New Website, Upload Demo, Gives New Artists Music Industry Access
LOS ANGELES, Aug. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- A proverbial star is born, thanks to Upload Demo, a new website that makes it easier for those seeking entry into the music industry. Diomi Rafael Cordero, a 20-year-old artist from New York City, uploaded his original song "Geppetto" as a part of a pre-launch promotion for the site and was selected out of hundreds as the first artist signed by Upload Demo's new record label.
"I recorded 'Geppetto' over a year ago, and I have been trying to get a record deal for three years. I'm so glad I uploaded my demo," said Cordero.
Upload Demo, a fee-based service, allows hopefuls to submit their music from anywhere in the world via Internet and guarantees that their song will be heard by industry artists, producers and major dealmakers in the music business. Visit http://www.uploaddemo.com.
According to Dino Awadisian, company co-founder and CEO, Upload Demo takes the record company A&R (artist and repertoire) process of finding new talent, and puts it online making it more transparent.
"Traditionally artists submit demos to the record companies and they almost never hear anything back. Through Upload Demo, artists can track the progression of their music throughout the entire process via the Internet. We let them know when their demo is being listened to and provide them with real industry feedback," said Awadisian. "Then, we decide if we want to invite them for a meeting," he said.
According to Upload Demo Chief Financial Officer Mike Davtyan, the fee for the service is $100 but it has been reduced to $39 through Aug. 29, as a part of a continued pre-launch promotion.
Through Upload Demo users select three established music insiders to listen to their demo from a list of participating industry partners. Artists receive notifications through Facebook and Twitter during each phase of the process. According to Awadisian, those who move through the system to the point of a record contract will be signed to a single deal by the new record label.
"The deal will be based solely on talent; not on how you look, who you know, your race, your age or any factors that normally bias record executives' decisions. We will simply listen and judge based on your talent," said Awadisian.
"This opportunity is unheard of in music and I'm proud to work with Upload Demo to help those with true talent thrive in this industry," said Manny Smith, Vice President of A&R for Interscope Records, who has worked with some of the biggest names in music and entertainment. His roster of talent includes Nas, Justin Timberlake, Pussycat Dolls, Da Don, Fergie, and Will-i-am. Smith is also responsible for signing multi-platinum artist Souljah Boy and for the multi-platinum success of souljaboytellem.com.
After hearing Cordero's song, Awadisian shared it with Upload Demo reviewers including Smith, Walter Millsap III, who has served as producer for Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Timbaland, Mindless Behavior and Keri Hilson; 23-year music veteran Bernard Alexander, who has worked with Akon, 50 Cent, The Fugees, the Hit Squad and Def Squad; and Bu Thiam, senior vice president of A&R at Def Jam Recordings and CEO of BuVision, who was executive producer for Grammy Award-winning artist T-Pain, handled A&R for Rihanna and Young Jezzy and manages Chris Brown.
"I would like to thank Upload Demo so much for this amazing opportunity," said Cordero.
Cordero's "Geppetto" single is being engineered by Jaycen Joshua, whose multi Grammy Award-winning work includes "Single Ladies" by Beyonce and "Blame It" by Jamie Foxx. Joshua has served as engineer for more than 30 #1 singles and albums. Additionally, he has worked with Mariah Carey, Sean Combs, Chris Brown, Christina Aguilera, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, Usher, Michael Jackson, Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, Cee-Lo, Seal, Nas, Whitney Houston, and The Dream.