Hard Rock Rising

2 days ago

2 min read

Round One has barely cooled down, and already Hard Rock Rising is back at Hard Rock Cafe Valencia this Wednesday, September 9, with three more acts ready to put their songs, nerves and stagecraft on the line.

After last week’s opening round delivered plenty of drama — including Jhay Onex pulling out before the show, strong performances from Nohe and Sita Rizzi, and Sita ultimately taking the public vote — the pressure now shifts to Moscow, City Of Fury and Horrorwolf.

And this is no ordinary battle-of-the-bands pub night. Hard Rock Rising is an international competition spanning 34 countries and 64 Hard Rock Cafes, giving emerging artists a genuine route beyond their home city. In Valencia, nine acts are fighting through three elimination rounds before the September 23 final produces the local champion.

The stakes are considerably bigger than a bit of bragging rights. The Valencia winner progresses into the global competition, with the eventual international winner in line for a professional recording session at Coke Studio L.A. Live, music distribution, a performance at Hard Rock Orlando, a $10,000 cash prize and a stack of Marshall gear. Suddenly, getting up on stage on a Wednesday night looks like a rather serious career opportunity.

But before anyone starts thinking about Los Angeles, Orlando or ten grand, there is a much more immediate problem: winning the room. Because, once again, the audience is the jury. Fans will be voting for the artists on musicianship, vocal talent, originality, stage presence and fan support, meaning this competition isn't decided by a panel hiding behind a table. The people standing in front of the stage get to have their say.

Moscow. City Of Fury. Horrorwolf. Three acts. One ticket forward. Moscow arrive looking every inch the kind of band that belongs in a Hard Rock Rising showdown, while City Of Furywill be looking to build on the momentum surrounding their current Valencia run. Horrorwolf, meanwhile, bring a darker, heavier visual presence to a bill that promises plenty of contrast.

That's one of the most interesting things about the competition so far: there isn't a single formula for winning. Last week demonstrated that personality, connection and performance matter just as much as technical ability. Sita Rizzi understood the assignment and walked away with the public vote. This week, the others have to figure out their own version of the same equation.

And the crowd will be watching. Hard Rock Rising Round Two takes place at Hard Rock Cafe Valencia on Wednesday, September 9, from 8pm to 10pm. Three bands. One room. One audience holding the voting power. Valencia, get your voting fingers ready. Round Two is coming — and two bands are going home.