The EART Guitarist & Bassist Competition brings together numerous talented musicians. Behind this musical extravaganza, there is a group of music-loving and experienced members of the organizing committee and jury who safeguard the fairness and professionalism of the competition. Next, let's get to know these music dream-makers and find out who they are and what professional backgrounds they have. They are respectively:
Organizing Committee:
- Chairman:WeiGuo Zhao（Founder and CEO of EART Guitars）
Zhao Weiguo is the founder and chairman of EART Guitars, a comprehensive company established 20 years ago that specializes in the research, design, production, sales, and education related to musical instruments, particularly electric guitars. Under his leadership, EART Guitars has become a prominent name in the industry, known for its innovative products and high-quality craftsmanship.
EART Guitars has successfully hosted 14 editions of the "EART Cup National Electric Guitar Competition" and 13 editions of the "Industry-Academia-Research-Application Summit Forum." Zhao Weiguo also serves as the president of the Electric Guitar Technology Research Association under the China Musical Instrument Association.
Zhao has been instrumental in promoting the integration of guitar culture and education, collaborating with renowned institutions such as the Sichuan Conservatory of Music and Tianjin Conservatory of Music. He has also established the EART Art Academy and developed over 500 "EART Guitar Classrooms" across China. His efforts have significantly contributed to the advancement of guitar education and the broader music industry in China.
Recently, Zhao has been focused on expanding EART Guitars' presence in global markets, aiming to introduce the brand to over 150 countries in the coming years. His vision and dedication have solidified EART Guitars as a leader in both the domestic and international music industry
- Vice Chairman:Leonardo Javier Abbiatici (EART Latin America, Music Producer)
Leonardo Javier Abbiatici serves as CEO of EART Latin America. Since joining the EART team, he has successfully contributed to the global expansion and development of EART Guitars. His extensive experience as an OEM brand developer for different retailers around the world (Carrefour, Makro, Groupe Casino, Walmart, Cencosud and others) and his specialization in digital marketing has been an invaluable contribution to the growth of the brand. Between 2016 and 2021, he served as CEO of the ENERGIZER and EVEREADY brand licenses for all of South America.
In addition, he works as a music producer for the 404.step label, collaborating with internationally renowned artists.
Performance Experience:
Extensive performance experience in South America as guitarist and singer of:
- Fridda Rock
- El Mendigo Rock
Judging Committee:
- Honorary Advisor:Neil Portnow (Former Recording Academy/GRAMMY President/CEO)
Neil Portnow served as the Chairman and CEO of the Recording Academy (NARAS), commonly known as the Grammy Awards, from 2002 to 2019. His tenure of 17 years made him one of the longest-serving presidents in the history of the Grammy Awards.
Under his leadership, the Grammy Awards underwent significant reforms and expansion. Portnow oversaw the introduction of new award categories, the expansion of the awards to include a broader range of musical genres, and the construction of the Grammy Museum. He also played a pivotal role in advancing key educational and charitable initiatives such as "Grammy in the Schools" and "Musicares."
Born in New York, Portnow graduated from the University of Southern California. Before his role at the Recording Academy, he worked in the music industry as a record producer and music publisher, collaborating with numerous renowned artists across pop, rock, classical, and jazz genres. In addition to his role at the Grammy Awards, he also served as the chairman of the Grammy Foundation, focusing on supporting music education and protecting the rights of musicians.
During his time as the head of the Grammy Awards, Portnow was widely recognized as a key figure in the music industry, making significant contributions to the promotion and preservation of music. His leadership was marked by a commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and enhancing transparency and fairness in the global music industry.
- Chairman of the Judging Committee:Liunian Bian (Chinese National First-Class Composer, Performer)
Bian Liunian is a renowned figure in the Chinese music industry, known for his contributions as a composer, musician, and music director. He currently serves as the Music Director for the China Oriental Performing Arts Group, where he has played a pivotal role in blending traditional Chinese music with modern electronic elements. This innovative approach has helped push the boundaries of "New Chinese Folk Music" and brought traditional Chinese sounds into the contemporary music scene.
Bian Liunian has an extensive body of work, having composed and produced over 3,000 music pieces by 2011. His works are known for integrating traditional and modern musical styles, which has earned him significant acclaim both in China and internationally. Additionally, he has held various important roles in national and cultural organizations, further cementing his influence in the industry.
His contributions have been recognized through various awards and honors, and he remains a prominent figure in the promotion and development of modern Chinese music.
- Dean of the Music School, Sichuan Academy of Culture and Arts
- Chief Music Designer of the Beijing Olympic Games Closing Ceremony
- National First-Class Composer and Performer
- Vice President of the China Association of Recording Engineers
- Member of the China MIDI Society
- Member of the China Light Music Society
- Member of the Chinese Musicians Association
- Music Director of the Nanjing Youth Olympic Games
- Music Director of the Oriental Song and Dance Troupe
- EART signed artist
- Vice Chairman:Mike Clink (American GRAMMY record producer)
Mike Clink is an American record producer. He began his career as an engineer at Record Plant Studios, recording such bands as Whitesnake, Triumph, Guns N' Roses, Mötley Crüe, Megadeth, UFO (including Strangers in the Night), Jefferson Starship, the Babys, Heart, Eddie Money, and many others.
Clink began producing in 1986. "After a series of failed attempts", Steve Kurutz at AllMusic noted, "a young band named Guns N' Roses asked Clink to produce their debut album, Appetite for Destruction." "We could have made it all smooth and polished with (original producer) Spencer Proffer," noted Axl Rose, "[but] it was too fucking radio (i.e., radio-friendly). That's why we went with Mike Clink."
In 1988, Clink began work on Metallica's ...And Justice for All but was replaced with Flemming Rasmussen, who had helmed the band's preceding two albums.
In 1989, Clink produced the Sea Hags' critically acclaimed, self-titled debut album, recorded at Captain and Tennille's Rumbo Recorders. It would be the band's only album. The following year, Clink coproduced the successful Rust in Peace by American thrash metal band Megadeth. He left the project shortly before finishing it in order to work with Guns N' Roses.
In 1996, Clink moved away from the metal genre to produce an album for the pop punk band Size 14, released on Volcano Entertainment, part of BMG.
In 2001, he produced the album Glamorous Youth for the Houston rock band Pure Rubbish, signed to Ozzy Osbourne's label, Divine Recordings.
An entrepreneur, Clink frequently speaks on panels focusing on digital rights, new media technology, and copyright protection.
- Vice Chairman:Thomas R. Kolb (Professor at MI College, USA)
Tom Kolb has been a professional guitarist/vocalist his entire adult life. A veteran of over 7,000 live performances and recording sessions worldwide, he has participated in just about every musical situation imaginable. From the concert stage (with Edgar Winter, Mark Lindsay, Jan and Dean, Mitch Ryder, Babyface, Mark McGrath, and Andrea Bocelli, and Tom's own band The Gurus), to television (Bones, Modern Family, and Glee), including intimate private jam sessions with a wide variety of artists (Tom Jones, Pete Seeger, Joe Walsh, Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber, and even Steven Spielberg!), Tom has enjoyed a diverse performing career, to say the least!
Tom also maintains a successful career as a teacher, author, and composer. An instructor at the world-famous Musicians Institute (Hollywood, CA) since 1989, he is also the author of several popular guitar instructional books (Music Theory for Guitarists; Connecting Pentatonic Patterns; Soloing Strategies; Modes for the Lead Guitarist; Amazing Phrasing; 101 Chord Progressions from Folk to Funk), hundreds of magazine articles (Guitar Player, Guitar World, Guitar One, Premier Guitar, Guitar Edge), and has composed music for commercials (Herbalife and Ameriquest), television (Bones), and film (Stigmatza). Tom is also the featured artist in a wide assortment of guitar instructional videos, available both in DVD form and downloadable at atdguitarinstructor.com. A self-professed 'progressive blues/rock guitarist' at heart, Tom Kolb is equally well-versed in funk, country, fusion, and traditional jazz guitar styles.”
- Judges:
Lin Wu (Young Guitarist, EART Brand Ambassador, Guitar Lecturer at Weifang University of Music)
- Runner-up in the National Original Group of the Guitar China EART Cup Electric Guitar Competition
- Editor of Exam Questions for the Talent Center of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China
- Judge for the EART Cup National Guitar Competitions
- Collaborating Artist with NUX Effects
- Online Electric Guitar Instructor for Guitar China
- Endorser for the EART Brand
Alan Iarussi (Internationally Renowned Guitarist, Educator, Content Creator)
Alan Iarussi is an Argentinian guitarist and educator. He started playing guitar at 13 years old, inspired by Guns and Roses and Stevie Ray Vaughan, and spent the following years learning guitar and playing in local Rock & Blues bands.
From 2009 to 2014, he studied a career in Music Education specialized in Jazz Guitar, developing a love for Jazz harmony. Now his style is a mix among many styles, mainly Rock, Blues and Jazz.Alan has been uploading videos to the main online platforms since 2014 and he has managed to grow a big following on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube and Tiktok, doing lessons, sharing his music and shooting product demos for some of the best companies in the music industry, such as PRS, Kiesel Guitars, Guild Guitars, Strandberg Guitars, EART Guitars, Neural DSP, Two Notes, Neunaber Audio, Walrus, Earthquaker Devices, Lunastone, GFI Systems, DSM Humboldt, Source Audio and Chase Bliss Audio, among others .Nowadays, he's spending his days gigging, teaching guitar and writting music.
Above is the introduction to the members of the organizing committee and the judging panel of this competition.Of course, in addition to the aforementioned authoritative and renowned judges, we have also invited numerous outstanding musician representatives to join the judging panel of this event. They possess extensive musical experience and exceptional professional qualities. With a rigorous attitude and fair judgment, they will provide invaluable opinions and suggestions to each and every contestant.We have always firmly believed that the professionalism and fairness of this competition are unquestionable.
Here, you will have the opportunity to compete with top musical talents, showcasing your remarkable skills and unique creations. EART will continue to serve as a witness on your musical journey, accompanying you as you navigate the waves of the ocean of music, and together we will write a glorious chapter belonging to music. We eagerly anticipate your exceptional performance in this competition!