Posts Tagged ‘competition’

OKMusic Seeking Holiday Thrills With Halloween Song Competition

Sunday, September 30th, 2012

OKMusic.fm is dying to hear original tunes from unsigned artists for the site’s Halloween Song Contest. The contest is the first from OKMusic’s new series of monthly themed events designed to give undiscovered talent an opportunity for worldwide exposure.

OKMusic is looking for songs that capture the Halloween spirit and summons up the excitement and fun of the annual October holiday. The only rule* is that music entered be an original composition by the submitter. No resurrecting someone else’s moldy oldie and doing a cover, OKMusic wants fresh blood.

The outcome of the contest will be determined by the OKMusic community. The song that has the most likes by October 27 will be the declared the winner.

The winner will get exposure to the social network’s millions of visitors worldwide and be highlighted in the new front page OKMusic “Featured Artist” pane. Special treats will include a crystalline star trophy laser-etched with the artist/band’s name, OKMusic winner stickers the artist/band can use to promote themselves locally and a nationally distributed press release about the winning band and song.

“The OKMusic Halloween song contest is the first of many monthly contests designed to provide our artists with opportunities to build a fan base,” Akiko Asami, CEO, OKMusic, explains. “Our mission is to help our members get discovered.”

Recently, Canadian artist Rich Chambers had a song selected for the soundtrack of an upcoming Hollywood film, Chilly Christmas, through a contest on the site.

To learn more about OKMusic or hear indie artists from around the globe, visit the free site at http://okmusic.fm.

Full contest rules are available at http://okmusic.fm/#!/events/halloween

*By entering this contest, you agree to grant us a non-transferable option to claim, for now and forever, your immortal soul. Should we exercise this option, you agree to surrender any claim you may have to it, within 5 (five) working days of receiving written notification from OKMusic.fm. This contract may not be challenged in court or through binding arbitration. Souls may only be regained through a “rock off” against an infernal being of OKMusic’s designation.

Media Contacts:
Derek Asato/Robert Brown
The Bohle Company
(310) 785-0515 ext. 201/231
derek@bohle.com / robert@bohle.com

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iWantJam Wants Your Band To Join Its Ranks

Monday, May 28th, 2012

Cairo-based entrepreneurs and bothers Moataz El-Gohary and Moe Gohary announced the upcoming beta launch of iWantJam, a brand new type of music site that aims to connect musicians and fans worldwide through live shows, video streaming and social media. In anticipation of the launch, musicians and bands worldwide are invited to enter for consideration to be an ‘iWantJam Endorsed Musicians’ at http://www.iwantjam.com

IWantJam will be selecting a very limited number of endorsed acts, each receiving prominent exposure through the website such as their music exclusively streamed on the homepage, enhanced artist profile as well as promotion through iWantJam social media sites. Artists and bands will be selected based on a set of criteria reflecting iWantJam’s mission: focused on live music and touring and connecting with fans worldwide through social media.

The functionality of IWantJam allows artists to perform at venues anywhere in the world and stream the video in real time to an international audience through the website. This is a major development for bands who want to increase their following, and also benefits venues as they too enjoy the benefits of a significantly expanded audience. Fans benefit by being able to view live concerts anywhere in the world that are streamed via IWantJam, and they can also provide immediate feedback to the performers. IWantJam takes the interaction between fans, artists, and venues to a whole new level. It’s the next best thing to being there, and maybe even better as you’re sure to avoid the nightmare traffic jams, long walks, and crowds that we’ve all experienced, which are all too commonplace at concerts. More choices, live performances, and greater interaction between artists and fans: Welcome to IWantJam.

info@iwantjam.com
Music: http://www.facebook.com/iWantJam

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17th Annual USA Songwriting Competition Deadline Looms

Wednesday, May 16th, 2012

Deadline is fast approaching for the 17th Annual USA Songwriting Competition, a competition open to all songwriters worldwide. Winning songs of the 17th Annual USA Songwriting Competition will receive airplay on a nationally syndicated radio program “Acoustic Café” as well as Sirius XM Satellite Radio. This is the first Songwriting Competition that gives airplay to the winning songs, giving deserving bands, songwriters the recognition and exposure they deserve.

Entrants stand to win a grand prize of over US$50,000 in cash and music gear from sponsors such as Sony, D’Addario Strings, Ableton, Audio-Technica, Presonus, IK Multimedia, and more, making this the largest prize package for any annual songwriting competition. Other sponsors include: New Music Weekly, Loggins Promotion, AirplayAccess.com, Onboard Research, Acoustica, Livewire Musician, Sonoma Wireworks. Intellitouch Tuners, Reverbnation, Broadjam, Sirius XM Radio, Sonicbids and Soundcloud.

Nenna Yvonne, songwriter from Los Angeles, is the 16th Annual USA Songwriting Competition’s Overall Grand Prize winner was featured in Japan’s Cure Magazine. Nenna Yvonne premiered her winning song “Go Around,” on CBS’s hit TV show “The Mentalist” and currentlly signed to Interscope Records.

Also from Los Angeles, Alexander Cardinale (see pictured, performing at USA Songwriting Competition’s Songwriters Showcase during SXSW Week), 16th Annual USA Songwriting Competition’s First Prize winner (Pop Category and Overall Second Prize Winner had his winning song “Traffic Lights” on the new “90210″ TV program on CW network, aired on March 6, 2012. He was also on Music Connections Magazine’s HOT 100 Unsigned Artists list of the year 2011. Alexander has worked as an actor in Films and TV . Most recently he shot a small, but featured principal role in David Fincher’s hit movie The Social Network, written by Aaron Sorkin. Also soon to be released, he can be seen starring in Chad Peter’s dark comedy, “Apocalypse, CA.”

Molly Hunt won the 16th Annual USA Songwriting Competition First Prize, Country category and Overall Third Prize winner made passed the Hollywood round and Las Vegas round of the Top 60 of American Idol TV show. She is the youngest first prize winner of the USA Songwriting Competition at just 15 years old. Molly will be singing the National Anthem at the Official Detroit Red Wings game two months ago. USA Songwriting Competition winners came from all over the world: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Japan, Denmark, etc.

USA Songwriting Competition has a long history of having winners getting recording and publishing contracts, have their songs placed on the charts as well as having their songs placed on film and television. 2005 First Prize Winner Kate Voegele went on to get signed by Interscope records after her win. Kate shot to Pop stardom and her winning song “Only Fooling Myself” hit Top 40 on the Billboard Charts. Her second album hit top 10 on the Billboard 200 Charts. She also stars on the Hit TV show “One Tree Hill”.

USA Songwriting Competition winner Christopher Tin won two Grammy Awards at the recent 53rd Annual Grammy Awards. This marks a grand historic win, making Christopher the only USA Songwriting Competition winner to win two Grammy Awards in the same year. Christopher Tin won an honorable mention award at the 15th Annual USA Songwriting Competition with the same song “Baba Yetu” that won two Grammy awards.Judges include A&R managers from record labels such as Warner, Capitol Records, Universal, BMG/SONY Music. Songs may be entered in 15 different categories including Pop, Rock/Alternative, R&B and Country. Entries are accepted from now through May 31, 2012.
For more information, visit:
http://www.songwriting.net

Email: info@songwriting.net

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NC Handcrafted Custom Guitar Played By The Winner Of Japan’s 2012 National Finger-picking Competition, Shohei Toyoda

Monday, April 30th, 2012

Shohei Toyoda is a professional guitarist and a guitar instructor, which makes having a high quality instrument extremely important. He worked closely during the custom guitar design process with luthier Jay Lichty to ensure the finished instrument would be the perfect fit for his style of playing.

His custom Lichty guitar is a Cuban mahogany OM-style guitar with Lutz spruce top, Mahogany neck, side sound port, Curly maple binding, redwood burl rosette and headplate, LR Baggs Anthem pick-up, and Gotoh 510 tuners.

Shohei Toyoda was born in Japan, raised in Ohio and now resides back in Japan. He is a graduate of Berklee College of Music. In 2010 he was chosen as one of the top 16 guitarists to compete in Japan’s National Finger Picking Contest and he followed this with a two month / 30 show tour in Japan. In 2011 he landed two prestigious awards: Placement in the top five at the 2011 International Finger-style Championship in Kansas and Grand Champion at the International Thumb Picking Contest in Central City, Kentucky. His most recent achievement is winning 1st place and best arrangement in Japan’s 2012 National Finger-picking Competition.

Shohei Toyoda joins the ranks of top guitarists who play and praise Lichty Guitars. Other professionals who play custom Lichty guitars include: brothers Tom and Mike Gossin of top country band Gloriana, Australian blues/root artist Geoff Achison, Doug Lancio, Nashville producer and lead guitarist for John Hiatt and Patty Griffin, Jody Porter of Fountains of Wayne and Haley Dreis, singer/songwriter.

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About Lichty Guitars
Luthier Jay Lichty builds handmade acoustic guitars and ukuleles in Tryon, NC. He was the winner of the 2010 Made in the South Award and has top performing artists playing his guitars from Australia to Japan to Nashville. He specializes in working with clients to build heirloom quality custom instruments. Learn more at http://www.lichtyguitars.com

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Independent US Label Creates History In Argentina

Tuesday, March 27th, 2012

Boosweet Records the independently owned and operated label based in California since 1999, recently created history in the country of Argentina with its “Guitar Power” guitar competition. The “Guitar Power” program is the brainchild of award winning guitarist/producer/actor and label CEO Vernon Neilly, and Marcelo Roascio who is a partner with Laura Goldar in Todo Guitarra Y Bajo Magazine, the major guitar/bass publication in the Argentine market. Vernon has traveled the world not only as a solo artist, but in the past has worked with legendary artists in the entertainment business. “Guitar Power” was held in the city of Buenos Aires and was sponsored by Boosweet Records, Todo Guitarra Y Bajo Magazine, Seymour Duncan, Xotic Effects, Morley Pedals, Giannini Strings, Tecniforte Cables, Antitodo Guitar Straps, and Guitar Global LLC. 10 finalists were selected to perform live before judges at the historic Bauen Theater in Buenos Aires from multitudes of entries that were received from all over Argentina. The winner Chowy Fernandes received an all expenses paid recording contract with Boosweet Records, as well as gear donated by the sponsors. There were also second and third place winners who received products from the sponsors of the event. Major media outlets in Argentina supported the historic making event such as video channels MTV, CME, and powerhouse Rock & Pop 95.9 radio located in Buenos Aires. Vernon also did countless interviews with major press supporting the “Guitar Power” event. This historical event was a huge success and will be continued due to the attention Boosweet Records and Neilly garnered for the event. This was not the first time that Vernon Neilly and Boosweet records partnered with major brands in the music world. Previously he was recognized for his “Six String Extravaganza” contest with label CEO and guitar icon Steve Vai.

Email: promodept@boosweet.com

Boosweet Records, Guitar Global, and Vernon Neilly are currently running another “Custom Guitar Giveaway”. To be eligible interested parties only have to go to Vernon’s facebook.com fan page at http://www.facebook.com/vernonneillyband like the page and then forward an email to the director of promotions at pierre@boosweet.com to be notified if you win. You can also direct all questions to this address concerning the giveaway. Last day to enter is June 30, 2012.

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Duane O’Conner Captures the Calypso Monarch Title of Trinidad & Tobago

Monday, March 5th, 2012

It has been said that Caribbean countries only appreciate their heroes when they have passed on, but when it comes to Calypso superstar, Duane Donald O’Connor, that isn’t the case. This amazing artist is realizing huge fame while he’s still very much alive, demonstrated on February 20, 2012, when Duane O’Connor dethroned Karene Asche at the Calypso Monarch competition, securing the $1 million first prize. Remaining true to his social and political commentary art form, his two songs, “The Hunt is On” and “Long Live Calypso,” received the judge’s collective nod to take home the crown at the Dimanche Gras show.

As the Young King for 2012, Duane is a unique talent with a love of music heard through his dominant blend of artistic folk music that addresses political, social and Caribbean issues distinctive to his style. Leaving his audiences captivated by his melodic sounds, Duane combines calypso lyrics with mesmerizing rhythms that literally make the heart soar. Born in Port Spain, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, he was drawn to Calypso music at an early age, when even as a toddler, he showed signs of having an ear for music, which his parents noticed immediately. Influenced by his father, who is a prolific composer/song writer and by his mother who supports him wherever and whenever he performs, Duane had the love and encouragement of family right from the very start.

Video

Duane successfully participated in calypso competitions throughout grade school and later went on to the University of the West Indies. Using his education and musical abilities, he masterfully combined his education and musical talent to send a message of unity, responsibility and harmony to the world. His long lists of credits are many and in addition to being crowned the King at the Dimanche Gras show, he has also been a winner of Stars of Tomorrow as well as being a seven time Gold Awardee, five time Young Kings finalist, five time National Calypso semi finalist, three time unmatched Monarch finalist and winner of the Emancipation Monarch in 2003. Songs to his credit include Status, Forget the Branch, Stand T&T, Thriller and Jourvert Morning to name a few. Duane has literally turned his inspired passion into a successful career. In combination with his musical career, Duane also serves as a Police Officer, where he works with youth in the Arts throughout the Western part of the country. Never in the history of the Trinidad & Tobago Police department has a police officer ever captured the prestigious Calypso Monarch title, a title Duane proudly wears.

This week in recognition of his huge win, many articles appeared in publications including Calypso Vibrations, Trinidad and Tobago Newsday, CTNT World, Youtube, Trinidad Express, Guardian Media and Twitter. The generously proportioned 6 feet 7 inch entertainer is a member of the Trinidad and Tobago Junior Calypso organization committee where he stands on a solid foundation as he performs to keep calypso alive. He also serves as a Master of Ceremonies at some of the organization’s important programs and often hosts the annual Kiddies Carnival Calypso show being held in the capital city. As a testament to his talent, his debut CD titled “The Right Voice” was a clear demonstration as to how Duane O’Connor views his role as an entertainer and as a man.

To learn more about Duane you may visit him at www.Calypsovibrations.com or e-mail him at dbernard2010@att.net or thriller4u@gmail.com
Telephone 323-845-5354

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17th Annual USA Songwriting Competition Kicks Off

Friday, January 20th, 2012

Entries are currently being accepted for the 17th Annual USA Songwriting Competition. Winning songs of the 17th Annual USA Songwriting Competition will receive airplay on a nationally syndicated radio program “Acoustic Café” as well as Sirius XM Satellite Radio. This is the first Songwriting Competition that gives airplay to the winning songs, giving deserving bands, songwriters the recognition and exposure they deserve. Entrants stand to win a grand prize of over US$50,000 in cash and music gear from sponsors such as Sony, D’Addario Strings, Audio-Technica, Presonus, IK Multimedia, and more, making this the largest prize package for any annual songwriting competition. Other sponsors include: New Music Weekly, Loggins Promotion, AirplayAccess.com, Onboard Research, Acoustica, Livewire Musician, Sonoma Wireworks, Livewire Musician, etc.

Los Angeles based songwriters Nenna Yvonne and Alexander Cardinale swept the top two positions of the 16th Annual USA Songwriting Competition (2011).

Nigerian born Nenna Yvonne won Overall Grand Prize as well as the first prize of the Pop category with her song “Go Around”. This marks the first time in 6 years that the top song was written by a solo songwriter. Alexander Cardinale and co-writer Morgan Taylor Reid of Los Angeles, CA won first prize in the Pop category as well as Overall Second Prize with their song “Traffic Lights”. Alexander Cardinale is professional Hollywood actor as well as a singe songwriter.

Molly Hunt became the youngest winner in the history of the USA Songwriting Competition at just 15 years old along with co-writers Troy Johnson & Jack Williams from Nashville, TN won first prize in the country category as well as Overall Third Prize with their song “Go There”. For the first time all 10 finalists in the Country category are all collaborations, marking the importance and significance of collaboration in recent years of songwriting.

Helle Hansen, from Denmark is a 10-time consecutive year honorable mention winner, making her the most consecutive year winner so far. Other winners came from Peru, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, South Africa, and Austria

USA Songwriting Competition has a long history of having winners getting recording and publishing contracts, have their songs placed on the charts as well as having their songs placed on film and television. 2009 First Prize winner (country) was signed to Universal Records. 2005 First Prize winner (Pop) Kate Voegele was signed to Interscope Records the year after she won and had her winning song hit top 40 on the Billboard Charts, her latest album hit Top 10 on the Billboard 200 Album charts this summer. 2007 Overall Grand Prize Winner Ari Gold had his winning song “Where The Music Takes You” hit #10 on the Billboard Dance Charts. Darrell Scott, winner of the country category of the 2005 USA Song writing Competition had his winning song cut by award winning country singer Faith Hill. Last year’s winner in the instrumental category, Christopher Tinn won two Grammy awards in 2011. Judges include A&R managers from record labels such as Warner, Capitol Records, Universal, BMG/SONY Music.

Songs may be entered in 15 different categories including Pop, Rock/Alternative, R&B and Country. Entries are accepted from now through May 31, 2012. First 1,000 entries will each receive a USA Songwriting Competition Compilation CD.

Entries may be entered with MP3 files, Youtube videos or Soundcloud files. For more information, visit www.songwriting.net or email info@songwriting.net.

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S&H Public Relations and Hip Hop Wired partner to launch 2012 National MC Search

Sunday, January 8th, 2012

S&H Public Relations, who has been hard at work since this past summer representing some of the best up-and-coming Hip Hop artists, has partnered with one of the nation’s premier urban entertainment website, Hip Hop Wired, to kick off the 2012 National MC Search. Judged by Rapper Big Pooh from Little Brother fame, underground heavyweight Torae, and film producer Kareem Fort from “Demos”, this online talent search, beginning January 9, 2012, will give aspiring rap artists across the nation an opportunity to compete for a chance to win exciting prizes including international publicity.

Hosted on HipHopWired.com and SNHPR.com, the 2012 National MC Search is sponsored by some of the most respected names in the world of Hip Hop and entertainment:

•Conspiracy Worldwide Radio – Hip Hop’s most discussed weekly online radio show, broadcasting to millions across 100 countries.

•MP3Waxx – The #1 MP3, Video and Radio Service for Major and Independent Artists.

•KevinNottingham.com – The Underground Hip Hop Authority bridging the gap between the underground and mainstream.

On January 9, contestants will visit either HipHopWired.com and click on the 2012 National MC Search page or SNHPR.com and click on “Events” in order to enter the competition. The entry fee is $6 and artists will have until February 3, 2012 to submit their best song. All music will be evaluated by the judges and the staff of S&H Public Relations. On February 13, the top 3 finalists will be announced and readers of Hip Hop Wired will vote on their favorite song. The winner will be crowned on February 20. Prizes include:

•A part in the upcoming Hip Hop film, “Demos”

•A song on the film’s soundtrack

•A featured interview on Conspiracy Worldwide Radio

•Free publicity

•And more…

For rules and submission information about the 2012 National MC Search, visit HipHopWired.com or SNHPR.com and click on “Events”. You can also contact Sebastien Elkouby, co-founder of S&H Public Relations, at SNHPRF@gmail.com or 310-654-1681.

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About S&H Public Relations:

S&H Public Relations is a Los Angeles - based company dedicated to promoting Hip Hop artists and culture. We pride ourselves on working with artists who aim to push Hip Hop music forward. We believe that many talented Hip Hop artists, usually referred to as “underground”, are often overlooked due to lack of resources. S&H’s goal is to provide affordable services to quality artists who are looking to receive greater exposure.

About Hip-Hop Wired:

Hip-Hop Wired is the dominant cultural site on the web providing up to the minute music industry and entertainment news relating to Hip-Hop and R&B along with insightful political content to fuel the thinking masses. Streaming the latest tracks from the hottest MCs signed and unsigned, Hip-Hop Wired also hosts a video portal for the latest virals released by your favorite artists. We don’t follow the trend…We dictate it!

Media Contact: Michael “Ice-Blue” Harris (MOGULDOM MEDIA GROUP/President – Operations Manager of Hip-Hop Wired) 678-691-1531 or HipHopWired@gmail.com.

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Are You An Undiscovered Musician? Isn’t It Time To Get Discovered? Here’s How.

Wednesday, January 4th, 2012

Are You An Undiscovered Musician? Isn’t It Time To Get Discovered? A new kind of competition is beginning for ORIGINAL Musical Artists. All Original Bands, Solo Artists, All Ages, All Genres, All Over The World Are Welcome!

This competition isn’t on television and it isn’t on radio or even on the web. This competition is on what most people have with them all the time…their smart phones and mobile devices!

Here’s how it works:

1) Musicians submit their original music and information about themselves on ImUndiscovered.com (Musicians do NOT need a smart phone or mobile device to enter).

2) People can then listen and vote for and learn about their favorite artists right from an app from their smart phones and mobile devices.

The competition is starting on the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad platform and will likely be expanded to the Android and other platforms in the future. Hundreds of millions of people currently own iPhones, iPod Touches, and iPads and are just waiting to be exposed to new and unlimited music. Again, musicians can submit their music on the website and they do not need any sort of mobile device to submit their music.

For complete information visit the website at ImUndiscovered.com.

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