PACE RHYTHM PROJECT
ARTIST TALENT and CASTING CALL
Maryland-Based Music Collaboration & Competition Series
Different Roots. Shared Rhythms. Original Sound.
THE OPPORTUNITY
What happens when musicians from different backgrounds come together to create music that none of them would have made alone?
PACE — Pan-African Collaborative Exchange — is developing the PACE Rhythm Project, a music collaboration platform connecting artists through original music, cultural exchange, experimentation, and creative discovery.
We are inviting musicians, vocalists, producers, composers, instrumentalists, and other music creators to express interest in becoming part of the project's founding artist community, with initial production and collaboration activities centered in Maryland.
We are looking for artists who bring more than talent. We want people who are curious, creative, open to new musical influences, and excited about building something with other artists.
WHAT IS THE PACE RHYTHM PROJECT?
The PACE Rhythm Project brings artists together to explore how different musical traditions, experiences, instruments, rhythms, and creative approaches can inspire original work.
Successful applicants will be selected to participate in small group workshops where they collaborate through guided creative challenges, shared musical prompts, reinterpretation of musical ideas, songwriting, production sessions, and the development of original compositions.
These workshops will be used to create pilot footage for a developing series that may include filmed creative sessions, artist interviews, collaborative challenges, original recordings, and live showcases in Maryland. The workshops will also be utilized to identify cast members and participants in an eventual series pending a successful pilot formation.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
We welcome expressions of interest from:
Vocalists and singers — lead vocalists, backing vocalists, and traditional or contemporary vocal artists.
Instrumentalists — percussionists, drummers, guitarists, bassists, keyboardists, string players, and musicians who perform on traditional or contemporary instruments.
Music producers and beatmakers — artists who create, arrange, sample, mix, or develop musical ideas.
Songwriters and composers — creators interested in building original work with other musicians.
Traditional and contemporary musicians — artists working in African musical traditions, diaspora genres, jazz, hip-hop, R&B, Afrobeats, reggae, electronic music, and other styles.
Experimental and cross-genre artists — musicians who enjoy exploring unfamiliar sounds and combining different approaches.
Artists based in Maryland and the broader Washington, D.C., metropolitan area are especially encouraged to express interest in the initial production activities casting workshops and participant screenings will occur in person at PACE studios in Fort Washington, MD and the PACE Soundstage nearby.
Artists from across the United States, Africa, and the global African diaspora are also welcome to submit their interest, particularly if they are able to participate in Maryland-based activities when required.
We welcome emerging talent as well as experienced artists. You do not need a record deal, a large social media following, or a particular level of industry recognition to be considered.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We are interested in artists who demonstrate some combination of:
A distinctive musical voice or creative perspective.
Strong musical ability or promising creative potential.
An interest in collaborating across genres, cultures, and musical traditions.
A willingness to experiment and learn from other artists.
Reliability, professionalism, and the ability to participate in a collaborative process.
An interest in creating original music and sharing the story behind the creative process.
We are not looking for one particular sound. We are looking for artists whose different sounds could produce something exciting together.
WHAT PARTICIPATION MAY INVOLVE
Depending on the format and development of the series, selected artists may be invited to participate in activities such as:
Collaborative music-making and recording sessions.
Creative challenges built around shared musical prompts or source material.
Songwriting, arranging, production, and musical experimentation.
Interviews and behind-the-scenes documentation of the creative process.
Development of original compositions and collaborative recordings.
Potential filmed features and live showcases in Maryland.
Specific activities, schedules, participation requirements, compensation, and recording and usage rights will be communicated and agreed upon in writing before artists commit to a particular production or recording activity.
Submitting an expression of interest does not guarantee selection or participation in a paid engagement.
HOW TO EXPRESS INTEREST
To be considered, please prepare the following:
1. Your introduction
Tell us your name, where you are based, and how you describe your role as a music creator (can be written or video)
2. Your musical background
Tell us about your sound, musical influences, instruments, genres, traditions, or creative approach. (can be written or video)
3. Your music
Share one to three examples of your work. These may be links to recordings, performances, original compositions, production samples, or videos that demonstrate your musical abilities.
4. Your collaboration interests
Tell us what excites you about creating music with artists whose backgrounds or musical styles may differ from your own. (can be written or video)
5. Your availability
Let us know whether you can participate in music sessions, filming, rehearsals, or other activities in Maryland starting in early December 2026. If you are based elsewhere, please describe your ability to travel or participate remotely.
6. Your contact information
Provide your preferred email address and any relevant artist website or social media links.
Submit your expression of interest: jeff@PaceInternational.org
Submission deadline: November 30, 2026
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
PACE will review submissions for musical ability, creative perspective, collaboration potential, and the mix of artists needed to build an engaging founding group.
Shortlisted applicants may be contacted for a conversation, interview, informal musical session, or additional work samples.
Selected artists will receive further information about the project's format, expectations, schedule, and applicable participation terms before confirming their involvement.