#USA #Hollywood #Coca-Cola #Hard Rock Cafe #Hard Rock Rising

Hard Rock Cafe and Coca-Cola Launch Music Competition for Emerging Artists

Hollywood, Florida – August 6, 2026
Hard Rock Cafe and Coca-Cola have officially launched the Hard Rock Rising competition, aimed at helping emerging artists get their start in the music industry. This exciting initiative spans 34 countries and 64 Hard Rock Cafe locations, providing a platform for up-and-coming musicians to showcase their talents.

For over fifty years, Hard Rock Cafe has been a hub for both new artists and music legends. Coca-Cola's involvement brings its global platform via Coke Studio L.A. Live, and together, these two iconic brands are set to propel songwriters, bands, and DJs into the limelight.

Contest Overview

Emerging artists worldwide can enter the Hard Rock Rising contest for a chance to win an impressive grand prize, which includes a Coke Studio recording session, $10,000, a performance at Hard Rock Orlando, and more.

The competition unfolds through a series of live performances at selected Hard Rock Cafes. Local fans will play a crucial role as they support their favorite artists at each stage of the competition. A team of Coke Studio will ultimately choose one grand prize winner who will enjoy an exclusive recording session, cash prize, and performance opportunity.

Applications for the contest will be accepted until August 18, with live performances happening on September 2, 9, 16, and 23. The global winner will be announced on October 5.

Eric Martino, president of Hard Rock Cafe and Retail at Hard Rock International, stated, "Hard Rock Cafes have always connected people through the power of music with local artists, open mic events, and Battle of the Bands competitions. The Hard Rock Rising initiative is a natural extension of this mission, allowing up-and-coming artists to perform their original music. Together with Coca-Cola, we are proud to provide a platform where musicians can be seen, heard, and recognized for their contributions in their communities, and for the grand prize winner, around the world."

Production Excellence

Leading the team at Coke Studio is Grammy-nominated and multi-platinum producer Rob Rettberg. He shared, "This partnership leverages the unparalleled reach of Hard Rock and its iconic stages, while also utilizing the production expertise of Coke Studio to transform talented musicians into the next generation of recording artists."

The competition is further enhanced by a full lineup of Hard Rock Rising-themed events, including a limited-time menu featuring cocktails crafted using Coca-Cola products, as well as merchandise available at Rock Shops and online. In addition to the musical competition, Hard Rock is teaming up with Cult of Individuality, a streetwear brand known for its roots in music culture, to release a collaborative Hard Rock Rising t-shirt and apparel collection.

Artists eager to take the stage must submit their applications by August 18. Each application should include two original songs. For detailed information on submissions, rules, contest specifics, and participating cafe locations, visit cafe.hardrock.com/hard-rock-rising.

This initiative not only emphasizes the celebration of music but also encourages self-expression among artists, making Hard Rock Rising a significant event in the world of music competitions. Don't miss the chance to promote your talent on a global stage!

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For inquiries, visit Hard Rock's official website or reach out through their customer service channels.