NEW YORK, NY & CHELMSFORD, MA (March 24, 2010) – VIBE Magazine, one of the most respected hip-hop publications in the world, and OurStage, the preeminent online community-powered new music discovery site, have announced a partnership to seek out and promote new R&B and hip-hop artists. The agreement will open doors for a lucky group of performers by utilizing opportunities for exposure through both companies’ Web sites, as well as connecting directly with a who’s-who of music industry professionals. Together, OurStage and VIBE will work to create integrated marketing opportunities for advertisers interested in capitalizing on emerging urban artists and fans of their music.
Each month, top hip-hop and R&B talent will be spotlighted through a customized VIBE channel that will be promoted on Ourstage.com and VIBE.com, the Vibe Lifestyle Network, as well as in the print edition of VIBE. These artists will have the chance to win meetings with the best and brightest hip-hop producers and executives, and will also get opportunities to collaborate with noted high-profile performers in their field. VIBE and OurStage will also team up for live events, where top OurStage artists will have the chance to open up for major, national recording artists.While prizing will change from month to month, the first winner this April will have the opportunity to get their demo critiqued by Sha Money, the former president of 50 Cent’s G Unit Records, who recently took over as Executive producer for Dream Big Ventures.
“We’re very excited to join forces with VIBE to zero in on the greatest up-and-coming acts in hip-hop and R&B,” said Ben Campbell, CEO of OurStage, Inc. “VIBE’s coverage of the scene, and the respect they command from artists and fans alike, is unparalleled. We can’t wait to uncover some great new sounds this year.”
“Since our inception, VIBE has always been dedicated to exposing the hottest artists to the people that really care about them-the fans,” said Jermaine Hall, Editor in Chief of VIBE. “OurStage has proven itself to be the premier outlet for new artist discovery on the internet, and together we look forward to starting a new chapter to benefit all 21st century music lovers.”
About Vibe Lifestyle Network
Vibe Lifestyle Network is the parent company of VIBE Magazine andVIBE.COM and is the premier destination for the hip-hop generation. Vibe Lifestyle network represents over 25 sites and reaches over 19 million unique users per month. The new Vibe is the premier destination for urban music, entertainment, culture and lifestyle for the aspirational 18-34-year-old. Visit http://www.vibelifestylenetwork.com for more information.
About OurStage
OurStage is an online music destination unlike any other. It’s a meeting space for music lovers, and the place where tomorrow’s stars get discovered. Artists, fans and the entire industry come together here to celebrate and influence new music. Undiscovered artists submit their tracks to monthly music channels, fans rank their material, and industry professionals keep tabs on who’s rising through the charts, rewarding the best of the best with priceless opportunities. Fans and artists are eligible for monthly prizes and life-altering prospects for success, made possible through OurStage’s partnerships with media giants such as MTV; key radio conglomerates like Citadel and Radio One; leading Web outlets like AOL Music; and major music festivals such as Bonnaroo, Bumbershoot, Noise Pop and CMJ. Founded in 2007, OurStage delivers music and editorial coverage to 4 million monthly visitors from more than 170 countries, as well as development tools to more than 120,000 artists. For more information on the world’s most authentic online music community, visit www.ourstage.com.