Airtab Music has announced a new edition of its Open for an Icon competition, which offers an unsigned or emerging artist the chance to have three songs produced by Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins. The contest is tied to the forthcoming concert film “Janet Jackson: Control 40 — Four Decades of Hits,” directed by Leslie Small, though the companies stress the announcement does not imply Jackson’s endorsement or participation in the competition.
Judges for the competition include Jerkins, Small and Airtab Music founder and CEO Dennis Cunningham. According to the announcement, the initiative is designed to give an emerging artist direct access to a producer who has worked with acts including Michael Jackson, Beyoncé, Whitney Houston, Brandy, Destiny’s Child, Lady Gaga, Sam Smith, Rosalía and SZA.
The competition also benefits Save Our Musicians Foundation, a nonprofit affiliated with Airtab that supports independent musicians through outreach, showcases, job placement assistance and music education programming. Airtab says past editions of Open for an Icon have connected artists with performance opportunities at SunFest and the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball tour. Submission dates, eligibility rules and further details are expected to be posted at the competition’s website.
Based on a press release provided to Music Industry Weekly by The Press House.