Everyday, many people around the world probably dream of being a music superstar.
That dream will become reality very soon for someone in Indianapolis. Could that someone be you?
Daddy Real Entertainment is currently hosting The Real Thing music competition themed “One Night, One Dream, One Winner.” Area music artists have a chance to compete for a grand cash prize and a recording contract.
“Talent competitions have become an important part of our pop culture, thanks to shows like ‘American Idol,’ ‘America’s Got Talent’ and the ‘X-Factor,’” said Jeffrey Clark, general manager of Daddy Real Entertainment. “We know that there is a solid talent base here in Indianapolis and Central Indiana, and we would like to see who is a part of it.”
From now until May 7 weekly auditions will be held for artists to give five-minute performances. Each act will be asked to pay an entry fee and required to submit a video or audio track, two to three minutes in length, for preliminary screening by the Daddy Real Panel. All acts that pass the initial screening process will be contacted with a date to audition.
Contestants can choose from four categories to compete in, including solo artists, duets, vocal groups and bands. Contestants can sing a capella, sing and play an instrument or even sing to a pre-recorded track.
Top acts will be selected from the audition to advance toward the final stage of the competition. Auditions will be held every Monday at Daddy Real Entertainment’s club, Daddy Real’s The Place, located at 3855 E. 96th St.
The winner of the competition, who will be billed as “The Real Thing Champion,” will be selected by a panel of celebrity judges during a special grand finale event on May 19 at the Madame Walker Theatre.
Contestants will be judged on how good and original their performance is, how well they present themselves on stage and the audience response.
Although there will be four categories, only one winner will be selected, and will be awarded a $5,000 cash prize, a single album record deal, a professional press kit and a music video, among other gifts.
“We are offering very significant prizes, which are all elements that any upcoming artist, or one who’s been out there toiling away for years, would certainly appreciate,” Clark said.
He added that in addition to providing a unique opportunity for local performers to gain notoriety, The Real Thing gives Daddy Real Entertainment a chance to identify “good, quality artists” in the area.
Established early last year, Daddy Real Entertainment provides expertise in artist development, event promotions and video production. The company also has a talent management and booking component within its organization.
Clients can have a variety of services provided at the company’s main facility, located on the city’s Eastside. It includes, among other features, a full recording studio, rooms with state-of-the-art audio and video recording equipment, a graphic design area and a conference room for meetings.
So far, Clark said, a variety of artists from different genres like R&B, hard rock, hip-hop and gospel have auditioned for Daddy Real’s competition. Organizers, however, have noticed that not as many performers have signed up for the vocal group category.
Anyone not competing in the competition is welcome to view the auditions and the grand finale for a $2 admission fee.
Clark said the competition is open to all artists, regardless of age or style of music (although songs must be tasteful), and everyone is encouraged to participate and take a shot at stardom.
“We know that everybody thinks they can sing, their kids can sing, or they know someone who thinks they can sing,” Clark said. “Whatever the case may be, we know that the desire to perform and succeed is there, and we welcome everyone in this market to take advantage of this outlet we have provided.”
For more information visit dretherealthing.com, or call (317) 405-9777.
