• by Karlene Lukovitz , December 2, 2014

Mountain Dew, under the auspices of its Green Label Sound branded record label/marketing platform, has launched a national contest to search for up-and-coming musical talent. 

Mountain Dew is hosting the "Open Call" contest on the SoundCloud online audio distribution platform, and collaborating with RAC, the performing name of Portland, Ore.-based musician Andre Anjos.

RAC, with his remix collective, has created hundreds of remixes since 2007 and is now producing original music. He formerly recorded with Green Label Sound.

The new talent search contest winner will receive a $50,000 grant to record an EP (extended play), the ability to tap RAC for career advice, a music video and an opportunity to perform in 2015 at the Green Label House during the SXSW music festival.

Green Mountain founded Green Label Sound in 2008 as a platform for reaching its core, young audience by supporting the emerging and independent music scene through partnerships with artists, a site and digital outreach, events and outdoor media. Sound is as an extension of the brand's successful Green Label Art platform, which reaches out to skateboarders and other young people through art activities and promotions.

"So many of today's biggest artists began their careers by simply uploading their music and sharing it online," said Mountain Dew VP of marketing Greg Lyons, in announcing the contest. "Through Green Label Sound, Mountain Dew has a rich history of giving emerging artists the support and platform they need to make it big. We are proud to continue that legacy."

To enter, musicians need to submit an original piece of work on a dedicated SoundCloud promotion site page by Dec. 26. The judging panel includes RAC and Marc Ecko, founder and chief brand officer of the Complex magazine/media network.