Hard Rock Cafe and Coca‑Cola Unveil Global Hard Rock Rising Competition

Hard Rock Cafe and Coca‑Cola announced the Hard Rock Rising music competition, which will run in 34 countries across 64 Hard Rock Cafe locations. Artists can submit two original songs through August 18, after which local fan votes advance participants through weekly rounds on September 2, 9, 16 and 23. The Coke Studio team will then select a grand‑prize winner.

The winner receives a $10,000 cash award, a professional recording session and a performance at Hard Rock Orlando, with the global champion to be announced on October 5. Eric Martino, President of Hard Rock Cafe and Retail at Hard Rock International, said the partnership “provides a platform where musicians can be seen, heard and celebrated in their communities, and for the winner, around the world.” Multi‑platinum producer Rob Rettberg leads the Coke Studio team, and the initiative includes a co‑branded apparel collection with streetwear brand Cult of Individuality.