HALESTORM's LZZY HALE To Help Select Winners Of Online Program Designed To Foster Aspiring Musicians

Hyundai and The Recording Academy today announced the launch of the fourth annual Grammy Amplifier program. Grammy Amplifier is an innovative online music initiative providing aspiring artists with the opportunity to realize their passion and further their musical careers through one-of-a-kind experiences that serve to showcase their talent. Entrants are invited to upload their songs for consideration at www.grammyamplifier.com, which is now mobile optimized for submissions via smartphone and tablet.

The 2016 winners will be selected by Amplifier curators: Grammy-nominated hip-hop artist Big Sean, Grammy winner Lzzy Hale, lead singer and guitarist of hard-rock band HALESTORM, and rising country superstar Sam Hunt. The program curators will sort and listen to submissions and select three winners, who will each receive one of three prize packages: a studio recording session with a Grammy-winning producer; an opening slot for a noted artist and/or a series of festival shows; or the filming of a music video with a celebrated director.

"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."

"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."

The Grammy Amplifier program is now open for submissions and will close on December 16, 2015. Program hopefuls can upload their song on the Grammy Amplifier web site and drive friends, family and fans to listen and "amplify" their track. Based on total track plays and social media "amplifications," a top 25 list of semifinalists will be selected December 16. Point accumulations will then continue only for the semifinalist group through January 4, 2016, at which time a group of 10 finalists will be selected and submitted to the Grammy Amplifier curators.

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.

Since its inception, videos featuring Grammy Amplifier winners have exceeded 11 million views on YouTube. Over the past three years thousands have submitted their music to Grammy Amplifier ambassadors, including Grammy winners Mark Ronson and Mike Shinoda, as well as Grammy Amplifier curators such as Ariana Grande and Allen Stone and Grammy winners the BAND PERRY, Robert Glasper, Kendrick Lamar, and Ziggy Marley. Winners have received prizes that afforded them the opportunity to record music with a Grammy-winning producer, film professional-caliber music videos and perform onstage at numerous live music festivals, including The Billboard Hot 100 Festival, Rolling Stone Live Presents and Bro-Am.

For an overview of how to enter and to learn more about Grammy Amplifier, a Hyundai Music Initiative, see the clip below.