Press
The Miami Herald
Sunday July 1, 2007
Project Breakout, a new online site having a music video competition, wants your vote. By Julie Levin
How do garage bands go global? In the age of ever-expanding video sharing, one online video competition network is giving musicians a new option. Project Breakout offers undiscovered talents a way to show their stuff across several online channels, including music, comedy, short film, dance and animation.
"This YouTube meets American Idol in a lot of different talents and disciplines," said Gregory Sukornyk of Fort Lauderdale, founder of Project Breakout. The Fort Lauderdale-based network kicked off in February with a comedy competition that drew hundreds of entries and a half a million online votes, according to Sukornyk.
TIME TO VOTE
Beginning Monday, the online audience can cast votes on the latest Project Breakout competition. Two months ago, amateur rockers and rock bands from across the United States and Canada began submitting videos showcasing their talent. With three weeks still to go in the competition, at least 90 video entries had been received and posted. Melissa Burnos, a singer from Miami, posted a video a fan made at one of her performances. "Any venue where people can see what I do is great," said Burnos, a former Miami Dolphins Cheerleader. All videos had to include original compositions, and organizers say the quality was impressive. For those who are serious about a music career, the site serves a virtual talent market place.
MULTI_LEVEL VOTE
Online audiences can check out video entries, then vote until July 16. From the top 10 finishers, producers from Bunk Rock Productions will pick three.
The top winner gets a multi-track demo deal with Bunk Rock producer Greig Nori, who has produced punk rocker Iggy Pop, the group Sum 41 and rapper/actor Ludacris.
Craig Marks of Weston helps promote undiscovered bands through his organization, Junkyard Cat, which also plans and organizes charity music events. He encouraged many of the artists he works with to enter the competition and thinks sites like Project Breakout are long overdue. "What they are doing is unique," Marks said. "There are so many wonderful bands and musicians out there that no one knows about."
To look at the music entries, to vote or to learn more details about Project Breakout, check out Project Breakout online at www.projectbreakout.com.