Beyond the Mic

Featuring rising Hawai‘i Island musicians

Hawai‘i Island musicians! Apply to be featured on Beyond the Mic, a 30-minute music showcase spotlighting rising talent! This series brings the mele (songs) and mo‘olelo (stories) of our local music artists to a wider audience through professionally produced episodes.

Who can apply? Solo artists and music groups, 18 years of age and older, of any genre based on Hawai‘i Island are welcome to apply. To be considered, submit:

  • One original song

  • One cover song

  • A short video (up to 5 minutes) sharing what inspires your work and why you want to be featured.

Selected artists should be ready to perform 4-5 songs as part of their featured episode.

Deadline to apply: Friday, July 27, 2025 at 11:59PM.

Selection notifications: Sent by August 1, 2025.

Four artists will be selected and paired with Nā Leo TV’ production team to co-create their episode. Filming will take place in September, and episodes will premiere in December 2025 across Nā Leo TV’s broadcast and digital platforms, with special in-person screenings in Hilo and Kona.

Beyond the Mic is made possible with generous support from the Sunderland Family.

Beyond the Mic amplifies Hawai‘i Island musicians by offering exposure through a professionally produced media package to expand audience reach, development opportunities for community partners and youth interns to gain hands-on production experience, and impact with a boost to the local creative economy by celebrating homegrown talent in front of and behind the camera.