Oakland Press Article - Music Nation

Local Artists Moving Ahead In Contest

By GARY GRAFF
Of the Oakland Press


Royal Oak rock singer-songwriter Matt Austin and Flint rap group Cass N Big G are among the quarterfinalists in a nationwide talent contest sponsored by Music Nation, a New York-based artist development company that's administering the 15-week online competition.

Austin and Cass N Big G both have videos on view at the company's Web site, www.musicnation.com. Voting for the quarterfinals begins Monday, with the semifinals starting May 7 and the finals beginning May 14.

Three winners — one in each genre category (rock, pop and urban) — will be chosen by a combination of popular votes and a panel of judges that includes Nelly, The Game, members of Good Charlotte and others.

The winners receive a recording contract with Epic Records, a yearlong sponsorship from Gibson, and a feature spot on an episode of Clear Channel Radio's live performance series "Stripped." Music Nation will work with Epic to help develop the winners' careers.

Web Site: www.musicnation.com
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