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Hard Rock Rising: A Global Stage for Emerging Artists

On August 5, 2026, Hard Rock Cafe and Coca-Cola® announced the launch of Hard Rock Rising, an exciting music competition designed specifically for emerging artists. This initiative spans across 34 countries and involves 64 Hard Rock Cafe locations, offering a unique launchpad for new musical talents keen on making their mark in the music industry.

For over five decades, Hard Rock Cafe has been a pivotal venue where both rising stars and legendary musicians have performed, fostering a rich musical culture. Joining forces with Coca-Cola, known for its global music platform through the Coke Studio L.A. Live, these two iconic brands aim to empower singers, songwriters, bands, and DJs by providing them with an invaluable opportunity to kickstart their careers.

A Chance to Shine

Artists from around the world can now enter the Hard Rock Rising competition to vie for an enticing grand prize. This includes a Coke Studio recording session, $10,000 in cash, a coveted performance slot in Hard Rock Orlando, and various other remarkable opportunities. The competition is structured as a series of live performances in participating cafes, wherein local fans will play a crucial role by voting for their favorite artists to advance to the next round.

As rounds progress, a panel from Coke Studio will ultimately select one overall winner who will be announced on October 5. The competition timeline allows artists to submit their applications until August 18, with live rounds taking place on September 2, 9, 16, and 23.

Eric Martino, President of Hard Rock Cafe and Retail at Hard Rock International, remarked, “Hard Rock Cafe has always united people through the power of music, showcasing performances by local artists, open mic events, and various competitions. The Hard Rock Rising competition naturally extends this mission, enabling emerging artists to perform their original music. Together with Coca-Cola, we are proud to provide a platform where musicians can be seen, heard, and celebrated in their communities - and for the winner, around the globe.”

Collaborating for Success

At the helm of Coke Studio's initiative is Rob Rettberg, an award-nominated executive producer recognized with GRAMMY and Juno nominations, as well as multiple platinum album awards. Rettberg stated, “This partnership leverages an unmatched reach, using Hard Rock's iconic stages alongside Coke Studio's production expertise to transform talented musicians into the next generation of recording artists.”

The Hard Rock Rising initiative doesn't stop at music. It complements an entire program featuring a time-limited menu with Coca-Cola-themed cocktails, merchandise available at Rock Shops®, and on shop.hardrock.com. Additionally, Hard Rock is collaborating with Cult of Individuality, a leisurewear brand intertwined with music culture, to further elevate the celebration of music and self-expression beyond the stage. This collaboration introduces a Hard Rock Rising-themed t-shirt and a collection of apparel under a unified branding.

Emerging artists ready to perform are encouraged to apply by August 18. Each application must include two original songs. Detailed information about application processes, rules, competition specifics, and participating cafe locations can be found at cafe.hardrock.com/hard-rock-rising.

This competition not only highlights the vibrant talent pool within the music industry but also emphasizes Hard Rock's commitment to supporting new artists in their journey. As this initiative unfolds, the world keenly awaits to witness the next breakout star emerge from the Hard Rock Rising stage.