EPIC {{arts & entertainment}}

Starting off 2010 in the right way, the NO LABEL NEEDED contest recognizes that artists have far more control in such a viral and online driven consumer market today. That sounds like a whole mouthful of why-the-hell be interested? Because it seems like one of the most honest and friggin awesome approached a contest has taken recently. The NO LABEL NEEDED contest is presented to all by partnership of METALINSIDER.NET and SCION.

The NO LABEL NEEDED contest will help one band leave labels behind and take on the industry all on their own.  The series will show readers how it’s done, all while helping one special contest-winning band get ahead in a spectacular way.

Unsigned acts may submit their DEMO PACKAGES starting on January 18th. Demos must be received by February 1st at  http://www.metalinsider.net/nolabelneeded for consideration.  Twenty finalists will be selected and one winner will be voted on by a panel of label heads, A&R executives, writers, and site readers to win all the help and education they need to become a truly self-sufficient artist without having to sign a traditional record deal.

The winning band will receive a personalized, all-encompassing tutorial focused on the secrets and tips needed to achieve success in the music industry through DIY means of marketing.   Winners will be mentored by the members of Shadows Fall, will record an EP produced by Machine (Lamb of God, Every Time I Die, Suicide Silence), will shop for their stage and photo shoot clothing with Maria Brink (In This Moment) and Blasko (Ozzy) and receive advice from the likes of Ben Weinman of The Dillinger Escape Plan.  Their website will be re-designed, their merch re-imagined and radio and press campaigns mounted to promote their EP by the best in their fields.

The series is not only meant to be a learning experience for one band, it is meant to teach any dedicated musician who wants to learn how to properly market their craft.  Readers will be able to interact with contest partners and contributing musicians and professionals through the site to get some real insight into specific areas of expertise.

SCION promotes originality through various artist programs (including this contest) while METALINSIDER.NET is a music industry blog focusing on all concerns metal.