Aloft Hotels has announced the launch of Project Aloft Star. It is the fifth annual global talent discovery competition aimed to identify and support the hottest emerging music artists.

It was announced with an exclusive event in Los Angeles featuring performances by 2013 Project Aloft Star winner, My Body, and Nylon magazine’s June / July music issue cover artist, HAIM.

For the fifth year, a panel of expert judges – including Nylon’s music execs, Nylon Guys’ Josh Madden, and Aloft Music insiders, will comb through submissions to identify the 10 acts that will advance to the fan voting round on Facebook.

Then, starting August 24, it’s up to Aloft Facebook fans and music lovers all over the world to vote for their favorite act and help select the 2014 Project Aloft Star.

The winner will become a Spotlight artist for the Live at Aloft Hotels music series, performing at some of the brand’s most exciting destinations later this year, meet with Nylon Records execs, and be featured in Nylon’s November issue.

Now through July 27, unsigned bands and artists are invited to upload an original song to LiveAtAloftHotels.com for the chance to be named the 2014 Project Aloft Star winner.

This marks the beginning of the global search for emerging artists residing in the Americas. Project Aloft Star will kick off for new and rising artists in Asia Pacific later this summer.

In the picture above: (L-R) Musicians Danielle Haim, Este Haim and Alana Haim of HAIM attend NYLON x Aloft Hotels celebrate The Music Issue with cover star HAIM on May 26, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Jonathan Leibson / Getty Images for EFG