New York, NY (Top40 Charts ) Today marks the launch of the fifth annual GRAMMY Foundation and MusiCares Teens Make
Music Contest, in conjunction with the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids as part of its Above the Influence (ATI) campaign. The contest asks young musicians, ages 14 - 18, to compose or create an original song and/or music video that celebrates life above the influence or brings attention to the consequences of substance abuse.
"We are thrilled to once again collaborate with the GRAMMY Foundation and MusiCares to provide a unique outlet for teens to share their perspectives on substance abuse and addiction," said Steve Pasierb, President and CEO of the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids. "Our Above the Influence campaign is all about youth empowerment, individual expression and positive choices, and the Teens Make
Music Contest is a wonderful opportunity for teens to uniquely express their individual reasons for living above the influence."
"This marks the fifth year of our participation in the Teens Make
Music Contest," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of the GRAMMY Foundation, MusiCares and The Recording Academy®. "We value this opportunity to work with the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids to provide a platform for young people to tell their stories about the toll of substance abuse in their lives, and the enormous benefits of a healthy lifestyle."
The first-place winner of the contest will receive two tickets to the 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards® at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, as well as a cash award of $500 and the opportunity to perform a set at the Acoustic Tent on the 2015 Vans Warped Tour in the city closest to their hometown. The second- and third-place winners will receive cash prizes of $250 and $100, respectively, and all three winners will have the opportunity to attend the 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards backstage experience during rehearsals. Other prizes include two tickets to any Vans Warped Tour stop, gift bags and more.
Original music compositions or compositions with accompanying videos must be sent to the GRAMMY Foundation and MusiCares postmarked no later than Monday, Dec. 1, 2014. Entries must be no more than four minutes long. For more information and to enter the contest, please visit www.abovetheinfluence.com/GRAMMYS.
