Singing

Voice of the City - Singing Contest

A citywide search for the most promising solo vocalist. All genres welcome - playback, classical, indie and originals.

Rules & Guidelines

1. One song per participant, solo vocals only. Any genre: film, classical, folk, indie or your own original. 2. Record live in the TurnOn Talent app in one continuous take of up to 5 minutes. No editing, auto-tune, filters or pre-recorded audio. 3. Sing unaccompanied, play your own instrument, or use an instrumental backing track (no reference vocals). Keep the track softer than your voice. 4. Your face must be clearly visible: phone at eye level, about 1 metre away, in a quiet room. 5. Submit your video before the contest date shown above. You can record again until then; only your latest video is judged. 6. Judged on voice quality, pitch and rhythm, and expression. The judges' decision is final.

How to record your video

Tips for Singing entries · up to 5 minutes

Camera & framing

Place the phone at eye level, about an arm’s length (1 metre) away, with your face and shoulders in the frame.

Sound

Sing in a room with curtains or soft furniture — avoid echoey rooms like bathrooms.
Keep a backing track softer than your voice, from a speaker behind the phone, or sing without music.

Your performance

Stay at the same distance for the whole song and don’t cover the microphone.

Checklist for every video

Record in a bright place — face a window or a lamp. Don’t stand with a light or window behind you.
Keep the phone steady on a stand, tripod or a stack of books instead of holding it.
Pick a quiet place: switch off the fan, TV and music, and tell your family you’re recording.
Use a plain, tidy background so the judges focus on you.
Charge your phone and use Wi-Fi if you can — a 5-minute video is about 60 MB to upload.
Record live in the app in one continuous take of up to 5 minutes. No editing, filters or old videos.
Watch the preview before you submit. You can record again until the contest date — only your latest video counts.