Martell and Live Nation Connects proudly presents
 Martell Standout Music Competition 2021

Calling out amateur songwriters to join the music revolution, with celebrity line-up including Phil Lam, Edward Chan, Mischa Ip and Cath Wong
Creating a big songwriting momentum to discover Hong Kong’s next wave of talent by unlocking their audacity

(26 March 2021 – Hong Kong) Martell has announced the launch of the “Martell Standout Music Competition 2021” in partnership with Live Nation Connects. As a part of its bold new campaign, “Be the Standout Swift”, the event inspires audiences to challenge the ordinary and be extraordinary, in the spirit of audacity. With a mission to discover Hong Kong’s rising songwriters and nurture their musical talents on all levels, the contest provides an opportunity for young talents to step out of their comfort zone and unleash their true potential.

The star-studded event features professional musicians in the industry. Bringing his expertise with his unparalleled body of works, renowned music producer Edward Chan will oversee the competition. The top 3 amateur songwriters will each be paired up with a Celebrity Songwriting Mentor, namely Phil Lam, Mischa Ip and Cath Wong to train under the “Martell Swift Academy”.

The competition, aimed to create new music dimensions for Hong Kong, calls for Hong Kong residents aged 18 or above to submit original songs that exemplify the representation of being a Standout Swift. The top 3 amateur songwriters will be provided with the opportunity to win one-in-a-lifetime opportunities to work with professionals, jumpstart their music careers, perform on stage and gain exposure in the music industry for their original song.

To provide exposure for participants’ songs to be heard in the professional arena, finalists will perform live on stage along with their partnered Mentors in September 2021 for the title of the best original song. The audience and judges will vote for the winning song, which will then be recorded by a debuted artist. Both the songwriter demo and the artist’s versions will be co-promoted by Live Nation Hong Kong and Sony Music Entertainment HK Limited.

Amateur songwriters are encouraged to  submit an original song that reflects the key message of audacity and challenges the current status quo in stylistic approaches of mainstream music. The judging criteria will be based on Key Message, Lyrical Poetics, Stylistic Approach and Originality.

“Martell Standout Music Competition 2021” Details:

• Theme: “Be a Standout Swift”
• Song recruitment period: 26 March 2021 – 25 April 2021
• Competition prizes:

Winner:
1) Music Producer (Edward Chan) will select a recording artist to re-record and publish the winning original song

2) Songwriter’s solo demo will also be published online
3) The songs will be promoted by Sony Music HK and Live Nation HK
Top 3:
1) Partner with a Celebrity Mentor (Phil Lam, Mischa Ip or Cath Wong) and participate in one-on-one training sessions

2) Re-record a brand new solo demo with Music Producer (Edward Chan)
3) Training session to be filmed into a mini reality series, “Martell Swift Academy”
4) Perform the elevated song on stage along with Celebrity Mentor
Top 20:
1) 1 x Martell Noblige

Dare to Create with Audacity
For more information please visit: www.martellstandoutswift.com

Please enjoy responsibly.

About Maison Martell
The oldest of the great cognac houses, founded by Jean Martell in 1715, Maison Martell is renowned throughout the world for the finesse and elegance of its cognacs, the result of a legacy of savoir-faire handed down through nine generations. Together with a passion for its craft and a profound attachment to the terroir, Maison Martell is defined by the audacity with which it has pioneered new expressions – from the icon Martell Cordon Bleu in 1912 to the trailblazing Martell Noblige and Martell Blue Swift today.

About Live Nation Connects
Live Nation Connects is the brand marketing agency created by Live Nation Asia and EX-R Consulting, aiming to connect brands with music fans across Asia. Headquartered in Hong Kong, Live Nation Connects serves brands regionally, focusing on China, Japan, Korea, Singapore and Taiwan.