A promising local band

Instead of awaiting discovery on MySpace, small bands the world over now have a wider online window to make it big. Artists on Music Nation can upload songs to be voted on by ab enthusiastic userbase. The most popular bands are rewarded with a major label deal with Original Signal, an arm of Epic Records, reports Listening Post.

Voting is done via mobile and online. Further, people don't vote on individual songs or video, but a complete package of media, including videos, MP3s and photos.
With so much on the line, Music Nation took pains to ensure its voting system cannot be cheated. It requires those that register to respond to a confirmatory text message sent to their mobile.
Finalists are considered by a panel of music industry veterans: Dave Allen (bassist, Gang of Four), Andy Gershon (EVP, Epic Records), Carrie Schupper (music program manager, Gen Art), 9th Wonder (DJ/producer), Green Lantern (DJ/producer), and Saigon (rapper).

The contest is on its second run. Previous winners are apparently already clocking in at Original Signal recording studios.