MUMBAI: Eighteen emerging bands from across the US have a shot at national television exposure, a career milestone that will be determined by consumer votes, fan engagement and live performances through a contest called "Cruze-ing To Vegas" that launched on Billboard.com sponsored by Chevrolet.
Devoted fans and progressive music enthusiasts can visit www.Billboard.com/battle to view each band by region, listen to music, watch videos and cast their vote.
The final six group favorites will each receive the keys to a Chevrolet Cruze for a road trip that will take them from their home base to Las Vegas. Upon arrival, a battle of the bands competition awaits with the ultimate prize: a chance to be honored as the "Dreamseeker Artist of the Year" at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards airing live 22 May on ABC.
Billboard Editorial Director Bill Werde said, "We have scouted the country for bands that we truly believe have the potential to break out as stars. Our new Uncharted ranking has been a priceless tool for discovering new bands, DJs and musicians and now we want to push them further out onto the public stage."
Chevrolet director of advertising and promotions Kevin Mayer said, "Chevrolet has long been associated with music. In fact, Chevrolet has been mentioned in over 1,000 songs. Partnering with Billboard.com on ‘Cruze-ing to Vegas‘ is the next link in connecting our brand with music."
Billboard editors have identified three bands from six U.S. regions based on a variety of factors, including Heat Score, a formula that measures online fan engagement and drives Billboard‘s Uncharted chart of emerging artists. They include:
1. Champagne Champagne (Seattle). 2. Grynch (Seattle). 3. Hotels (Seattle) 4. AJ Rafael (Moreno Valley, CA). 5. The Deadlies (Los Angeles). and 6. Traphik (Long Beach).
These bands will hit the road in an all-new Chevrolet Cruze and document their journey to Las Vegas. A camera crew will follow their every move - playing gigs along the way, rocking out to Cruze‘s standard XM radio, communicating with fans through blogging, tweeting, creating playlists and, finally, the battle of the bands on May 18.
The six bands will engage with their fans while on the road, building a viral audience and improving their social Heat Score, one of many goals as they set their sights on Las Vegas.
The 2011 Billboard Music Awards are supported in partnership with Chevrolet Cruze and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.
