New York, NY - Gypsy Diamond is looking for the next “Diamond In The Rough,” and they are turning to ReverbNation to find the artist! All 2.8 million artists on ReverbNation are eligible to submit their music at www.GypsyDiamond.com and be entered to win a record label contract, production deals, and other sponsorship prizes.
This opportunity will consist of three rounds:
• Round 1 - Artists can submit to the competition via ReverbNation.
• Round 2 - 50 artists will be chosen as Semi-Finalists for review by a panel of judges:
Chris Kirkpatrick
Singer, dancer, entertainer, and voice actor best known for his
work as a founding member of ’N Sync.
Earl Cohen
Three-time Grammy-winning producer whose credits are on
more than 85 million records worldwide.
Josh Grabelle
Co-founder of Gypsy Diamond who has sold over 2 million
albums on his labels, Trustkill and Bullet Tooth.
• Round 3 - 25-30 finalists will be invited to perform at a showcase in New York City in September. The showcase will be judged by a panel of record label executives and industry heavyweights. After the showcase is complete, Gypsy Diamond will evaluate all of the finalists on a strict list of criteria. If the label finds their “diamond,” an opportunity for an exclusive record contract will be made available to the selected artist.
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Sometimes stars align and magic leads the rest of the way. These three musical masterminds came together on September 28th at the legendary Webster Hall in NYC in search of a "Diamond in the Rough". I was lucky enough to attend this exclusive event and get up close and personal with the innovative panel of judges and the developing talent as they create and shape our futures through the power of music.
Grammy Award Winning mix engineer, Earl Cohen's credits include a "who's who" of today's top artists in the music industry. We are talking Pink, Lady GaGa, Whitney Houston, Destiny's Child, Will Smith, Jessica Simpson, Cyndi Lauper, Usher, Tina Turner, I mean do you need me to continue? It was such an honor to be in his presence let alone get the chance to speak to him directly in regards to his thriving passion for artistry and the process of creating ever lasting music.
Josh Grabelle, the man I owe the biggest thank you for allowing me to be a part of such an amazing event, has been a true pioneer in running and launching new record labels, signing artists, and opening the door for all different types of musicians in every genre to release their music.
And then we have Chris Kirkpatrick, to which I need to preface by stating that I not only believe the world is in debt-ed to him for being the founding member of the greatest boy-band this world will ever know, but I happened to be a big fan. I need to go goon for a moment, and repeat my closing argument to anyone who claims BSB came first therefore are better...They may have had a hit single in the US first, but Nsync perfected it. Ps. Their Christmas album is untouchable by any grown man's standards! Moving along...
This showcase of talent drew a crowd of people rooting for their underground favorites to get that deal!
Many artists already have an existing fan base through social media platforms and touring, however, this was another opportunity to reach more people and have other fans take notice!
I and other fans had no problem spending this beautiful fall day in-doors because we were able to listen in on intimate performances from artists bearing their souls in front of the music industry's heavyweight judge panel.
I have to give a shout out to Brett Young, one of my personal favs, and yes, obviously he is easy on the eyes but in all seriousness the boy can sing and write a song! He was able to really connect with crowd and create those rare moments with the audience.
There were so much talent in one room and the performers all shared that X Factor quality. I do not know how the judges chose. I was just happy I was not the one making the decisions as my friend and I hung on every performance we saw from the top finalists.
I watched the judges as they gave enormous amounts of credit to the brave finalist's, some of which were as young as 15 years old. They gave inspiring feedback and serious critiques to encourage the artists on how to grow and reach full potential. And who knows possibly be the next person you download on your itunes... You can see by the look on their faces how impressed they were with the talent among them and what a difficult decision this was going to be.
The team behind Diamond in the Rough Talent Search
Backstage Interview: Now I was able to interview the judges in what was only suppose to be a few moments of their time but turned into an awesome lengthy conversation about music and a moment that I will always treasure.
I try to keep my interviews as casual as possible as I find the readers of these posts tend to favor the humbling moments of embarrassment behind the recording...so for the "serious" side and formal interview I will be sharing it with other media outlets. Keep your eyes peeled.
Now the funny stuff...
After the interview wrapped I joked with everyone about how they were looking at the next Diamond in the Rough and that they would have to watch out for me in 2014...
Who knows? What is to stop me?
Music is one of my biggest passions and after all despite my Fran Dresher-esque voice and thick Jersey accent I can surprisingly carry a tune...
See these faces?
Of course I needed to get my photo with guys!
Only one big problem...
It is horrible to admit but since Chris Kirkpatrick knows the truth I feel obligated to share.
The night before I was covering another Red Carpet event in NYC.
I had packed an overnight bag with me so I was able to stay at a friends apartment and go straight to the next gig. Only I made the classic ditsy girl mistake.
The dress I wore the night before did not require upper under garments if you catch my drift. And what did I pack with me for this casual day time affair...my WHITE TANK TOP.
FML.
When it came time to take photos I went into complete panic mode. With the mixture of the lighting and flash bulb photography I was doomed. Chris noticed my mini freak-out. He investigated to Lauren, one of my best gals, and my sidekick at the event.
Without hesitation she blurted out,
" Oh, she isn't wearing a bra and is worried everyone will see her areolas."
(Which as a side note, I happen to think is a beautiful name for a girl if it didn't mean the darker pigment surrounding your nipples.)
And I also shared that tidbit publicly with him as well. When I get nervous, I get awkward. CLEARLY. Anyway...
Ummmm, ex-squeeze me, baking powder? Did you just tell Chris Kirkpatrick what I think you did?
But then he did the most gentlemen like thing a person could do...
He completely by-passed the comment so no one else would hear and gave me his sweatshirt for the photos!
So yes, that is me in the above photo wearing Chris Kirkpatrick's sweatshirt and now you all know why.
Honestly, though what a class ACT and stand-up guy.
And although I felt a moment of mortification I was so happy my friend was their to keep me comfortable and myself throughout my overwhelming awkward nerves. We all shared favorite movie quotes and had a really great time behind the scenes.
I could not let the moment pass and needed to completely fan out for a sec. Do not worry, I asked his permission first. Again, he completely understood and allowed me to make a fool of myself. I convince myself he loved every minute of it.
"Do you know when I get drunk at bars I entertain innocent bystanders by accurately manipulating every dance move to every single one of your songs that reached #1 on TRL until retirement was forced upon the video? Oh, you don't...Well everyone in the Jersey Shore/Tri-state area/even Sorrento, Italy is aware of that fact. Would you like to see?"
YUP.
Special Thank You to Josh Grabelle for not only being a driving force in the music industry but using your success and talent to help others make their dreams become a reality. You truly know the importance/power of music and artist creativity.
This annual event through Reverbnation is an outlet for artists to reach their potential, submit their work, and reach the top music industry professionals for inspiration and growth!
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