12th & Porter Announces Music City Breakthrough Contest

Nashville venue 12th & Porter announced today the launch of the Music City Breakthrough contest as part of their ongoing commitment to music and the development of new artists. 12th & Porter and a multitude of music industry partners including Blackbird Studio, Viacom (CMT and MTV), Lightning 100 and others have joined forces to create a program uniquely designed to get artists recognized on a regional and national level and to provide music fans a new way to experience and cultivate undiscovered talent. Artists can enter the contest at 12andPorter.com.

“12th & Porter has been a staple in Nashville for decades,” says Keith Hayman, owner of 12th & Porter and Music City Pizza. “With the newly renovated space that boasts superior sound, concert lighting, state-of-the-art LED video wall, and an enhanced food and beverage operation, I feel an ever greater responsibility to support and develop artists. The Breakthrough hopes to provide a lucrative platform for artists and the music community alike.” How Music City Breakthrough works:

• Submissions are open July 22 – September 2, 2014. Bands may enter the contest via www.12andporter.com.
• A select Music Council comprised will select 21 finalists from the entries.
• Three finalists perform each night at 12th & Porter for seven consecutive Tuesdays. Finalist performance dates are September 9, 16, 23 and 30 and October 7, 14 and 21 at 8:00pm.
• Fans vote online to choose the top three bands to compete at 12 & Porter on Tuesday, November 4, 2014.
• The music council will select the winner and make an announcement on November 7, 2014, at 12th & Porter.

Sponsor partners include Blackbird Studio, The Blackbird Academy, Viacom (CMT and MTV), WRLT Lighting 100, Summerfest, United Record Press, music industry managers, booking agents, publishers, A&R reps and investors.

The winner will receive:
• Two days rehearsal space at The Blackbird Academy’s live facility and five days of studio recording at Blackbird Studio/The Blackbird Academy
• One week of placement on the home page of MTV Artists or CMT Artists (genre dependent) and featured placement on the artists’ page (www.mtv.com/artists/ or www.cmt.com/artists/)
• One slot as the Lighting 100 Local Artist of the Week and on-air interview with Wells Adams
• A slot at Summerfest in Milwaukee
• A slot at Musician’s Corner in Nashville
• A 32-track live recording and 3 camera video shoot of the live performance at 12th & Porter
• Social media and web site promotion of the artists on title sponsors’ online platforms
• Vinyl Pressing
• Additional sponsor gifts including photography; hair, makeup and styling; merchandise, web design and more.