Ark Music Factory launches Ark Star Viral Star contest

Ark Music Factory, the company that discovered viral music phenomena Rebecca Black and Alana Lee and broke Lexi St. George big with ABC’s Good Morning America, is looking for the next teen music sensation: YOU! Do you think you have what it takes—natural talent, a great singing voice and killer stage presence? Then this is the contest for you.



This Friday, Ark launches a nationwide online talent search for the next Ark Star. Ark uses both traditional and non-traditional means to identify, develop and prepare artists to break into the music business—and gain fame, respect and skills along the way. The Ark Star Viral Star contest represents the latest way Ark is seeking talent. Aspiring artists need to get their friends, family and fans to help them if they want to claim the grand prize. Kids can get a shot at fame from the team that helped launch one of the most successful music videos of all time.



It’s easy to enter: starting FRIDAY, July 22, unsigned hopefuls aged 10-17 can upload their music videos to YouTube and register at http://arkmusicfactory.com/page/ark-star-contest

On August 5, registration closes and the voting begins. Contestants recruit votes for their video and the top 40 vote getters make it to the first round of finalists. Over the next month, successive voting—friends, family and fans of each artist—narrows the field down to the top 20, 10 and 5 finalists. On September 16, Ark Music Factory will announce the grand prize winner.



If the winning video gets more than 10,000 fan votes, the contestant receives a grand prize package—worth an estimated $15,000—including:

· A song written by Ark Music Factory founder Patrice Wilson especially for the winner

· Their track professionally recorded at a Los Angeles recording studio


· A full-length music video produced by Ark Music factory of the song

· The chance for distribution to millions of fans across the Ark network

· A four-night stay at a boutique Los Angeles hotel and spa BLVD



Ark will award a consolation prize of a brand new Apple iPad2 to the winning contestant if the winner does not reach the minimum 10,000-vote threshold.



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Other runner-up prizes include $100 prize packs from Wowwee Toys, consisting of the Paper Jamz Guitar, Drums and Pro Series Mic just like the one current Ark Star Lexi St. George uses in the latest ad from the hit toy company; cosmetics; music; apparel and more. Other rules and conditions apply; contestants should visit http://arkmusicfactory.com/pages/ark-star-rules for full rules and details.



“We’re terrifically excited about this program,” says Ark Music Factory Founder Patrice Wilson. “I am all about the passion for music—it’s driven the success of this company—and I know so many kids out there feel the same way. Ark aims to give these young artists a platform for exposure they might not otherwise get, and I’m really looking forward to reviewing the submissions. Come on, kids, enter!”