The latest initiative under Sennheiser's HearIAm moniker is a music campaign that seeks to help music artists and fans discover new tunes, get exposure, and win prizes.

The campaign, which commenced on June 7, is now in its first round of voting, and Sennheiser says it has attracted "an overwhelming response among both artists and fans."

A total of 20 bands were selected as finalists, representing regions from across North America, including names like Trucker, Method Echo, and Nothing Rhymes with Orange. The winning musician (or band) will have the chance to play a set at Osheaga 2010 in Montreal QC on August 1 or at CMJ2010 in New York. But the grand prize, to be awarded in the spring of 2011, includes a special A&R Universal Republic Records showcase, and a distribution deal from the same company. There's also $10,000 worth of Sennheiser gear up for grabs.

Phase one winners will be selected by a panel of judges that includes Brian Hardgroove, lead guitarist of Public Enemy and Producer and Host of "The Fusebox" music radio program; Tom Mackay, Executive Vice President of A&R Universal Republic Records; Josh Jackson, Editor-in-Chief of Paste Magazine; Roie Avin, President and Founder of Pick The Band; and Osheaga's Artist Booking Team.

In addition to musician participation, fans can also take part by sharing their favourite music tracks via customized social media tools and applications developed jointly by Sennheiser and Pick the Band. Fans can also vote for their favourite artists, which gains them entries to win prizes, including trips to well-known American music festivals. Naturally, artists attending these trips will get "prominent performance slots, " along with accessibility to Sennheiser audio equipment.

For more information, visit www.heariam.com.

Article Tags:  sennheiser, music, artists, trips, universal, republic, records, a&amp, president, favourite, musician, campaign, heariam, prizes, selected, osheaga, including, includes,