Ludacris,
mega-producers/songwriters Dallas Austin (Brandy, Michael Jackson), Sean Garrett
(Usher, Beyonce) and Block (Young Jeezy, Jazze Pha) have signed on as celebrity
judges for the “How Down Is Your Sound?” talent contest sponsored by
Atlanta media personality Ryan Cameron and Kaneva.com.The
online contest, open for submissions until October 9 and open to everyone in the
U.S., asked the celebrity judges to assist in searching for singers and musicians
with uploadable songs and music videos that display their skills.Online
voters at Kaneva.com will vote for their favorite entries through October 25,
and the top 10 contestants will be invited to perform “live” in front
of the four celebrity judges who will determine the winner of a grand prize valued
at over $60,000."’How
Down Is Your Sound’ represents the talent search of the future," said Ryan
Cameron, official host of "How Down Is Your Sound." "Where else
in the world can someone off the street with literally no entry barriers, get
the chance to share their sound and performance — whether it is rap, Hip-Hop,
or rock — with millions of people worldwide, as well as with hit making producers
who can help rocket them into celebrity status."The
grand prize package will include a $7,500 studio recording session in Dallas Austin’s
DARP studio, a one-day internship with Sean Garrett, a demo deal that includes
a 5-song package with Block’s producers, and a professional photo shoot.
The
winner’s music will be showcased on Kaneva.com at the contest’s conclusion.In
related news, Ludacris is preparing to release his new album Release Therapy
on Sept. 26, and will sign autographs at 6 pm at the Virgin Megastore in Union
Square in New York City. The
album’s first single “Money Maker” made a debut on Billboard
Hot 100 charts at #2.