The New Music Seminar, Mountain Dew, and OurStage have just announced an artist-discovery partnership. As part of the three-way deal, OurStage is now selecting a winning artist through its ‘Artist on the Verge’ contest, and an award will be presented today at the New Music Seminar in Los Angeles. The ‘Reflection Award’ includes roughly $25,000 worth of musical equipment, consultation, as mentoring sessions, as well as promotional, legal and marketing services.
The partnership has been in motion for some time ahead of the announcement, though the timing is designed to perk conference attendance and excitement. But NMS is now a multi-city series, and Mountain Dew could be signing onto a bigger ticket. According to NMS organizers – a group the includes Tom Silverman, Dave Lory, and Charles Dixon – Mountain Dew is also sponsoring the 2010 NMS New Music Business Guidebook, an info-packed booklet covering contracts, tips from speakers, and articles.
Back to the competition, three finalists are already on hand. Judges include KCRW deejay Jason Bentley, producer Rodney Jerkins, Chamillionaire, Tom Jackson and Justin Tranter of Semi Precious Weapons. Also, the audience can vote by using a Mozes-powered SMS system.
