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Epic Records Announces Signing of “The Sing-Off” Season 3 Winner Pentatonix

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 10:43:42 +0000

Epic Records Announces Signing of “The Sing-Off” Season 3 Winner Pentatonix

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DECEMBER 5, 2011

EPIC RECORDS IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE SIGNING OF “THE SING-OFF” SEASON 3 WINNER PENTATONIX
THE SING-OFF: SONGS OF THE SEASON IS NOW AVAILABLE

“A SING-OFF CHRISTMAS” AIRING TONIGHT ON NBC
New York, NY – Following an intense 10 weeks of competition and last week’s exciting live finale of NBC’s “The Sing-Off,” featuring performances from the top three contenders – Urban Method, Pentatonix and Dartmouth Aires – Pentatonix was crowned the winner, beating out 15 amazing groups to land a record deal with Epic Records and a $200,000 cash prize. The finale episode drew its biggest audience of the season, attracting six million viewers.

Pentatonix is the incredibly talented Texas quintet made up of Scott Hoying, Mitchell Grassi, Kevin Olusola, Avi Kaplan and Kirstin Maldonado. Interestingly enough, Pentatonix only formed a few days before the filming of season three began. Hoying, Maldonado, and Grassi attended high school together in Arlington,TX and were already a trio, but needed two additional members to round out their rich sound and make them eligible to try out for “The Sing-Off.” The trio discovered Olusola on YouTube and Kaplan through a close friend, and just like that, Pentatonix was born.

Their unique name draws from music’s pentatonic five note scale, and as there are five members in the group, the name became a perfect fit. Pentatonix has rejuvenated a cappella through its groundbreaking style which includes mind-bending arrangements, thick bass and thumping beats which draw influences from several underground electro genres, including dubstep and garage house.
Adding to the excitement following their epic win, Pentatonix will perform on “A Sing-Off Christmas” airing live this evening at 8PM EST/7PM CST on NBC. The all-star episode will include performances of holiday and inspirational classics, featuring groups from all three seasons of “The Sing-Off,” with a special guest performance by Flo Rida. Since the finale, Pentatonix has been making the rounds on TV performing on such shows as E! News and Good Day LA.

In addition, Pentatonix is included on Epic Record’s festive holiday release, THE SING-OFF: SONGS OF THE SEASON, performing “We Three Kings.” The album was released on November 1st and features multiple all-vocal groups from season three of “The Sing-Off” performing one-of-a-kind takes on classic holiday songs. THE SING-OFF: SONGS OF THE SEASON is the follow up to last year’s highly successful holiday album, THE SING-OFF: HARMONIES FOR THE HOLIDAYS. Fans can download all performances by Pentatonix from Season 3 of “The Sing-Off” on iTunes.

“The Sing-Off” is produced by Tenth Planet Productions, Outlaw Productions and Sony Pictures Television. Joel Gallen, Deb Newmyer and Sam Weisman are executive producers. Josh Greenberg serves as executive producer.

Media Inquiries:
Lauren Ceradini
Epic Records, Lauren.ceradini@epicrecords.com
Lindsay Colker, Sony Pictures Television
Lindsay_Colker@spe.sony.com
Devon Sanceda, Sony Pictures Television
Devon_Sanceda@spe.sony.com
Danielle Dusky, NBC Entertainment Publicity
Danielle.Dusky@nbcuni.com

Taylor Vaughn, Epic Records
Publicity, 550 Madison Ave., 22nd Floor
New York, NY 10022, taylor.vaughn@epicrecords.com

Maurices Kicks Off Second Annual Nationwide Band Search with PlayNetwork & Sonicbids

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 10:42:01 +0000

Maurices Kicks Off Second Annual Nationwide Band Search with PlayNetwork & Sonicbids

National Young Women’s Fashion Retailer maurices Kicks Off Second Annual Nationwide Band Search, in Partnership with PlayNetwork and Sonicbids

maurices “Hometown Sound” bands together with Graffiti6 to select the next big music group

Duluth, Minn. (December 5, 2011) – maurices (NASDAQ – ASNA), the leading hometown specialty store and fashion authority, today announced the launch of its second annual nationwide “Hometown Sound” band search in partnership with PlayNetwork and Sonicbids. Last year maurices had tremendous success with its band search, leading to the discovery of the Alton, Illinois, songwriting duo “Audri & Aaron” and their winning single, “Home.”

“The goal of this program is not only to discover the next hot up-and-coming band in the country, but to continue building strong connections with maurices communities,” says Lisa Bartlett, assistant vice president of marketing at maurices. “We pride ourselves on being the best hometown specialty retailer, so we look for every opportunity to reach our customers across America and celebrate their unique musical gifts.”

Building on the success of last year’s girls-only campaign, led by the iconic presence of The Bangles and Chrissie Hynde, along with the emerging all-female indie band, Sick of Sarah, this year’s maurices Hometown Sound will be adding guys into the mix. Emerging global electro soul popsters Graffiti6 will launch maurices Hometown Sound as the kickoff partner artist. As the campaign rolls along, new partner artists will be introduced.

Music strategy and retail media agency PlayNetwork is once again partnering with maurices to launch this nationwide band search. The campaign will include a series of artist features, exclusive content, studio recordings, live performances and video productions featuring the partner bands. Calling on consumers to enter or vote, maurices stores will become immersive Hometown Sound experiences featuring PlayNetwork-produced music and content. The contest microsite, once again created and managed by Sonicbids, will also provide a number of opportunities to engage with the brand and bands.

“The launch of Hometown Sound proves once again that maurices understands the power of making an emotional connection with their fans through music and storytelling. maurices and PlayNetwork have become true strategic partners and we are working closely to create a new and authentic musical narrative for maurices that elevates the emotional conversation with their customers outside the walls of the retail space,” said John Crooke, vice president, creative at PlayNetwork.

Beginning today, any unsigned band is eligible to enter maurices Hometown Sound at www.mauricesmusic.sonicbids.com. Submissions will be accepted through December 28, 2011.

From January 9 through January 23, 2012, fans can vote for their favorite bands, narrowing the field to the top 50 musical ensembles. From these 50 bands, a group of panelists, including select partner artists, will narrow it down to four finalists.

From February 6 through March 4, 2012, the final voting will take place and each finalist will have their music featured in maurices stores and on the contest microsite during a 7-day period. During each artist’s 7-day feature period, the public will be able to cast their vote by scanning a QR (Quick Response) code in stores or on the contest microsite. The band receiving the most votes will win maurices Hometown Sound.

“We’re excited to be working with maurices to extend their hometown outreach campaign. With more than 800 stores nationwide, maurices is a great outlet for the promotion of independent music,” said Sonicbids founder and CEO Panos Panay. “Sonicbids’ mission is to get music in front of consumers through unique distribution channels and this campaign reinforces that.”

The grand prize winner will perform live at their local maurices and receive a trip to Los Angeles to shoot a music video with PlayNetwork. They’ll also receive gifts from maurices, as well as the opportunity to perform at a maurices branded daytime showcase at SXSW in Austin, Texas, in March, 2012, with Graffiti6 and other select partner artists.

All fans who vote will receive maurices coupons and will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a maurices gift card.

###
About maurices maurices, a division of Ascena Retail Group, Inc. (NASDAQ – ASNA), is the leading hometown specialty store and authority for the savvy, fashion-conscious girl with a twenty-something attitude. Today, maurices operates 800 stores in 44 states. maurices stands for fashion, quality, value and customer service. Offering sizes 1-26 in select stores and online, our styles are inspired by the girl in everyone, in every size. For store information and to shop online, visit maurices.com.

About PlayNetwork PlayNetwork produces unrivaled media experiences for brands worldwide. PlayNetwork programs include music, messaging, video, web radio artist promotions and events, A/V systems, advertising networks, and commercial XM Satellite Radio. PlayNetwork aims to deliver experiences with the truest level of customization and integration across every touch point ─ in-store, online and on-device. Founded in 1996, PlayNetwork is currently playing for over 75,000 media subscribers in 70 countries, reaching over 23 million people every day. For more information, visit playnetwork.com or xm4biz.com.

About Sonicbids Sonicbids is the leading matchmaking site for bands and promoters. Since its launch in 2001, Sonicbids has become the standard for submitting music to events and opportunities around the globe, counting as partners thousands of prominent events and festivals in North America, Europe, and Australia. Today, the Company boasts a registered membership base of 325,000 bands from over 100 different countries, who use the site daily to connect with 25,000 music “promoters” – ranging from some of the world’s largest music festivals and music conferences, to clubs, coffee houses, cruise ships, colleges, advertising agencies, brand managers, podcasters, music supervisors and other people looking to book, license or broadcast music. So far this year, bands and artists using Sonicbids booked close to 95,000 “gigs” through the site. Learn more at sonicbids.com.

Media Contacts
Jessica Stauber on behalf of maurices
WestmorelandFlint, jessica.stauber@westmorelandflint.com

Bender/Helper Impact on behalf of PlayNetwork
Jessica Bass
Jessica_bass@bhimpact.com
Darlene Doyle, Sonicbids
Ddoyle@sonicbids.com

Sunset Strip Music Festival Tickets

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 13:01:54 +0000

Sunset Strip Music Festival Tickets

Here’s HOW TO WIN TICKETS:

1. “Like” our page
2. Click the “WIN TIX to SSMF” tab on the left
3. Submit a photo of your best Rock-Star Self
4. Rally your friends to VOTE and/or COMMENT “SSTM” on your photo

To see more information about this great opportunity visit our facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/SunsetStripTM .

Lauren Einbinder, asst@tapinc.net

Technorati Tags: sunset strip music festival, tickets

International Songwriting Competition Winner Tia P with Song Music is Fundamenta

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 13:54:46 +0000

International Songwriting Competition Winner Tia P with Song Music is Fundamenta

Rihanna, Peter Gabriel & Jerry Lee Lewis name Tia P. the winner in the International Songwriting Competition

Inspires a New Generation of Young Songwriters and Musicians

Los Angeles, CA, May 17, 2011 – Through hard work, dedication and a strong support system, Hip Hop/Pop artist Tia P. continues to receive validation and accreditation from the music industry by winning the Teen category in the prestigious International Songwriting Competition. Competing against 15,000 talented song writers and artists around the world. This is a very important accolade for Tia P as a songwriter and artist to be heard and recognized among artists she admires and professionals who know the music business.

Tia’s song, “Music is Fundamental” was presented to a panel of music legends and contemporary artists from different genres and eras including Tom Waits; Kings Of Leon; Jeff Beck; Ben Harper; Kelly Clarkson; Timbaland; Darryl McDaniels (Run DMC); Robbie Williams; Peter Gabriel; Black Francis (The Pixies); Rihanna; Robert Smith (The Cure); Train; Jerry Lee Lewis; McCoy Tyner; Robert Earl Keen; James Cotton; Toots Hibbert (Toots & The Maytals); DJ Tiësto; Baaba Maal; Sandra Bernhard; Montel Jordan; John Digweed; Adele; Alejandro Sanz; Matt Thiessen (Relient K); Craig Morgan; Keane and Jazmine Sullivan. Industry executives and veterans representing record labels, music networks and programming and A & R’s also voted to award the honor to Tia P. for Music is Fundamental.

“Wow, this is an extreme honor and I am forever grateful to everyone that sees in me what my family, friends and fans have seen all along. The ISC is a wonderful organization and opportunity and I encourage every song writer in the world to let them know who you are so they can let the world know. I will put this honor on a shelf to inspire me daily and leave room for the Grammy that will go right next to it,” says Tia P. She was also a finalist in the Peoples Voter’s Choice and a semi-finalist in the Hip Hop category for N.O.B.O.D.Y., her new single.

In addition to an impressive selection of prizes to help her in her career, Tia P. is most excited about the five (5) week summer performance scholarship to Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. Berklee College of music is the world’s largest independent music college for the study of contemporary music. The scholarship includes tuition, room and board.

This has been a tremendous week for the teen. Her single N.O.B.O.D.Y released on iTunes and Amazon.com on May 10, 2011. N.O.B.O.D.Y is an upbeat dance track with a smooth delivery that pays homage to the old school style of exposing the artists’ own personal prowess on the microphone coupled with the ability to write and produced good music. Using a “whispering” technique and an upbeat chant in the intro N.O.B.O.D.Y. is appropriate for radio, dance clubs, school dances and IPods across the globe. She is preparing to shoot the video for the single and has been invited to perform on the Fight Against Lupus World Tour.

To hear the winning song, “Music is Fundamental” please visit http://www.6xentertainment.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Music-is-Fundamental.mp3. For information on the single N.O.B.O.D.Y. please visit www.6xentertainment.com

About the International Songwriting Competition The International Songwriting Competition (ISC) is an annual song contest whose mission is to provide the opportunity for both aspiring and established songwriters to have their songs heard in a professional, international arena. ISC is designed to nurture the musical talent of songwriters on all levels and promote excellence in the art of songwriting. Amateur and professional songwriters and musicians are invited to participate. ISC has the most prestigious panel of judges of all the songwriting and music contests in the world, offering exposure and the opportunity to have your songs heard by the most influential decision-makers in the music industry.

Media Inquiries Contact
Lynk Public Relations• lynkpr@gmail.com

Technorati Tags: songwriters, musicians, international songwriting competition, rihanna, peter gabriel

Irish People on Stage with their Idols Thanks to MTV and Corona Extra

Fri, 27 May 2011 07:11:29 +0000

Irish People on stage with their idols thanks to MTV and Corona Extra

If your dream is singing with your favorite singer and feeling the thrill of being on stage, you could do it thanks to Corona Extra and MTV.

A contest in five countries (Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark and Austria), whose citizens can participate through an application integrated in Corona Facebook page, where online users can explain the “extraordinary experience” that they would like, using 100 characters.

From all the proposed experiences, 10 will go to the final, and one will be a winner: the 10 finalist contestants will win a trip to Ibiza with accommodation included, while the winner will have the opportunity to life a real extraordinary experience that will be filmed and broadcasted on MTV. Surprising a young dj with the gig of his life, giving a taxi driver in Rome is dream cab ride, put an amateur rock band on the main stage of Rock in Rio are just the dreams fulfilled last year.

What about this year? Becoming a star may no longer be just a dream!

Corona Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/coronaextraeurope
Facebook APP: http://apps.facebook.com/the_challenge_europe

American Idol Fans Invited to Write New Single in Collaboration With Singer-Songwriter Taio Cruz

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 13:22:18 +0000

American Idol Fans to Join Singer-Songwriter Taio Cruz : New Hit Song

COCA-COLA ASKS “AMERICAN IDOL®” FANS TO JOIN MULTIPLATINUM SINGER-SONGWRITER TAIO CRUZ TO CREATE “PERFECT HARMONY” IN A NEW HIT SONG

Chart-Topping Artist and Music Fans Will Collaborate to Write a New Single That Will Be Performed Live on the AMERICAN IDOL Finale

ATLANTA, March 30, 2011 – How would you like to see a hit recording artist take the stage during the finale of AMERICAN IDOL and sing a new song featuring words that you proposed? It may sound unlikely, but not if you believe in “Perfect Harmony.”

Beginning tomorrow, the Coca-Cola Perfect Harmony collaboration invites AMERICAN IDOL fans to help write a new song for Coca-Cola that will be performed during the show’s season finale May 25 at 8/7c on FOX. Fans can visit www.AmericanIdol.com where they can listen to the opening segment of a song penned by multiplatinum singer-songwriter TAIO CRUZ. Then the fans take it from there. Taio (pronounced Tie O) will start the song and write the beginning of each verse, but it’s up to fans to help finish each verse in time for him to perform the single on the final show. People can also get the latest updates on the program by following the hashtag #perfectharmony on Twitter.

“AMERICAN IDOL auditions are proof that many of our fans have a passion and desire to sing professionally,” said Ryan Seacrest, host of AMERICAN IDOL. “What we don’t get to explore on camera are the many talented songwriters that exist as well. Coca-Cola has created a very exciting and innovative program that, for the first time, gives fans the opportunity to work with a top artist to create a new song that will be performed live in front of millions of people.”
Each week, from March 30 through May 13, people around the country, ages 18 and up, will have the opportunity to submit lyrics for consideration for inclusion in the final composition. Following each of the four submission phases, Coca-Cola will select the top three lyrics and then fans, ages 13 and up, will be able to vote for their favorite. The lyrics with the most votes will then be incorporated into the song.

“Songwriting can be an individual journey or a cooperative effort, and I’ve done it both ways,” said Taio Cruz. “But creating a new song, with the input of music fans and in partnership with Coca-Cola and AMERICAN IDOL? Now that takes the experience to a completely new place and I’m ready to get it started.”

“Music has the power to bring people together, which is evidenced every week by the millions of fans who watch AMERICAN IDOL,” said Stuart Kronauge, Vice President, Coca-Cola Trademark Brands, Coca-Cola North America. “Music has always been a part of our brand voice and with this program we’re moving to a whole new level of integration. Through Coca-Cola Perfect Harmony, fans co-lead the songwriting process as they become part of the show they love in collaboration with an artist they admire. We can’t wait until the American Idol finale to uncap the outcome of their musical creativity.”

Perfect Harmony is part of a new Cola-Cola music program that offers teens the inside track to the latest in music through opportunities to express themselves and collaborate with popular artists. The Coca-Cola music program kicked off last week when, live from London, Maroon 5 headlined the Coca-Cola 24hr Session. Fans were able to engage in the creative process of songwriting by interacting with the band as they wrote, produced and performed an original song in just 24 hours. Streamed live at www.mycoke.com, the 24hr Session used the real-time speed, global impact and social power of the internet to create a groundbreaking experience for the band and fans.

Later this year, Coca-Cola will launch another teen music showcase with emphasis on Hispanic teens. People will be able to vote for an up-and-coming bilingual artist or band that will win the chance to perform with an established artist live onstage. The program will kick off with a concert celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in September.

Taio Cruz In early 2010, London-born singer-songwriter Taio Cruz arrived in the States as a major UK artist with two Top 20 albums and a string of hits and quickly made his mark on this side of the pond with “Break Your Heart” featuring Ludacris, the first single from his Mercury/IDJMG debut, ROKSTARR. The track rocketed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with a one-week total of more than 300k downloads. In addition to hitting No. 1 in the UK, Ireland, Norway and Sweden, the song made U.S. chart history with the biggest-ever jump to No. 1 by a Billboard chart newcomer. Over the course of the months that followed, “Break Your Heart” went on to sell more than 3 million copies. He followed with second single “Dynamite,” which exploded at radio and shot straight to No. 1 on both Billboard’s Mainstream Top 40 and Hot Dance Club Play Charts. By year’s end, Taio had sold more than eight million singles sold in the U.S. alone, and he was the only artist to have two songs on iTunes year-end top 10 chart. He’s also YouTube’s most-viewed UK artist of all time, with over 200 million combined views, and the first UK artist in 25 years to place two tracks in the Top 10 of Billboard’s year-end Hot 100 chart. Taio recently scored his third No. 1 Billboard hit with “Higher” featuring Travie McCoy. Taio has also written and recorded the title track for Rio (“Telling The World”), a 3D animated motion picture event from 20th Century Fox, in theaters this April. For more about Taio Cruz, please visit www.taiocruzmusic.co.uk.

American Idol
Emmy Award-winning AMERICAN IDOL is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, Founder, 19 Entertainment, a division of CKX, Inc; and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; and Nigel Lythgoe, President, Big Red 2 Entertainment. AMERICAN IDOL has been No. 1 among Adults 18-49 for the past seven consecutive seasons and currently ranks as the No. 1 television show of the 2010-11 season.

The Coca-Cola Company
The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world’s largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. The Company’s portfolio includes 14 billion dollar brands, including Coca-Cola, recognized as the world’s most valuable brand, as well as Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply and Georgia. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, juices and juice drinks and ready-to-drink teas and coffees. Through the world’s largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company’s beverages at a rate of 1.7 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that protect the environment, conserve resources and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. For more information about our Company, please visit our website at www.thecoca-colacompany.com.
——————-
ISABEL QUINTEROS
Rogers & Cowan, Consumer, Entertainment & Sports
8687 Melrose Avenue, 7th floor, Los Angeles CA, 90069
IQuinteros@rogersandcowan.com

Technorati Tags: american idol, coca cola, taio cruz

Illinois-based band Audri & Aaron Voted Hottest Female-Fronted Band

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 08:50:39 +0000

Up-and-Coming Musicians Audri & Aaron Rock maurices’ Nationwide Band Search As “Small Town Sound” Winners

After several months of competition in maurices “Small Town Sound,” fans voted Illinois-based band Audri & Aaron the hottest female-fronted band in the country.

Next stop: Performing with The Bangles and Sick of Sarah at a private daytime showcase hosted by maurices during South by Southwest 2011

PlayNetwork to Produce Audri & Aaron Music Video and Recording With Winning Track

Duluth, Minn. – Today, maurices announced the winner of its “Small Town Sound” nationwide band search. After several months of competition, fans voted Illinois-based band Audri & Aaron through the final round and named them the hottest female-fronted band in the country. maurices, the leading small town specialty store and fashion authority with 760+ stores nationwide, created the “Small Town Sound” contest in partnership with PlayNetwork and Sonicbids.

“We’re thrilled with the outcome of this competition. As a brand we have deep roots in small towns and our goal was to find the hidden gems of talent within those communities,” said Lisa Bartlett, maurices associate vice president of marketing. “The band Audri & Aaron is exactly what we were hoping to uncover.”

Formed in April 2010, this acoustic/soul/pop duo from Alton, Ill., has already found their musical niche with influences from artists such as Norah Jones, Colbie Caillat and Michael Buble. The group consists of Audri Lucasey on lead vocals and violin, and Aaron Kellim on vocals, guitar and piano. The two teamed up while attending Lewis & Clark Community College, where they had many music and vocal performance classes together.

“We still can’t believe we won and we’re so excited about the opportunities ahead,” said Lucasey. “For a band that’s just starting out to have the chance to perform with such iconic girl groups and record our own video is just amazing. We’re so thankful to maurices, PlayNetwork and Sonicbids for launching this competition, which will hopefully help launch our careers.”

More than 500 bands entered the competition, which was down to 50 after a round of online voting. A group of panelists including The Bangles, Chrissie Hynde and Sick of Sarah narrowed the competition to 10 finalists who were given two weeks to create an original song based on the “Small Town Sound” theme celebrating American culture. The songs played in maurices stores nationwide and were also posted online, where visitors had the chance to vote for their favorite, ultimately handing Audri & Aaron the top prize and awarding second and third place to Allison Gray (Los Angeles, Calif.) and Euralea (Moline, Ill.) respectively. A demo of Audri & Aaron’s winning song is available for listening online.

The winning band will receive several incredible opportunities to let their star power shine. They’ll perform live at their local maurices store, fly to Los Angeles to shoot a music video and record their winning song at the PlayNetwork production studio, and receive gifts from maurices and Daisy Rock Guitars. In addition, the group will perform live with The Bangles and Sick of Sarah at a private daytime showcase hosted by maurices during South by Southwest 2011 in Austin, TX.

Visit http://www.maurices.com to learn more about Audri & Aaron and hear their winning song.

About maurices maurices, a division of Ascena Retail Group, Inc. (NASDAQ – ASNA), is the leading small town specialty store and authority for the savvy, fashion-conscious girl with a twenty-something attitude. Today, maurices operates over 760 stores in 44 states. maurices stands for fashion, quality, value and customer service. Offering sizes 1-24, our styles are inspired by the girl in everyone, in every size. For store information and to shop online, visit maurices.com.

About PlayNetwork PlayNetwork, Inc. specializes in the creation and distribution of entertainment media that connects the voice of the brand to the consumer across all touch points – in-store, online and on-device. Founded in 1996, PlayNetwork is the industry’s leading integrated media provider for branded music, messaging, video, entertainment promotions and event media, systems integration services, retail advertising networks, and commercial XM Satellite Radio subscriptions. More information is available at http://www.playnetwork.com or http://www.xm4biz.com.

About Sonicbids Sonicbids is the website that helps bands get gigs and promoters book the right bands. Our community includes more than 275,000 bands and 21,000 promoters and licensors from all around the world. With festivals, clubs, colleges, music licensing and much more, Sonicbids offers a diverse range of gigs for every kind of musician. In fact, last year alone, more than 71,000 gigs were booked on the site. The company was founded in 2001 by Panos Panay and continues to focus on its core mission of empowering the artistic middle class. Get a gig or book a band at http://www.sonicbids.com.

Technorati Tags: audri & aaron, sonicbids, illinois band

Taylor Guitars and Elixir® Strings Organise “Test Drive Electric” Contest for Emerging Artists

Sat, 06 Nov 2010 10:23:36 +0000

Taylor Guitars and Elixir® Strings Organise “Test Drive Electric” Contest for Emerging Artists

EL CAJON, Calif. – October 26, 2010 – Taylor Guitars and Elixir® Strings are giving emerging artists the unique opportunity to kick their careers and guitar rigs into high gear with Test Drive Electric 2010. Together with the band-promoting website Sonicbids.com, Taylor and Elixir are bringing back the “fan-favorite” contest to award five select artists with world-class Taylor SolidBody electric guitars, the ultimate in strings and cables from Elixir, and a Crybaby Wah pedal and Max Grip Nylon Picks from Dunlop. The winning artist or band will get the chance to show off their musical prowess and new gear in a recording session at a world-class music studio.
Contest submissions are free and easy, as the fees are covered by Taylor and Elixir. Now through November 23, musicians can upload their electronic press kits to the Sonicbids Test Drive website, where fans will vote for their favorite artist. From the initial submissions, the 50 top-voted artists will qualify for the next round. A panel made up of the artist relations teams from Taylor and Elixir will then select the top five artists from the pool of 50. These five finalists will be outfitted with new gear from Taylor, Elixir and Dunlop, and will be challenged to create a short video that showcases how they used their new gear. The videos will be posted on the contest website for a second round of voting in mid-February.

At the end of the voting period, the band with the most votes will receive free recording time at a marquee studio and enjoy an artist relationship with both Taylor Guitars and Elixir Strings.

To enter your band, please visit: www.sonicbids.com or www.sonicbids.com/Opportunity/OpportunityView.aspx?opportunity_id=100554

For additional news from Taylor Guitars, please visit: www.taylorguitars.com/news

Media Contact: Chalise Zolezzi
publicrelations@taylorguitars.com

About Taylor Guitars Founded in 1974, Taylor Guitars has evolved into one of the world’s leading manufacturers of premium acoustic and electric guitars. Renowned for blending an innovative use of modern technology with a master craftsman’s attention to detail, Taylor guitars are widely considered the best sounding and easiest to play in the world. Many of today’s leading musicians make Taylor their guitar of choice, including Dave Matthews, Prince, Jason Mraz, Steven Curtis Chapman, Serj Tankian, Zac Brown and Taylor Swift. For additional information, please visit us at www.taylorguitars.com

Technorati Tags: emerging artists, taylor guitars, elixir strings

Getty Images Announces Music Video Contest

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 07:51:47 +0000

Getty Images Announces Music Video Contest

CALLING ALL FILM AND MUSIC CREATIVES! Getty Images announces annual global ‘Mishmash’ music video remix competition

Seattle, WA – 20 September, 2010: Getty Images Inc., has today launched its annual multimedia ‘Mishmash’ challenge, helping to inspire and foster music video producers of the future. This creative challenge offers film and music creatives from around the world the opportunity to create their own short video, using Getty Images’ content.

Renowned for both its leading collections of still imagery and first-class multimedia content, Getty Images has more than 528,000 commercial quality, creative and editorial footage clips totalling over 50,000 hours, as well as an extensive music catalogue called Pump Audio, which contains a growing collection of over 50,000 pre-cleared original music tracks by some of the world’s best independent artists.

Entrants are invited to construct a short story or video art between one and three minutes long, featuring Getty Images’ extensive footage and imagery and one track from Pump Audio (or a mash up of up to five tracks). All entrants’ videos will then be uploaded to the Mishmash website for creatives from around the world to view and rate the videos, ahead of the jury’s deliberations and winners being announced.

“We had an overwhelmingly positive response to last year’s competition and are thrilled to be able to continue fostering talent in the creative community,” says Andrew Saunders, Vice President, Creative Imagery, Getty Images. “Our content has been produced by highly talented and creative contributors, to help customers produce inspiring work. This year’s Mishmash competition will once again enable some of the worlds up and coming creative talent to showcase their talent and also demonstrate why the evolution of footage and multimedia is still a growing and highly engaging communication platform.”

Mishmash is open to entries from around the globe, with the competition being simultaneously run across three regions: EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa); the Americas and Asia-Pacific. Each region will be awarded a first place prize of a MacBook Pro, complete with editing software, as well as two runners up prizes of a Sony Pistol HD camcorder. In addition to the regional winners, a global grand prix will also be awarded, with the best overall entry worldwide winning a return trip for two to the premier film festival in Salt Lake City. The public will also have a chance to have their say, with a prize being awarded to the entrant who picks up the most public votes through the Mishmash website.

The competition, which opens on September 20 for six weeks, will be judged by some of the world’s leading music and film production professionals, including:

· Jeroen Bours, CEO and founder of Darling Agency, the advertising agency behind some of the world’s most memorable campaigns including the MasterCard “Priceless” campaign

· John Noble, executive producer and managing director of ONE at Optimus, a full service production solution for commercials, DRTV, web, short films and mobile

· Farhad Sepahbodi, digital brand designer for Pershing, a BNY Mellon company, is responsible for video production and motion graphics for event media, advertising and enhanced presentations.

· Nathalie Humphreys, head of specialist factual at Shine Television, the UK’s largest independent production company.

· Emil Nava, director, Between the Eyes and nominee for the Best Music Video at this year’s MOBO awards, and winner of the Best Music Video award at the Rushes Soho Shorts Festival

· David Knight, editorial director of the UK Music Video Awards, curator of BUG and editor of Promo News

The challenge is open to creatives worldwide, with the judges selecting three winners from each of the three regions, as well as a global grand prix winner. Entrants are invited to upload their submission to the Mishmash website before 31 October 2010. Judging and public voting will take place during the week of 1 – 14 November, with the winners announced on 15 November. For more information on the Mishmash competition, the regional judging panel or competition criteria, visit: www.gettyimages.com/mishmash

About Getty Images
Getty Images is a leading creator and distributor of still imagery, footage and multimedia products, as well as a recognized provider of other forms of premium digital content, including music. Getty Images serves business customers in more than 100 countries and is the first place creative and media professionals turn to discover, purchase and manage images and other digital content. Its award-winning photographers and imagery help customers produce inspiring work which appears every day in the world’s most influential newspapers, magazines, advertising campaigns, films, television programs, books and Web sites. Visit Getty Images at www.gettyimages.com to learn more about how the company is advancing the unique role of digital media in communications and business, and enabling creative ideas to come to life.

For further information, please contact:
Jodi Einhorn: Manager, Public Relations
E: jodi.einhorn@gettyimages.com

Technorati Tags: getty images, music video contest

BACKSTREET BOYS COMPETE ON THE MyNetworkTV PREMIERE OF “DON’T FORGET THE LYRICS!”

Wed, 06 Oct 2010 06:15:03 +0000

BACKSTREET BOYS COMPETE ON THE MyNetworkTV PREMIERE OF “DON’T FORGET THE LYRICS!”

ALL-NEW EPISODE AIRS TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5th 9:00 PM ET/PT
MyNetworkTV

A special all-new celebrity episode, featuring the Backstreet Boys, kicks off the premiere of “Don’t Forget the Lyrics!” on MyNetworkTV on Tuesday October 5th at 9 pm et/pt. Backstreet Boys’ Howie Dorough, Brian Littrell, AJ McLean and Nick Carter play the game to raise money for UNICEF.

“Don’t Forget the Lyrics!” is the musical game show that tests contestants’ knowledge of song lyrics from different genres, decades and artists. “Don’t Forget the Lyrics!” is the ultimate rock star fantasy taking viewers on a dramatic, heart pounding, rollercoaster ride of music and edge-of-your seat entertainment.

Mark McGrath, a member of the multi-platinum group, Sugar Ray, hosts “Don’t Forget the Lyrics!” where he brings ordinary people center stage for a chance to win a fortune – just by knowing the words to the biggest hit songs ever recorded. “Don’t Forget the Lyrics!” first premiered on July 11, 2007 on FOX and became one of the most popular shows in America, as well as an international phenomenon where contestants around the globe put their winnings on the line as they tried to not forget the lyrics.

In addition to MyNetworkTV, the program is nationally syndicated 5-days-a-week (check your local listings); as well as weeknights at 7 pm et/pt on VH1

This upcoming season the program welcomes celebrity contestants from “American Idol”, the Backstreet Boys, and the NFL; Plus special themed episodes including “Movie Music Week”, “Rock the Troops Week”, and “Rock the Cradle Week” featuring moms-to-be.

“Don’t Forget the Lyrics!” is produced by RDF USA and Apploff Entertainment. Executive produced by Jeff Apploff, Tony Yates, Chris Coelen and Grant Mansfield. Apploff created the show.

Craig Radow
Director of Media Relations
20th Television 2121 Ave. of the Stars, Rm 1711
Los Angeles, CA 90067
craig.radow@fox.com

Technorati Tags: backstreet boys