All Music Inc. and ZOOM North America, PR and social media campaigns from Rick Eberle Agency, and more to be announced.
Eberle said putting the event together has been a joint effort between himself, Gold Coast Arts Center staff, and Brian and Eugenia Viner of Love Revolution Org.
He added that Ronni Berger, who handles events and performances at the arts center, has been “instrumental” in planning for the event and she “keeps it organized and sets the guidelines.”
Eberle also said working with Gold Coast Arts Center Executive Director Regina Gil has been “wonderful and she is a great person to work with.”
Entries, which need to include an mp3 song, a photo, and a short biography, are free to submit and can be sent to gnacbigbreak@gmail.com. The deadline is Jan. 10 by 11:59 p.m.
Musicians with recording or publishing contracts are ineligible to enter into the contest.
