TV’s Fastest-growing network, Gospel Music Channel, is partnering with FameCast Media, to create battle of the bands—an online contest for choir groups. Organizers of the contest invite choirs from around the country to “make their voices heard” and raise awareness about stroke prevention through a fun, competitive, digital entertainment experience. Choirs advance in the competition through online voting from their social and community networks.

Stroke is America’s No. 3 killer and a leading cause of severe, long-term disability. Now, in conjunction with the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, Gospel Music Channel (GMC) and FameCast Media are working to educate people about stroke through an online choir competition as part of the Power to End Stroke campaign.

Engage, Entertain & Activate

The three-month online contest, running now through April 6th, encourages choirs to raise their voices and inspire others by submitting a short video or audio file featuring their special talent.

To compete for the battle of the bands, choirs upload a performance video or mp3 at the Most Powerful Voices Contest Web page. That’s also where fans can find, listen to and vote for their favorite choirs. Fan voting will help determine which choirs will move on in the online contest. Public voting runs thru March 20. From there, a panel of judges will choose the top 20 choirs (ten small and ten large) to advance to the final round March 21 thru March 27, that’s when fans once again, have the chance to weigh in and vote for their favorite choirs. Ultimately, two choirs will win (one small and one large) and will be notified on April 6. The winning choirs will perform at the American Stroke Association’s Power Awards Show on May 7 in New York City. The association hosts the annual event to honor people who increase stroke awareness among African Americans. Each choir will also win $5,000 in keyboards and recording gear from Roland Corporation, U.S. In addition, one of the two choirs will be chosen by EMI Gospel as a grand prize winner of the online contest and will receive a professional coaching session from national EMI Gospel artist – Myron Butler.

“Everyone knows someone, a family member, a close friend, a co-worker who has experienced the life-changing effects of a stroke. As the nation’s leading Christian/Gospel music television network and no. #1 website, supporting the American Stroke Association was an easy decision to make” commented Philip Manwaring, GMC vice president of digital media. “As soon as the opportunity was presented to us, we thought of our old Indie Spotlight contest partner –FameCast Media. We knew that together, working in conjunction with the American Stroke Association we could do a lot to raise awareness about stroke and stroke prevention in a fun, entertaining and interesting way. We hope that we can reach, inspire and educate people on this important topic.”

For more information about the battle of the bands and Most Powerful Voices online contest, visit the Web site.

About Gospel Music Channel
gmc is the fastest-growing network in television and can be seen in 45 million homes on various cable systems around the country, on DIRECTV on channel 338 and on Verizon FiOS on channel 224.

About Famecast
FameCast is a leading digital marketing and entertainment platform company that delivers customized, branded contests combining user-generated video, fan participation, viral marketing and social media to drive cost-effective, comprehensive marketing campaigns for major brands. The online platform is built on FameCast's proprietary Contest Management and Media Optimization Engine, which ensure contest integrity and content quality. In addition to the enormous exposure, clients also get valuable user data and rich content, both of which are vitally important to developing deeper relationships with customers. The prestigious Digital Hollywood AlwaysOn Network recently named FameCast one of its Top 100 Private Companies. Find out more at famecastmedia.com.

About The American Stroke Association
Created in 1997 as a division of the American Heart Association, the American Stroke Association works to improve stroke prevention, diagnosis and treatment to save lives from stroke — America’s No. 3 killer and a leading cause of serious disability. To do this, we fund scientific research, help people better understand and avoid stroke, encourage government support, guide healthcare professionals, and provide information to stroke survivors and their caregivers to enhance their quality of life. To learn more, call 1-888-4STROKE or visit strokeassociation.org.

About Roland Corporation U.S.
Roland Corporation is a leading manufacturer and distributor of electronic musical instruments, including keyboards and synthesizers, guitar products, electronic percussion, digital recording equipment, amplifiers, audio processors, and multimedia products. With over 35 years of musical instrument development, Roland sets the standard in music technology for the world to follow. For more information, visit RolandUS.

About EMI
EMI Christian Music Group is the market leader in the field of recorded music, distribution, and music publishing. Established in 1994 following the acquisition of The Sparrow Corporation, EMI Christian Music Group now operates several divisions including EMI CMG Label Group (Sparrow Records and ForeFront Records), EMI Gospel, EMI CMG Distribution and EMI CMG Publishing. EMI Gospel reaches the urban gospel and mainstream audience with traditional and contemporary music.