Vodafone launches 'Bright New Sounds' talent search

Supported by Hot Press, 'Bright New Sounds' offers emerging acts the opportunity to introduce their music to an audience of over 2.2 million and the chance of a record deal with Universal Music and recording time in Dublin's Windmill Lane Studios.

The competition is open to acts of all genres and is free to enter. Interested acts only have to upload their tracks to www.brightnewsounds.ie, where the best 20 submissions, as decided by a panel of experts, will be made available for Irish Vodafone customers to download.

The top five most downloaded acts will then be invited to perform in Dublin's Tripod at a gig hosted by comedian PJ Gallagher on April 3, where one will be crowned Vodafone’s Bright New Sound of 2008.

The winning act will get the true rock star treatment with an incredible prize package from Vodafone and Universal Music. They'll record their new single in Dublin’s esteemed Windmill Lane studio, which will then be released as part of their recording deal with Universal Music’s brand new NoCarbon label. In addition, to give the winners an extra boost on their way to commercial success, they will receive a professional photo shoot and launch gig with supporting promotional activity - including extensive coverage in the pages of Hot Press.

Entries will be judged by an independent panel of music industry experts including Phantom 105.2’s Jack Hyland, Ken Allen of Faction Records, Hot Press' own Jackie Hayden and producer/engineer Tom McFall, who has worked with R.E.M., Bloc Party and Director. McFall will also produce the winning band’s single at Windmill lane.

All interested artists should log on to Vodafone live! or www.brightnewsounds.ie and start uploading tracks. Entries are open from February 4-22, so get cracking!