Marriott International’s Aloft Hotels, in partnership with Universal Music Group & Brands (UMGB), the brand strategy division of Universal Music Group (UMG), has launched the 2018 Asia Pacific edition of  Aloft Hotels' artist discovery competition Project: Aloft Star Asia-Pacific.

From 26 June to 31 July 2018, artists, bands and songwriters are invited to submit up to two original songs in video or audio format. This exciting contest shines a spotlight on the region’s incredible, undiscovered, and up-and-coming talents.

The competition is open to entrants from countries  in the Asia Pacific region. The countries are in five clusters spanning eleven markets: Australia, Greater China, India, South-East Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand) and South Korea. From the entries submitted, UMG will select five finalists (one from each cluster) for an all-expenses paid trip to Seoul, South Korea to battle it out in the grand finale to be held at Aloft Seoul Myeongdong on 20 September 2018. Each finalist will also receive 100,000 Rewards points¹ redeemable for stays at participating Marriott International hotels around the world and other rewards.

Unsigned musicians can enter for a chance to compete and win a grand prize that includes:

·         Artist & Repertoire (A&R) mentoring from UMG, which includes advice on selecting a single to record, and expert guidance throughout the process

·         A professional recording session with UMG and opportunity to release the single

·         An accompanying music video to be produced and released by UMG

This year’s Project: Aloft Star Asia-Pacific mentors include Indian singer and composer Salim Merchant, whose scores have appeared in 100 Bollywood films; award-winning Greater China singer and actress Rachel Liang; Korean R&B performing artist SAAY; and Australian radio presenter Alex Dyson.

Music fans will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite artists or bands via a public votefrom 3 September to 19 September 2018. Three lucky voters who predict the winner and provide a reason why they picked them will stand a chance to win 50,000 Rewards points.¹

“Aloft Hotels has always been the brand for music makers and music lovers, but now through our collaboration with UMG, we’re able to support emerging artists in a more meaningful way than ever before,” said Toni Stoeckl, Global Brand Leader, Aloft Hotels; and Vice President, Distinctive Select Brands for Marriott International. “The opportunity to record a single with one of UMG’s prestigious labels and receive dedicated mentoring from the best in the industry is very rare, and we’re so glad to be able to bring this chance to emerging talent all over the world.”

Says Olivier Robert-Murphy, Global head of New Business at Universal Music Group: “UMGB is proud to partner Aloft Hotels for Project: Aloft Star Asia Pacific 2018. We love their shared ambition to discover and nurture original singer- songwriters across such a diverse and musically vibrant region.  We’re thrilled to expand our global relationship with Marriott International in such a strategically important region for both companies.”