Public Voting Opens for the EERA Young Talents Contest

The EERA – East European Rock Alliance Young Talents Contest officially enters its next phase as public voting opens today.

Following a successful application period that attracted over 130 bands from across Eastern Europe, 88 bands met the eligibility criteria regarding geography and age, and have advanced to the Online Competition – Phase 1, taking place from 2 June to 15 June 2025 (midnight CET).

These emerging artists are now competing within three regional sections:
– Romania & Moldova: 26 bands
– Slovakia & Czech Republic: 26 bands
– Poland: 36 bands

The winner of each section will perform live at the EERA Final Festival, held at Arenele Romane in Bucharest, on 31 October – 1 November 2025.

Voting Procedure

Public voting is hosted on the official EERA website:
https://rock-alliance.eu/young-artist-contest/artists

To vote, users must:
1. Select their desired section
2. Click on any “Vote Now” button
3. Choose a minimum of three bands
4. Enter a valid email address, accept the privacy policy and click on “Submit Your Vote” button
5. Confirm their vote via the link received by email

Each individual may vote once. The top ten bands in each section will be awarded points from 10 (first place) down to 1 (tenth place). In the event of a tie, the average of the tied positions’ scores will be allocated accordingly.

The final ranking in each section will be based on an equal weighting (50/50) between the public vote and the evaluations of a professional jury. In case of a tie in the combined results, the jury score will determine the final ranking.

The Jury

Adrian Uritescu (LowBass5 Studio, Dirty Shirt), Alex Crăciun (Radio 7), Bartek Stolarek (Pol’and’Rock, DOKU), Bartosz Krusznicki (Łydka Grubasa, Rockfan Poland), Bogdan & Klaws (Metalfan Romania), Cristian Hrubaru (Rock FM), Dawid Zygmunt (Radio Eska Rock), Dominika Martišek (HO Management, Helfest), Doru Ionescu (TVR, Rock FM), Eduard Kopček (Moja Muzika, Slovak Music Clubs Association, Stromoradie), Eryk Laboga (Laboga), Jakub Tirčo (Heľenine Oči, Ions), Laurentiu Straut (Wacken Metal Battle Romania), Lenti Chiriac (Radio Romania, Heavy Metal Magazine), Maciej Charytoniak (Łydka Grubasa), Martin Mihalcin (Heľenine Oči, Helfest), Matej Sifon Mervart (Rádio Rock, Europa 2 Radio, SiFondeles), Mihai Tivadar (Dirty Shirt, Promusic Events), Nelu Brindusan (Promusic Events, Maximum Rock), Paul Ilea (Românii au talent, Vocea României, Sensor), Piotr Miazek (Pol’and’Rock, DOKU), Rafał Siekierzyński (Strefa Music Art), Ross Davies (Two Notes Audio Engineering), Sergio Ponti (Musora/Drumeo, Dirty Shirt), Vlad Toca (Meze, Dirty Shirt).

Awards and Recognition

The contest offers prizes valued at over €10,000, including:
– €4,500 in cash
– Professional music gear, software licenses, and studio sessions
– Live performance opportunities, including participation in the EERA Final Festival in Bucharest

About the Project

The EERA Young Talents Contest is part of the East European Rock Alliance, a cross-border initiative dedicated to supporting emerging rock artists from Eastern Europe. The project offers participants increased visibility, access to international industry networks, and professional development opportunities.

The project is funded by the European Union through the Creative Europe programme.

Sponsors
Creative Europe Programme, Meze Audio, Drumeo, Musora, Two Notes, Laboga, Hertz Recording, Hertz Drums, M-Live, LowBass5 Studio, Hel’fest, Promusic Events

Disclaimer

Project funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.