Amplify: The Sound of Detroit

Program Details

Amplify: The Sound of Detroit seeks to build on the rich legacy of Classic Motown by celebrating the unique voices of Detroit and the creative synergy of artists past and present in order to curate authentic experiences for artists to grow and connect.   

 AMPLIFY invites aspiring Detroit talent to take part in three months of artist development comprised of master classes with Motown Record Label executives, vocal coaching, professional styling, and rehearsals with our Music Director. All of this to perform on stage and compete for the chance to be awarded Amplify Artist of the Year, $5,000 cash, performance opportunities, studio time in our recording studio, a national media tour, professional coaching, and more. 

The Amplify Grand Finale event is an open-to-the-public, family-oriented event celebrates the unique voices of Detroit and the creative synergy of artists past, present, and emerging.  

How to Apply

Application Deadline: September 5, 2022

• Complete the online application form
• Upload (2) audition videos. Perform the songs in their entirety
  A cover of a Classic Motown song 
  A second song that represents your artistry (range, genre, voice style) 
• Submit non-refundable application fee of $30.
  Application fee waivers are available.

Eligibility

• Contestants must be residents of SE Michigan 
• Contestants must either be solo acts or a group of 2-5 singers 
• Contestants must be 16 years or older. Artists under 18 must submit a performance release for minors signed by a parent/legal guardian. 
• Should a contestant be selected as a semifinalist, they must be present in Detroit, MI for the taping and artist development sessions 

The following persons are ineligible to apply

• Employees of Motown Museum
• Immediate family of anyone on the judges’ panel
• Any artist(s) who are currently signed to a major label

Prizes

The Grand Prize-Winning Act will receive:

• The title of 2023 Motown AMPLIFY the Sound of Detroit Artist of the Year
• $5,000 Cash Prize
• Two (2) hour mentorship session with world-renowned Musical Director, Kern Brantley
• Opportunity to engage with Music Industry Professionals from Detroit and Los Angeles
• Record your single in Hitsville NEXT Recording Studio (up to 8 Hours) 
• Be featured in a nationally released Press Release for the Grand Finale, and be taken on a Media Tour in order to promote your single, as well as continued promotion of the winners’ achievements through our social channels, website and e-Newsletter
• Your finale performance featured on our website and YouTube Channel
• Opportunity to perform at various events throughout the year for Hitsville NEXT and its affiliates

The Second Place Act will receive:

• $2,500 cash prize
• Opportunity to record in the Hitsville NEXT Recording Studio
• Be featured in a nationally released Press Release for the Grand Finale, and be mentioned on Motown Museum’s website and social media channels
• Opportunity to perform at various events throughout the year for Hitsville NEXT and its affiliates.

The Third Place Act will receive:

• $1,500 cash prize
• Opportunity to record in the Hitsville NEXT Recording Studio
• Be featured in a nationally released Press Release for the Grand Finale, and be mentioned on Motown Museum’s website and social media channels
• Opportunity to perform at various events throughout the year for Hitsville NEXT and its affiliates.

This event is proudly supported by

THE ELAINE STERN FOUNDATION

FAQs

I’m having issues uploading my application, what should I do?

Should you have any issues submitting your application, please click here.

Do I qualify to have the application fee waived?

Application fee waivers are available for applicants that qualify. You qualify for a fee waiver if:

18 and under:

• College Board SAT or ACT fee waiver documentation. For more information on the College Board fee waiver process, please visit their website.
• Federal Free or Reduced Price Lunch program (FRPL) documentation.
• Documentation showing that the school has waived the common applicant fee

19 and older:

• Most Recent FAFSA Student Aid Report (SAR). Must be within 2 years of fee waiver request to be eligible.
• Unemployment Benefits Statement from the past 90 days.
• Documentation showing that the school has waived the common applicant fee

If you qualify, to apply for a fee waiver please click here.