N.J. Seeks Summer Anthem

 (Photo by Associated Press)

(Photo by Associated Press)

New Jersey is looking for musicians who are “Stronger Than the Storm.”

A campaign promoting post Superstorm Sandy recovery efforts along the Jersey shore is launching a contest for musical artists to create an original song to become New Jersey’s summer anthem.

Contestants can begin submitting song entries to the Jersey Shore Soundoff today. The contest was created by “Stronger than the Storm,” a statewide campaign that has been touting tourism in an effort to drive visitors to the area the first summer after Sandy devastated many beach areas.

Solo artists and bands have four weeks to submit videos of performances to be voted on by the general public. The winner will perform at a Sept. 7 concert at the shore alongside a notable music act that hasn’t yet been determined.

  • WHYY thanks our sponsors — become a WHYY sponsor

While contestants are required to be New Jersey residents, people around the country are eligible to vote online. A celebrity panel of judges will also join in the voting process.

The “Stronger than the Storm” campaign already has a theme song by the same name that has been playing on radio and TV and appearing on digital ads since May. But Shannon Eis, a contest organizer and spokeswoman for the campaign, said the idea is an effort to create an authentic anthem from people who were affected by the storm and to celebrate the state’s musical roots.

“It felt important to make something custom-created,” Eis said.

Eis said the contest is aimed at recognizing “the awesome musical talent that resides in New Jersey.”

The first phase of voting begins Monday and lasts until Aug. 11. A second round of online voting Aug. 12-18 and a celebrity panel will determine three finalists. Then, the final stage of voting Aug. 19-25 will determine the winner, who will be announced Aug. 26. People can cast their votes online once a day.

Here is a glance at the rules for contestants and voters of the Jersey Shore Soundoff:

CONTESTANTS: Only solo artists and bands that are New Jersey residents are eligible. Musicians must not hold any contracts with record companies, music publishing or any organization that would interfere with an ability to perform. The songs must only be submitted online in the form of a video. Audio files alone will not be accepted; only video of performers playing the songs can be submitted.

VOTING: Open to voters across the country. The first round of voting begins July 22 and runs until Aug. 11. The second round runs Aug. 12-18 and, with the help of a celebrity panel, will determine three finalists. The final stage will be held Aug. 19-25. The winner will be announced Aug. 26 and invited to perform alongside a notable artist at a Sept. 7 concert. During all phases, only one vote per person per day is allowed.

__________________________________________________________

NBC10 is a content partner with NewsWorks

WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal