Here’s good news for all up-and-coming rockers looking for that big break. The Hornbill International Rock Contest, organised by the Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival in December, is inviting entries.Β
For those of you who didn’t know, The Hornbill Festival is Nagaland‘s biggest state-sponsored cultural festival, aimed at promoting inter-tribe interaction as well as the rich cultural heritage of the state. The Government of Nagaland hosts the annual festival during the first week of December. Cultural celebrations aside, it also features a exciting bunch of contemporary activities like the Hornbill Rock Festival in Kohima, the biggest and most popular event at the fest. Adventure car rallies, chilli eating contests and other interesting events are also part and parcel of this fest.
The Hornbill Rock Festival also hosts Hornbill International Rock Competition,Β which has earned the reputation of being a launchpad for many promising bands. By offering prizes ranging from Β Rs 30,000 to a whopping Rs 10,00,000,Β the competition encourages entries from India as well the neighbouring countries, South East Asia and even Australia. Last year, Kolkata-based band Underground Authority, took away the Rs 10,00,000 prize which was used to produce their debut abum.
The judges this year will include Vinnie Moore, from the English rock bandΒ UFO, and SmokieΒ (the band that delivered the ’70s hit, ‘Living next door to Alice’).Β They will judge the competition as well as perform at the event.
If you’re part of a band that wishes to participate, head over to the registration siteΒ ,where you will need to download a form and attach your audio and video clips, as well as email the form, band profile and material, to hircnagaland@gmail.com. Entries for all bands close on October 15, and auditions will be held three days later at the Regional Centre of Excellence for Music & Performing Arts in Jotsoma, Kohima. Make sure you do not miss out!