The 4th ANNUAL KOTA HIP HOP FESTIVAL is set for SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3rd @ LOCK 3 PARK in DOWNTOWN AKRON
.......do you have what it takes to open up for HIP HOP's finest and ROCK THE CROWD?
Starting on Weds., June 1st (through Thurs., June 30th), 2011, KEEPERS OF THE ART will begin accepting video and audio audition submissions for the chance to be selected as the OPENING ACT for this year’s HIP HOP FESTIVAL. Voting will then begin on Friday, July 1st and run through Sunday, July 31st (@ 12am), 2011.
The WINNER will be announced at the start of August, 2011. (specific date will be announced)
The 2nd Annual KOTA Online Talent Search is FREE to enter, but you must register at (at the home page) first!
You can create a profile either as an individual artist or group. Video submissions (preferred) are to be posted at www.youtube.com or www.vimeo.com - Email a link to your video to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Audio submissions (in mp3 format) should also be emailed to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Please reference and copy/paste a completed submission form to enter the contest!
AGAIN - Submission deadline is Thursday, June 30th, 2011. VOTING WILL END ON SUNDAY, JULY 31st. The winner will be announced via the Hip Hop Flavas radio show and www.keepersoftheart.com. All fans of hip hop and Keepers of the Art will have a chance to vote on their favorite artist. One vote per person per day will be accepted during the voting period.
ONE ARTIST/ACT will be chosen to perform LIVE at the 4th Annual KOTA HIP HOP FESTIVAL featuring (TBA)!
Do you have what it takes?
Don't let this opportunity pass you by.
SUBMIT NOW!
JUDGES
REGISTER @ THE HOME PAGE to become an official judge! Your votes will determine which artists become eligible to win this contest. Each vote you cast will serve as your entry to win TWO VIP SECTION TICKETS at the SHOWCASE!
You will be able to cast one vote per artist, per day!
FAQs
Q: When I vote for an artist, the votes don't increase?
A: Votes are refreshed every 24 hours. If you don't see your vote within that time frame, it hasn't been processed yet.
Q: How many times can I vote for an artist?
A: You are allowed one vote per artist per day.
Q: How many times can I vote for an artist?
A: For clarification, YOU WIN BY TOTAL VOTES. Please take into consideration the artist’s musicianship, creativity, uniqueness and other criteria that you feel makes them a winner.
Q: When is the contest deadline?
A: The deadline for submissions is 12:01am, Thursday, June 3oth 2011. Submissions will be cut-off exactly at this time, no exceptions.
Q: What is The KOTA HIP HOP FESTIVAL?
A: Please visit the festival tab for info
Q: How do I enter a competition?
A: First, you must register as an artist or group and create your profile. Once you have registered and confirmed your account via email, you can then submit video or mp3 file auditions to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Q: What is required to enter the contest?
A: Entry is free! Each artist or group may enter as many files as it desires. The group or artist's submission will be designed on the voting by the KOTA web designer
Q: I'm not an artist, should I be on this page?
A: Yes! Fans are crucial to The KOTA HIP HOP FESTIVAL Talent Search as they have the power to decide which artists deserve the spotlight. Also, the fan who casts the most votes will have a chance to win TWO VIP TICKETS TO THE FESTIVAL!
Q: I had a question, but am unsure who to ask?
A: Please contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Q: What are the age requirements?
A: All artists and group members must be 18 years old. Fans can be any age to vote.
Q: Can I enter as a solo performer?
A: Yes, as long as you meet the submission and rule requirements.
Q: Can two or more people enter together?
A: Yes. Solo artists, groups and collaborative works are all welcome to enter. Multi-member groups that enter together are considered to be a single entry.
Q: I am already on a record label. Can I still enter?
A: Each entering artist or group must be unsigned, or signed to an indie label who does not have prominent international distribution.
Q: I am not a U.S. resident. Can I still participate?
A: The contest is open to legal U.S. and Canadian residents only.
Q: How do I register?
A: Click "REGISTER" at the top of every page here at the site.
Q: I never received a confirmation email after registering. What do I do?
A: First, check your spam/bulk folder with your email provider. It's probably in there. If not, you can have the confirmation email resent to you from a different email address.
Q: Why when I try to register it tells me that my email address has already been registered?
A: Either you've already registered and you haven't received your confirmation email, or your email is in our system and you need to use your secondary email. An email address cannot be registered twice.
Q: I perform under two different artist names. Do I need to create two separate accounts?
A: Yes. If you would like to submit videos under both artist names, they must be under separate accounts. And you will need a unique email address for each account.
Q: I am not an artist. Do I have to register?
A: You are not required to register to visit www.keepersoftheart.com and view performances, but you must register in order vote.
Q: I've registered, but I would like to make changes to my profile, i.e. edit my group members, change my address, etc. Where can I do that?
A: You can make changes to your profile by logging in and clicking Profile in your account manager. Make the necessary changes to your profile and click the Update button, located at the bottom of the page. Don't forget to click Update before leaving the page or you will lose your changes!
Q: My fans, friends and family are having trouble registering to vote. What should I tell them?
A: Read the answers to the above questions, it is probably related to one of the above issues. If not, please email us with the specific details of your problem.
Q: I forgot my password. What should I do?
A: On the Login page, enter your email address and click "Forgot Password?". An email with your password will be sent to you.
Q: How does voting work?
A: You must register with www.keepersoftheart.com to vote. After registering, watch the videos or listen to mp3 from that artist/group then email your vote to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . You may cast one vote per artist, per day and you may vote for as many artists as you wish.
Q: How can I see my vote count?
A: We refresh the vote count every 24 hours. There will also be info on the home page as well. All other voting information is not accessible.
Q: How is the winner chosen?
A: The winner will be announced via www.keepersoftheart.com and on Hip Hop Flavas (airing every Saturday night from 10pm-11pm EST on 91.3FM The Summit) The winner will be contacted via email and phone shortly after the competition is over (most likely the start of August, 2011). The winner will also be interviewed on Hip Hop Flavas.
Q: How do I get people to vote for me?
A: Promote, promote, promote! Get your name out there! Tell anyone and everyone you know to watch your video and vote for you.
Q: How do I upload an audio track?
A: Email mp3 audio tracks to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Q: How do I upload a cover image for my media?
A: Great idea! Either attach cover art to your profile here at the site or simply email it along with your submission and it will be posted on the voting page.
Q: Can I submit a cover song?
A: No, all submissions must be original songs and performances.
Q: Once I submit my work, does Keepers of the Art own the rights to it?
A: Keepers of the Art only retains the right to market and use your video and/or audio track; we do not own your song, lyrics, video, etc. The artist maintains all intellectual property rights to their work.
