For only three nights, the Aloft Abu Dhabi will play host to the most talented up-and coming rock talent in the Middle East. And you are invited.

The shortlisted bands from the Middle East in the “Play & Stay at Aloft” contest will battle it out to take home the ultimate prize – to write and record a new track with indie rockers We Are Scientists in a custom-built studio at Aloft London Excel.

The live gigs will also become each band’s final “audition” for the grand prize and with auditions taking place in Brussels, London and Abu Dhabi, competition will be intense. Middle East bands will be encouraged to drum up as much buzz as they can from fans, who can watch their gigs for free on the 13th, 20th and 27th of September at the Aloft Abu Dhabi.

Aloft, the sizzling “style at a steal” brand from Starwood Hotels & Resorts, is partnering with hot indie rockers We Are Scientists to discover the world’s hottest unsigned band.

The groundbreaking “Play & Stay at Aloft” continues Aloft’s dedication to giving new talent a world stage to connect with audiences. Aloft recently announced the biggest lineup ever for “Live at Aloft Hotels”, the performance series that showcases up-and-coming artists at Aloft properties around the world, including Aloft Abu Dhabi. Aloft also became the first hotel brand to “break” a new musical artist when its “Project Aloft Star” talent competition launched in 2010.

Aloft has been conquering the globe with style since launching in 2005. Industry-rocking initiatives in music, design, and technology have positioned Aloft as a must-have brand for the next generation of travelers. The sizzling “style at a steal” brand blends modern and vibrant design with a social guest experience. Select Aloft hotels within the portfolio have earned designations in TripAdvisor’s 2012 "Top 25 Trendiest Hotels in the World" rankings.

The winning “Play & Stay at Aloft” band will spend 12 hours with We Are Scientists in a converted suite at Aloft London Excel writing and recording a brand-new track. The track will then get its global debut in an exclusive live gig with We Are Scientists at Aloft London Excel on 1st November.

In an Aloft twist on the conventional recording process, fans will be able to interact with the winning band via a live stream on Facebook for the 12-hour session. The band will be able to view suggestions and take inspiration from followers to help create the new single.

Formed in Berkeley, California in 2000, We Are Scientists achieved their breakthrough with 2006’s ’With Love and Squalor’, which sold 100,000 in the first six months. They achieved further success with their albums ’Brain Thrust Mastery’ and ‘Barbara’ in 2008 and 2010 respectively. The band is currently recording their new album due for release in early 2013.

“We’re looking forward to spending 12 hours locked away with the winning band at Aloft London Excel creating what is destined to be something pretty incredible” said Keith Murray, one half of We Are Scientists. “It’s definitely going to be interesting to see what fans suggest through Facebook!”

We accept Guest Posts