The #1 question we get each year is, "How do I perform at A3C." It should be an easy question to answer, right? Well, it's not. The reason is because there is a system we've put in place to find and promote the best up-and-coming artists in hip-hop.
How do we make sure the most talented up-and-coming artists perform each year?
OK! Here is the secret to our sauce. The following ingredients make A3C Festival & Conference the biggest and best event for hip-hop discovery every year. Our goal is to present a very diverse range - sonically, geographically and culturally - of artists. We attempt to showcase a cross-section of hip-hop music (past, present and future) from across the US, and world.
1] We created the event with artists in mind
We try and make sure artists have a valuable, productive and educational experience. Provide a valuable experience for artists and artists will want to come kick it. It's that simple.
We tell artists that they can get a lot more done off stage, than on stage. Artists make songs and music videos. They can link with media and knock out interviews. They can meet a booking agent, lawyer, manger, producer, DJ or A&R. The can learn about the latest trends and cutting edge technology in the industry. They also can meet like-minded artists.
"A3C is the absolute best festival for rising Hip Hop talent. Their artist-first approach is priceless." - Justin Hunte of HipHopDX
2] The numbers don't lie
There are over 1,000 artists and DJs performing each year. There are artists representing every region of the US and a number of countries from around the world. It is the most diverse gathering of hip-hop artists in the world.
We know that you (yes, you!) won't like every artist performing at A3C Festival & Conference. Even if you don't like most of the artists performing, there are still hundreds of artists you probably will like.
If someone tells me, "I don't like the line-up." My response is either, "You must not like hip-hop," "You obviously haven't looked at the line-up," and occasionally I'll ask them what type of hip-hop they like and then send them 50ish artists they'll probably like. That ussually does the trick.
A3C Festival & Conference is a choose-your-own-adventure experience. Don't worry about the handful of artists you don't like. Go see the artists you do like and make sure to research before your come! Don't just skim the line-up either. Look at the shows and listen to some of the artists you've never heard of. Find your next favorite artist.
"A3C has been, and continues to be, what so many other music festivals can only still pretend to be; a place that truly showcases the next generation of hip-hop artists." -Nathan Slavik of DJBooth
3] We enlist the tastemakers of hip-hop culture
There isn't one person programming the A3C Festival & Conference. We work with dozens of influencers to help curate A3C's official shows and events.
How do we find curators? We are constantly reaching out to our network to discuss event ideas. We also receive hundreds of showcase submission. We review each submission and do our best to make sure curators have the tools and resources needed to produce an amazing event.
What do we look for from showcase submissions?
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Is there unique concept or theme?
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Does this show represent a movement, geographic area, sound or style?
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Are the Artists & DJs talented?
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Does the curator have experience producing shows?
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Has everything been well thought out?
"Luv to the team at A3C for givin artists a platform to be heard and build their craft!!" - Diddy
4] We take artist discovery very seriously
Artist discovery is in the forefront of our minds. We believe it is our responsibility to provide talented artists with a platform to build, network, learn and showcase their talent. If you don't think think about and constantly look for new talent, you're gonna miss out.
We believe a well connected and educated hip-hop community will create better music for longer.
A3C Alumni include: J.Cole, A$AP Rocky, G-Eazy, Action Bronson, Ty Dolla $ign, Young Thug, Danny Brown, Vic Mensa, Big K.R.I.T and Wale, to name a few.
We have a great track record of booking artists before they have become household names. Like I said, we take this very seriously.
5] We ask the hip-hop community to help out
This is the age of the internet and we are taking advantage by crowdsourcing part of the booking process. A3C Festival 2.0.
Here is how it works:
Each year, we are fortunate to receive thousands of artist submissions and for months leading up to the A3C Festival & Conference we host a weekly poll to select some of the best up-and-coming artists in hip-hop. (Note: If we didn't get great submissions, this wouldn't work.)
Our team selects 6 stand-out artists each week. We announce those 6 artists via social media and host an open poll on Facebook. The artists with the top 2 most votes each week are booked to perform at the A3C Festival & Conference. We call this campaign "This Is My Year" and it's supported by Swisher Sweets' Artist Project.
We put the final decision in the hands of the hip-hop community, because after all, this festival is for y'all.
Artist Submissions
Submission are FREE until July 31st. Each artist that is NOT selected to perform will receive a discount code for $25 off any A3C pass, so there is no downside
