Cruze-ing to Vegas: Battle of the Bands

NEW YORK — Eighteen emerging bands from across the country have a shot at national television exposure, a career milestone that will be determined by consumer votes, fan engagement and live performances through a contest called “Cruze-ing To Vegas” that launches today on Billboard.com sponsored by Chevrolet.

“Chevrolet has long been associated with music. In fact, Chevrolet has been mentioned in over 1,000 songs,” said Kevin Mayer, director of advertising and promotions for Chevrolet.  “Partnering with Billboard.com on ‘Cruze-ing to Vegas’ is the next link in connecting our brand with music.”
 
Billboard editors have identified three bands from six U.S. regions based on a variety of factors, including Heat Score, a formula that measures online fan engagement and drives Billboard’s Uncharted chart of emerging artists.  They are:
 
Northwest
1. Champagne Champagne (Seattle).  
2. Grynch (Seattle).  
3. Hotels (Seattle).

West
4. AJ Rafael (Moreno Valley, CA).  
5. The Deadlies (Los Angeles).  
6. Traphik (Long Beach).

Southwest
7. Butcher Bear and Charlie (Austin).  
8. Don’t Wake Aislin (Dallas).  
9. Otenki (Houston).

Midwest
10. Duke Junior and the Smokey Boots (Athens, OH).  
11. Lightning Love (Detroit).  
12. MyMyMy (Chicago).
 
Southeast
13. Art Official (Miami).  
14. Decoder (St. Petersburg, FL).  
15. Side by Side (Charlotte, NC).
 
Northeast
16. Appomattox (New York City).  
17. Gentlemen Hall (Boston).  
18. The Cinnamon Fuzz (Boston).

These bands will hit the road in an all-new Chevrolet Cruze and document their journey to Las Vegas.  A camera crew will follow their every move – playing gigs along the way, rocking out to Cruze’s standard XM radio, communicating with fans through blogging, tweeting, creating playlists and, finally, the battle of the bands on May 18.  The six bands will engage with their fans while on the road, building a viral audience and improving their social Heat Score, one of many goals as they set their sights on Las Vegas.

You can learn more and vote for your favorite at www.Billboard.com/battle.