The stage will be set. The lights will be up. And the competition will begin. And it's all happening at the Communications and Fine Arts Building.
Auditions begin today for the 4th Annual Idol Search Competition for the Blue T.O.M. Record Label at The University of Memphis. Blue T.O.M., which stands for Tigers of Memphis, is The University's first official student-run record label. The label is fully operated and maintained by students of the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music. The students find artists for a compilation album they produce and then help create marketing and promotions, as well as set up interviews and appearances for the artists.
"We cater to very serious artists," said Nick Black, President of Blue T.O.M. "If we see a performer is not taking their performance very serious or isn't acting very professional, they will not make it into the competition."
Although the competition began in 2005, there have been many changes this year to the format of Idol Search made by new members of the Blue T.O.M. executive board.
With a sponsor on board this year, Blue T.O.M. wants the finale to have much of the pomp and pageantry the American Idol finale does. They plan to have a large stage set up and a well-known comedienne to M.C. the competition.
This year's winner will receive 45 hours of studio time in The University's recording studio to record music for their own demo album. Once they complete their album, they will receive promotions and marketing help from members of Blue T.O.M.
Also, the first, second and third place winners will receive first consideration for a spot on the 2010 compilation album.
"The most important thing with the artists is they must have all original music," said Stacy Kline, marketing manager for Blue T.O.M.
Kline said because they require original music, it helps bring diversity to the competition. The competition is opened to all music genres, both vocal and instrumental. In the past, they have heard all types of music, from hard rock to acoustic folk music and just about everything in between.
The only thing that is off-limits is derogatory lyrics. Black said they want to represent The University in the most positive way.
"If you can name it, it will happen," said Black, describing the array of music he's heard. "We've heard everything but screamo, but we encourage that, too."
Even though the sign-up deadline to audition was Wednesday, board members are considering reopening the auditions due to the great response.
Currently, there are 18 acts signed up for the auditions. Only around ten will make it to the final competition. Just like the American Idol competitions, there will be three judges critiquing the artists. Some past judges have been rapper Al Kapone, blues singer Ruby Wilson and former manager of Young Avenue Sound, Cameron Mann. The judges look for acts that will be able to expand upon their work for the album compilation that is produced every year. Black said in the past, the judges have made comments to contestants, and it is usually very entertaining.
"We left so much time between the auditions and the competition date in case we needed to reopen the auditions," said Black.
Blue T.O.M. began in 2005 and began as a program in the school of music.
"There was a class for music business students called Record Company Operations," said Tonya Butler, faculty advisor for Blue T.O.M. "I found it strange to try to teach students how to operate a record company without having a record company to operate."
Butler said by the next year, Blue T.O.M. was created and had published their first compilation album.
"Idol Search helps find new artists and is a place to showcase students across the campus," said Butler.
The auditions, which are judged by members of Blue T.O.M., will be held Thursday - Saturday in the Music Building in room G-8. They are closed to the public.
