Firestone returns with Road to the Main Stage

Firestone is building on its long-standing commitment to grassroots music by once again giving up-and-coming artists and groups the chance to compete in the Road to the Main Stage competition, for a second year in partnership with Deezer. In addition to playing on the Firestone stage at Rock en Seine, which takes place in Paris on 23 and 25-27 August 2023, the winning act amongst this year’s unsigned talent will win a recording session with Deezer in Paris.

“What separates Road to the Main Stage from so many other grassroots initiatives is the incredible prizes afforded to the winning artists,” comments Andy Mathias, Firestone UK marketing manager. “The lucky winner will get to perform on the Firestone Stage at Rock en Seine, along with winning studio time Paris, which will help propel one talented act to the opportunity to perform to a live audience at an amazing music event.

“Just like Firestone tyres, our music programme has developed and evolved and our partnership with Deezer continues to add credibility and prestige to our competition,” adds Mathais.

Three-stage process

Hosted on a dedicated platform, the competition is punctuated by three highlights:

1. Call for entries (until 22 March 2023): young artists are called upon to apply directly on the platform by submitting their best project (track or EP) as well as a description of their musical universe and a few photos. To participate, artists must not have signed a contract with a record company, nor have released a full album.

2. Pre-selection and public vote (12 April to 24 May 2023): several artists are pre-selected by Firestone and the Deezer teams to continue the competition. The shortlisted projects are then voted on by Deezer users to choose their favourite artist.

3. Selection of the Grand Prize Winner (15 June 2023): the artist with the most public votes is then elected the Grand Prize Winner of the competition. He/she will have the chance to perform on the Firestone stage at Rock en Seine. In addition, the winner will receive a recording session at the Deezer studio in Paris and their artist profile will be featured on the platform.

Firestone adds that each phase of the competition will be supported by a “powerful audio, video and display media plan” on Deezer.