1. What is MOA?
MOA stands for Mobile Artist. It is a singing competition based on auditions that are conducted via mobile phone. Finalists are determined by the number of views they attain on their Mobile Artist web site. Once narrowed down competitors are then judged by industry experts based on live performance. The winner(s) receive a single deal with EMI/Capitol/Virgin.
2. How was it conceived?
MOA SEASON 1, The Digital Series, was conceived by Jay Baguioro of Magnus Dux Canada, a media entrepreneur & EMI Music Canada who saw the limitations that concepts like Canadian idol present to individuals who could not make it to or travel great distances to a live audition.
3. Farley, you've been a highly visible champion of new talent in Canada for a long time - what is your involvement and why are you passionate about it?
Throughout my career I have believed that talent has no boundaries or borders and reality television has certainly proved that. My involvement in MOA is as head judge and host for the franchise and consultant to Jay Baguioro the innovator. I remain passionate about the discovery of talent because it benefits the art form to introduce new players all the time. I enjoy being part of that.
4. What is the "Get mobile, get discovered" contest and how does it work?
Enter the Get Mobile Get Discovered™ Music competition! Simply sign up for your free profile on www.moartist.com, then
- Create your user profile
- Upload your music, photos, videos and bio
- Choose your custom URL or Keyword
- Get more votes by adding the MOA widget to your personal website!
So in a nut-shell this is how the competitions goes:
Three (3) months is one cycle, every cycle we'll choose 10 winners from the top 25. If you weren't picked for the first 10 don't worry we reset the voting so everyone starts off the next cycle on a clean slate. That will happen every time a cycle ends, It's like getting 3 chances to compete at being one of the 10! After 3 cycles or 9 months we will have 30 winners. Those 30 winners will be the Finalists. Of those Finalists the MOA community and EMI will decide on the one artist/band Grand Prize winner.
Further more for those who may have signed up in the later part of the cycle and feel they are at a disadvantage, there will be 2 wild cards every cycle that despite not being in the top 25 they will have a chance to still be chosen as one of the 10 winners. These wild cards will be based on how many votes and the activity you accumulate in the short period of time before the cycle ends.
5. How does the point system work to help artists develop new fans?
Top 25: The Point System
The following is the "Buzz" points system used when calculating who ends up in the Top 25. At the end of the cycle, those in the Cycle Top 25 will be eligible for being picked as a Cycle Winner.
Activity
Points
1 Vote limit two (2) per day - 1 website vote and a 1 SMS Text vote per fan
100
1 Mobile List Member
75
1 Fan
50
1 Track Play limit one (1) per day, per fan, per track
15
1 Comment
5
1 Profile View limit one (1) per day, per fan
1
6. Why is mobile the primary focus of this contest?
Mobile is the primary focus of the contest because it maximizes access for participant. From Nunavut to Sarnia and from Sidney BC to Sydney NS any and everyone can try their hand at fame.
7. This is the second season - what happened with the Season One winners and how has it helped their careers?
The Top 10 from season 1 are included on a compilation being released by EMI/Capitol/Virgin and the winners will also receive publishing, marketing and promotional support for their singles.
Regarding season 2…well, you have to tune in and watch the series to find out who won…be sure to vote for your Peoples Choice Award Artist using your MiiScan App www.miiscan.com and a chance to win $5k
SEASON 2 Digital Auditions begin Sept 2012
8. Any tips for musicians signing up?
The one tip I would offer to musicians signing up is to be as unique and creative as possible but with a strong sense of popular appeal. Also they should remember that visual appeal is equally as important as aural appeal. Video allow one to be creative and innovative so as much as can be done to capture audiences in such a short period of time, the better!