Free the Noise battle of the bands contest announced

John Varvatos Enterprises is pleased to announce the first John Varvatos « USA “FREE THE NOISE” battle of the bands contest. The competition is a global online search for the next great rock n’ roll band and will be hosted on SPINearth.tv. The winning band will receive a development deal with Island Records and be featured in the next John Varvatos « USA international advertising campaign, as well as featured on SPIN Earth.

The competition kicks off April 21, 2009 and entries will be accepted through July 31, 2009. The contest invites up-and-coming, unsigned bands to upload a video of a recent performance of original music to spinearth.tv/freethenoise for consideration in this worldwide search. In addition, SPIN Earth’s network of more than 350 worldwide correspondents will be scouring the globe, the clubs and the festivals for the freshest talent and encouraging them to submit their performances.

In August the finalists will be chosen and flown to New York City to perform at John Varvatos 315 Bowery, the former home of CBGB’s, during New York Fashion Week, September 2009. That evening amongst an international audience of tastemakers, John Varvatos and a VIP panel of rock star judges will select the winning band.

“Music is the heart and soul of this brand. I’m excited to be able to partner with SPIN Earth and Island Records to go global with this opportunity to discover rising talent in today’s music community. Hosting this contest on the internet allows bands from all four corners of the globe to participate.” said John Varvatos.

“For 25 years, SPIN has been uncovering new music. SPIN Earth is that same mission articulated in 2009. We’re giving music enthusiasts all over the world a platform to share the latest sounds from Tokyo to Tel Aviv and beyond.” said Tom Hartle, President, Spin Media.

"Island Records has discovered some of the most important rock bands in history and we're fortunate to join forces with John Varvatos and SPIN Earth to find the next great rock n' roll star," says Mark DiDia, EVP/General Manager, Island Records.

For more information and contest rules, or to check out all the incredible talent we’ve discovered across the globe, please visit us at www.spinearth.tv/freethenoise