The Grammy Foundation® and MusiCares® have announced the seventh annual Teens Make Music Contest, in conjunction with the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids as part of its “Above the Influence” campaign. The contest asks young musicians, ages 14 - 18, to compose or create an original song and/or music video that celebrates life above the influence or brings attention to the real-life consequences of substance abuse.
“We are thrilled to continue our work with the Grammy Foundation and MusiCares and recognize talented young teens for their creative interpretation on the impact of drug and alcohol abuse,” said Marcia Lee Taylor, President and CEO of the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids. “As our Above the Influence program helps teens stand up to daily pressures, including substance use, the Teens Make Music Contest serves as a great vehicle for these young musicians to highlight why they choose to live their lives in a healthy and positive way.”
“This program represents our ongoing affiliation with the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, and it is a highly effective way to engage young people through the language they speak—music—and encourage them to share their stories about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle or the dangers of substance abuse,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of the Grammy Foundation, MusiCares and The Recording Academy®. “The Teens Make Music Contest gives youth a visible platform to reach parents, teachers, siblings and peers about these important issues."
The first-place winner will receive two tickets to the 59th Annual Grammy Awards®, two tickets to the Grammy Celebration®, The Recording Academy’s official after-party, a cash award of $500 provided by Visions Adolescent Treatment Center and the opportunity to perform a set at the Acoustic Tent on the 2017 Vans Warped Tour in the city closest to their hometown. The second-place winner will receive a cash prize of $250 and the third-place winner will receive a cash prize of $100 (both provided by Visions Adolescent Treatment Center). All three winners will have the opportunity to attend the 59th Annual Grammy Awards backstage experience during rehearsals. Other prizes include a VISA gift card valued at $250 to be used toward airfare to and from Los Angeles, two tickets to any Vans Warped Tour show, gift bags and more.
All three winners will have their original compositions posted on the MusiCares and Grammy Foundation's websites, the Vans Warped Tour website and on Drugfree.org in January 2017. Winners will also be featured during National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week℠ taking place Jan. 23 - 29, 2017.
Original music compositions or compositions with accompanying videos must be sent to the Grammy Foundation and MusiCares postmarked no later than Nov. 14. Entries must be no more than four minutes and they must include lyrics.
Photo by Siri Svay
For more information and to enter the contest, visit abovetheinfluence.com/GRAMMYs.
