Portland — Young & Free Maine, a program through Maine’s credit unions, is again asking to hear from Maine musicians through their second annual Sound Off music competition. From Jan. 4-28, the contest will be open to individuals, groups, or artists. The first competition held last winter attracted entries from more than 60 musicians and bands from across Maine. The inaugural winner was Rob Burnell of Waterville.

“This competition provides a unique way for Maine’s Credit Unions to connect with the state’s young adults, while giving young musicians a way to share their talent with their peers,” John Murphy, president of the Maine Credit Union League, said. “Through Young & Free Maine, and Spokester Kylie Keene, we continue to hear the voice of this generation, so we can better serve them. This competition is another way we can recognize all that Gen Y in Maine has to offer.”

“My generation is wildly passionate about music, whether we are making it ourselves or enjoying it as fans,” Kylie Keene, Maine’s Young & Free Spokester, said. “’Sound Off’ is a unique opportunity for musicians to share their passion on stage and in the studio with music fans in Maine and online.”

Sound Off entrants must be between 18-25 years of age (in the case of bands, at least one member must be between the ages of 18-25), and must not be under a recording contract. Entrants need to submit an audio or video recording singing or performing original music to YoungFreeMaine.com. From Jan. 29 to Feb. 7, the public will vote to choose the top five artists and/or bands. A live performance audition for the finalists will take place on Feb. 15, 2013. The grand prize winner will receive a package that consists of a full-day recording session at Main Street Studio, Bangor. The grand-prize winner will also be awarded a spot to perform live on a main stage venue at the KahBang music festival, held in August 2013. Prizes will also be awarded to the first and second runners-up.

Copy the Story Link