Chreece, Indy’s one-day hip-hop festival, returns Aug. 29 to Fountain Square with headliners Rico Nasty, Jorjiana and Ovrkast.
Everyone doesn’t always make it onto the final festival lineup for different reasons, but there’s a few opportunities for artists looking to improve their live performance skills.
Here are three ways local artists can show off their talent and sharpen skills before taking the big stage one day.
Lyrics and Libations: Chreece Edition
Performing original music in front of people is not easy. It’s a skill that has to be constantly nurtured and improved.
On June 11, perform a track and get direct feedback from Jay Brookens, an organizer of the Chreece hip-hop festival. The event starts at 7 p.m. at The Health Club Taproom & Cafe.
Artists can sign up to snag a spot here.
Last Shot Competition
In 2023, Chreece organizers created the Last Shot Competition. It’s the last opportunity to get a paid slot at the festival. Think of it like “American Idol.”
The contest is open to rappers and singers. To enter, you must submit a video of you live rapping or singing your best 16 bars. The video needs to be no longer than 90 seconds.
Organizers said poorly recorded entries will be disqualified. Need some ideas on what to submit? Check out past entries.
Submissions are accepted until June 14.
Chreece will upload the submissions on their Instagram page. Public voting by likes will end on July 6. The finalists with the most likes on their reel will be announced July 8.
They will go on to compete on July 18 at the Indianapolis Artsgarden; the winner will get the last festival spot.
Beat Battle with Deckademics
DJ-ing is foundational to the art of hip-hop. Historically, the DJ was the main act and the rapper was the hype man. Over time, the dynamic has changed but the relevance and importance of DJs remain the same.
During the festival, Deckademics will host its third annual Beat Battle in the Fountain Square in collaboration with State Street Beats.
There will be 12 spots and three theme rounds. Submissions will open later this week.
Mirror Indy, a nonprofit newsroom, is funded through grants and donations from individuals, foundations and organizations. Sign up for our free newsletters.
Mirror Indy reporter Mesgana Waiss covers arts and culture. Contact her at 317-667-2643 or mesgana.waiss@mirrorindy.org.
Get the backstory
Chreece turns 10
How Indy’s ‘Rap Christmas’ was born, its growing pains and what comes next.
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
