Star Sessions COS is a live music performance series produced by Star and Tribune that showcases rising musical talent through intimate, city-based concerts. These events feature unsigned or independently released artists across genres including indie rock, soul, hip-hop, and electronic music, with each show lasting approximately 60 minutes.
The acronym "COS" stands for "City of Sound," reflecting the series' focus on local music scenes and regional artist discovery. Events are held in venues such as rooftop bars, art galleries, and small theaters, prioritizing acoustically balanced spaces that improve the listener's experience. Each session includes four to six performers, selected through a vetting process that evaluates originality, stage presence, and audience engagement potential.
Star Sessions COS began in 2021 as a digital extension of Star and Tribune's music journalism initiative. The first physical event took place in Austin, Texas, drawing 220 attendees. Since then, the series has expanded to 14 U.S. markets, including Nashville, Portland, and Detroit. The average ticket price is $15, with 20% of proceeds supporting local music education programs.
Each Star Sessions COS event follows a consistent format. Performances begin at 7:30 PM local time and last 50 minutes, with a 10-minute intermission between sets. Artists are assigned slots based on genre balance and pacing, ensuring a changing flow. A rotating panel of local music critics and industry professionals selects participants from a public submission portal.
Artists submit demo recordings, video clips, and press kits via the Star and Tribune website. Submissions are reviewed within 14 days. Selected acts receive a $200 honorarium, free travel accommodations for out-of-town performers, and a professional photo shoot. The series uses a tiered selection model: Tier 1 includes artists with at least 5,000 monthly Spotify listeners or 10,000 YouTube views; Tier 2 includes those with fewer than 5,000 streams but strong live performance footage.
For example, in May 2023, a Brooklyn-based indie pop duo named Luma Sky performed at the Star Sessions COS event in Philadelphia. They had previously released two EPs independently and accumulated 12,000 monthly Spotify listeners. Their set included three original songs and a cover of "Electric Feel" by MGMT. After the show, they received a feature in the following week's Star and Tribune print edition and were invited to perform at a follow-up showcase in Chicago.
Star Sessions COS events fall into three categories based on scale and production level:
| Type | Capacity | Production Level | Example Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Edition | 50-150 | Minimal tech, no lighting crew | Community center, bookstore stage |
| Metropolitan Show | 200-400 | Full sound system, basic lighting | Rooftop bar, gallery space |
| Regional Festival | 500+ | Professional audio, stage design, video feed | Indoor theater, historic venue |
Most events are categorized as Metropolitan Shows. These take place in repurposed industrial spaces or cultural hubs. For instance, the June 2023 Star Sessions COS event in Minneapolis occurred at the former warehouse space of the North Loop Arts District, which was converted into a temporary performance hall with suspended speakers and ambient LED strips.
A common misconception is that Star Sessions COS only features unsigned acts. While most performers are independent, the series occasionally invites established artists who have not yet signed with major labels. This allows exposure for musicians still building their careers while maintaining the series' mission of discovering new voices.
Star Sessions COS is often mistaken for a national tour or a record label. It is neither. The series does not sign artists to contracts or distribute music commercially. Instead, it functions as a platform for visibility and networking. According to the National Association of Music Publishers (NAMP), 68% of artists who performed at Star Sessions COS events reported increased fan engagement within three months of their appearance.
Another misunderstanding is that all events are free. While some Local Editions are offered at no cost, Metropolitan Shows charge $15-$25 per ticket. Revenue supports venue rentals, technical crews, and artist stipends. The series does not accept sponsorships from beverage brands or streaming platforms, maintaining editorial independence.
One non-obvious fact: Star Sessions COS uses a proprietary algorithm to match audience demographics with performer profiles. Data from 2022 shows that audiences in cities with high college enrollment (e.g., Ann Arbor, Madison) responded most positively to experimental and genre-blending acts. In contrast, suburban markets preferred traditional songwriting structures and clear vocal delivery.
I attended the Star Sessions COS event in Denver during the summer of 2022. The venue was a converted auto repair shop with exposed ductwork and polished concrete floors. The sound quality was strong-engineered by a team trained in acoustic modeling software. I saw a jazz-funk trio from Oakland perform a 20-minute set that included a live drum loop and improvisational saxophone solos. After the show, I spoke with the lead singer, who later secured a residency at a downtown lounge.
Star Sessions COS has helped launch several careers. In 2023, a solo artist from Albuquerque named Jada Reyes gained attention after her Star Sessions COS performance in Phoenix. She was subsequently signed by a boutique label and toured with a nationally recognized act. Her debut album, released in October 2023, reached #1 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart.