For the first time, Chreece, Indy’s annual hip-hop festival, has created a formal process for aspiring and established artists. DJs, producers and rappers can submit links to their live performances, music and electronic press kits.
“I want the artist to be well-represented. I want to make sure the people are entertained,” said Jay Brookinz, artist director at Chreece.
He and four other judges will score artists’ submissions in five skill categories: music quality and originality; stage presence; online presence; artist consistency; and alignment with festival goals, which measures how well the music fits within the hip-hop genre. Brookins added that they will consider all genres, however.
Non-English-speaking hip-hop artists are encouraged to submit, and the form is available in Spanish.
Since Feb. 13, Brookinz’ team has received over 150 submissions from across Indiana, but also from as far away as Georgia and Rhode Island.
All artists selected will be paid. Brookinz said when he was an artist in the early 2000s, there weren’t many paid opportunities. His mission is to change the narrative with Chreece.
“We may not be at that level here in Indianapolis yet, but we’re actively striving to get it to where you can live and be sustained off of your art,” Brookinz said.
Those who aren’t selected in the first round will have an opportunity to participate in the Last Shot, a rap contest where artists perform one verse. This summer, three final contestants will compete for a final spot in Chreece’s lineup at the Indianapolis Artsgarden.
Chreece will be held on Aug. 23 in Fountain Square. Over 50 artists performed at last year’s festival.
Interested? Use this form to submit your work in English or Spanish by March 14.
If you have any questions, email submissions@chreeceaf.com.
Mirror Indy reporter Mesgana Waiss covers arts and culture. Contact her at 317-667-2643 or mesgana.waiss@mirrorindy.org.
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