Testimonials
When you love something, you can (A) set it free or (B) give it an obscene amount of money.
We here at OurStage are big proponents of
option B. That's why once a month we host competitions where our beloved artists and fans can win up to $10,000 in cash and prizes as well as once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, like meeting with the A&R department of a major label, performing at a national awards show or getting face time
with an iconic performer at their concert.
It's our way of saying thanks for lending your talent, your ideas and your passion to the OurStage community. Before we get choked up, check out these testimonials from past winners.
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"I have had a phenomenal couple of months with the Intel Superstars Competition and my music placements with the luxury apparel brand stores of Zegna and Hogan and the Baglioni Hotels worldwide. This merged three of my passions music, fashion and travel! I feel like I am hitting my stride which is a good feeling. My goal was to get my life looking like I wanted it to and with my recent successes, I feel like I am getting closer."
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"The new music video has been doing really well, though I have been networking my butt off! "Way Too Late" is now being played on country Canadian radio in every province. I truly believe that the Hoedown Competition on OurStage helped me a lot with that. I won the 1st and 2nd rounds last month in OurStage’s Capital Hoedown Showdown, placing 2nd in the Hoedown Showdown. Thank you for that opportunity :) I was invited down to watch [grand prize winner] WYATT and they got me a hotel and I released my music video on Y101 there!"
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"On a more personal note, I don't know if I ever really thanked you guys for all of the opportunities that I've been afforded through OurStage. I've gotten a lot of great work as a result of the relationships that I made on those gigs. I was really the "networker" in Petticoat, and made a serious point to keep in touch (bug the hell out of) the people whom I met through your site. John Darnielle (of the Mountain Goats) has remained a friend and one of the best connections that I've ever made. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you and the rest of OurStage for what you do, and I look forward to being even more involved than ever with the new group!"
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"After winning second place in the New Music Seminar Artist On the Verge competition in LA, I was offered a licensing deal by MTV that made my music available for licensing throughout all of their networks. It was recently confirmed that this network includes VH1 as well. I've had four major song placements on hit shows on MTV so far. As a result of this exposure I ended up crossing paths with some producer friends of mine, Da Internz, who have done music for Estelle, Justin Bieber, Mims, John Legend, and Greyson Chance, to name a few. They were impressed with all the activity that was surrounding me as a result of placing second in the competition, and they are now working with me on producing my debut album. Most importantly, I recently signed a deal with Artists & Brands, a music media agency owned by Rodney Jerkins (Darkchild), Ira Antelis (Leo Burnett Ad Agency), and Darryl Jones (Entertainment Attorney). For the first time in my career, I am getting the opportunities that I feel I deserve and it all started from just opening an OurStage account. Whenever artists ask me for advice on getting ahead in their music career, I tell them to join OurStage and be patient."
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"We would like to extend our gratitude to the staff and fans at OurStage.com for providing us the opportunity to obtain international television exposure for our music. Sony Pictures Television and MTV Latin America recently contacted us to confirm that our song "No New Bodies" has been placed in one of their newest shows, Niñas Mal, which premiered this week in various Latin American countries. THANKS OURSTAGE! "
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"Thank you and OurStage again for everything you have done for us. We really do appreciate it. I can't think of any social media type websites that get so involved with musicians as OurStage does. I hope we can collaborate with each other in the future."
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"The Columbia Records experience was priceless. I arrived at the Sony building and sat down with four execs, lead by Kathy Baker, Senior Director. When they played the first song feet were tapping and heads was nodding. Columbia was impressed with how much I had going on and they gave me advice about digital marketing and Internet buzz. It was a blessing to have a major label impressed by my work. They are going to give their A&R department and Roc Nation (a joint ventured with Columbia) my CD. I thank OurStage and Alison for giving artists like me a chance to further my career."
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"Opening for John Mayer was incredible in so many ways. I'm a huge John Mayer fan... I love the way he writes songs, and how witty his lyrics are. Getting to open for someone who's so talented was really an honor. The whole experience was surreal, from showing up and sound-checking to performing and then to watching Train and John Mayer perform after me. The audience seemed to respond really well to my set, so that was exciting. Overall, the show left me incredibly inspired. Hopefully I'll be the one selling out arenas one day! I'd like to say a huge THANK YOU to my OurStage supporters. You guys made possible something I'd been dreaming about for years, and it means the world to me. I love you guys!"
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"Excited is not a word that I would use to describe how I feel. Dumbfounded is more like it. The money is a nice plus to pay a few bills, but the real prize is a chance to work with Atlantic Records and more importantly with the legendary God Father of modern R&B music, Andre Harrell! Show me an artist who wouldn't feel excited about that!"
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"The fact that I got to play at the famous Lilith because of an online contest BLOWS. MY. MIND. The Internet is magical! I just want to say that I was incredibly touched by the encouraging atmosphere at OurStage, by everyone who voted for me and everyone who put such kind comments on my page. I was so excited about all the artists participating, all the songs I fell in love with from the site that would get stuck in my head all day long! Sometimes I think people see the music industry as this cut-throat atmosphere, and it's really inspiring that OurStage promotes an arena for music that's so open and encouraging. And, especially, thank you OurStage for making my angsty high school dreams come true! "
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"To be honest, if it wasn't for you guys, we really wouldn't be who we are. The fans on OurStage are the most supportive. The people who come to OurStage are more interested in music than many of the other sites and we are very grateful for a site like this and the people who make it possible." - Xolie Morra
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"OurStage has been such a great opportunity for us. When we first signed up, we didn't expect much from doing so. Little did we know, we would end up playing for HANSON! Thank you so much for anyone who voted for us/ supported us in any way! You guys helped make dreams come true and we appreciate all your hard work!" - Christian Fiore
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"Playing to a stadium full of rock fans is the most awesome experience I've ever had. It was great for The Worsties to share the stage with Bon Jovi. We give many thanks to OurStage for providing our hardworking band with such a huge opportunity." - Nathan "Many thanks to OurStage for holding such an amazing contest for hard working bands to have the chance of a lifetime. Not only did we get the chance to perform in front of thousands, but the publicity and recognition we received made the award even more special. Hugs and kisses to the OurStage team!" - Jesse
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"Just wanted to give a big thanks to OurStage. OS selected me as their pick for the NEMO/Starbuck's Music Maker's competition back in September of '07. The competition gave me exposure to some prominent folks in the Boston music scene which led to receiving a nomination for "Best New Act" in the 2007 Boston Music Awards. I also was lucky enough to be win the Blues battle, which got me some great exposure, helped me gain more fans, and sell cds. I can honestly say that real opportunities and successes do come from participating in this community."
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"Originally through OurStage we won a slot on their podcast for our song "Someday Soon", in addition to using this song in the podcast they also selected another one of our songs "Wasted Heart" for the buffer at the beginning and end of the podcast. On top of us getting two songs on the podcast we were also offered a few slots on their online radio station called Pastestation. We have now been in their Top Ten Most Listened (with yet another song "Coalinga") for three weeks! We are at the top with artists like Iron & Wine, Flight of the Conchords, and Aimee Mann. Since all of this has happened we were then selected for an upcoming Paste Sampler slot! These doors were opened up to us through OurStage.com and I wanted to say thanks!"
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"Due to the great impact of the blogosphere and online music community... its become easier than ever for people to find out about new bands and artists, which is exciting. At the same time, as a band, you've got be constantly staying ahead of the curve creatively (in terms of music & business) to get noticed. Its not easy but fortunately there are sites like OurStage, which really facilitates that direct bond to a band's potential audience."
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"OurStage provides invaluable exposure to up and coming artists. With my Starbucks Music Makers win back in August '07 I was able to present my music to a much larger audience. OurStage 's unique concept of letting music fans determine what they want allows the first genuine test of talent. Free of corporate playlists and contest rigging, OurStage promotes,and builds an artist and most importantly, lets the fans decide."
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"Wow! Thank you so much to OurStage for creating a place where MUSIC RULES! I was so honored to win the Music Finals in February for my song, "Soul Static". My song was heard almost 10,000 times in a two week period. Definite exposure. I have more respect in the business as a songwriter who will be able to sell records & compete on the charts. And, finally... $5K doesn't hurt as I am getting ready to finish my album. Thanks again!"
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"OurStage is a great website. Very refreshing for an Independent artist like myself. I get excited each day when I log on to see how my songs are doing and how people are responding. Already in the first month(February) on the site my song "Coming Home" won 1st place in the Rock Channel and had an opportunity to win a slew of prizes and March offers more of the same excitement. OurStage can be addictive and fun but most importantly it is all about the music for Indie artists and the exposure to open new doors and lead us to the promised land, whereever that may be. Thanks OurStage!!"
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"I just wanted to take a few minutes to thank the team at OurStage for their amazing work! it is refreshing to see a site like OurStage that brings real music and talent to avid music listeners who then get to pick their favorite songs. this site allows fans to make up their own mind about what they want to listen to and what they think is good. i found this site about a year ago and ever since i have been given great opportunities. OurStage had me play at stubb's during sxsw as well as featured me in the paste magazine cd sampler."
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"Thanks to OurStage , in the first two months of releasing our debut EP, our two channel winning songs logged over 30,000 plays combined, which is more than can be said about any of our other website mediums, including Myspace. OurStage has granted us the ability to conduct extremely accurate market research with regard to what songs work in what channels, in addition to linking up with other bands of similar genres. We are still relatively new to the OurStage scene, but in a short time have gained a slew of new fans, which has resulted in an opening slot for Blues Traveler in Stamford, CT this June. Props to OurStage!!!"
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"We can't thank OurStage enough for all of the tremendous opportunities they have granted us. We were able to open two nights in a row for our heros and mentors, Soulive. Since then, Soulive has posted the subsequent OurStage video on their Myspace page, thus introducing us to a whole new group of fans. To top that off, OurStage hooked us up with the opportunity to perform at the biggest music festival in the country, Bonnaroo. Not only were we able to rock the Sonic Stage, we were also able to rub elbows with some of the world's most talented and popular acts, up close and personal. Thank you OurStage!!"
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"In short, there are an increasing number of music-oriented web sites on the internet that claim to help, promote, sell, and advance an artist's career. But in my experience with OurStage, they've been much more than mere claims. Witness my invitation to perform at the 2008 Bonnaroo Music Festival. It was with their complete and direct help (along with the OurStage listeners!) that I was brought to the attention of the promoters at Bonnaroo. What more can you ask out of a music site?!"
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"As an indie band, it has been incredibly difficult for us to compete with national acts for high profile, festival appearances. Through OurStage we've been invited to play both Earthfest in Boston, and the Rothbuy Festival in Michigan. This means not only getting to share a bill with some of our musical heros, but it has added a legitimacy to our tour that is certainly opening doors within the industry. Thank you OurStage ! You're the fucking balls."
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"I just wanted to say how OurStagehas helped me and my music career. Recently a one of the top college booking agencies in the northeast contacted me because they herd my material right here on ourstage. I just signed a deal with them, so look for me soon on the road at a college near you! I also have teamed up with fellow OurStage member Sean Cox. It turns out we live near each other. We are currently playing shows in support of each other as well are planning a tour. Last but not least, I have also been contacted by a few big time agents who manage many top 40 artists. Fingers crossed!"
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"I've been with OurStage since the beginning, and it's been a lot of fun watching it, and the opportunities, grow. OurStage has been a great way to connect with fans and other musicians who would have otherwise been just a face on another social networking page. Through OurStage I've been featured on Relix Magazine's website, AOL Music, and been chosen to represent OurStage as a semi-finalist in the Starbucks Music Makers Competition, as well as some other great slots. It's because of these connections, opportunities, and OurStage's support that I've been able to take some big steps in my career, like getting the chance to open for Coldplay, thanks to a lot of votes from OurStage members."
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"Winning the Hard Drive Live prize was an incredible opportunity for us to expose ourselves to a large audience while making amazing connections with promoters, booking agents and band members. We got to open for All That Remains, Lacuna Coil, Maylene and the Sons of Disaster and Taking Dawn. We played for a crowd of nearly 600. We got great crowd response and really mesmerized the crowd. They were into us. The following days we received hundreds of new MySpace friend requests and many messages from new fans eagerly wanting to get a hold of our album when available. Read more... |
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"We won OurStage Video Grand Prize with 'Attractive', an animation music video, in June 2009. Since then we use this great achievement in our bio. The $1,000 award will help us finance our third animation music video, which is directed by GRAMMY nominated Yuval & Merav Nathan. We strongly believe in OurStage as a jump-start for music artists to get great exposure and connections in the music business."
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"Winning the video grand prize was incredible! With the help of the prize money, we were able to record a new album of our latest original material. OurStage has been great not only from the monthly prizes, but in allowing musicians to listen to each other's music all over the world. Our band is younger than most so it's extremely beneficial to receive comments from some of the more experienced musicians in the business. Because of OurStage, an artist can record a song and see how other musicians respond giving everybody an outlet to test the waters and maybe catch somebody's ear without having to be on a record label."
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"Thanks a lot for helping me get here 'cause it definitely means something big to me and this is a dream so thanks."
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"I was honored to be chosen by the fans to open the Russ Parr Bus Tour. It was my first time being a part of a show of that caliber. The bill was full of major artists and I felt like I belonged. Since I performed at the Russ Parr Bus Tour I was named Best Midwest Artist at the 7th Annual Underground Music Awards and am co-headlining a concert in January of 2010 with Mike Jones."
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"The Terminal 5's three thousand people, and you know this is our biggest gig we've ever done."
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"My initial reaction to winning OurStage.com's August 2009 Songwriting Grand Prize was utter disbelief. Could it possibly be that after so many internet money-making scams, lame contests, and so-called 'industry pros' who claim they can help...for a price, I had actually found a FREE site that truly exists to help promote artists and further their careers in a tangible way?! Surprise, surprise‚ indeed I had! And I have the prize money to prove it! Read more...
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"OurStage, thank you so much for being able to allow a group of our nature, just an up-and-coming act, to have the opportunity to share the stage with such a beautiful, artistic empire such as Soulive."
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"There's nothing like a five time GRAMMY winner saying 'the hook's hot'! That's a big up, that's a very big up. I got to come back to Earth right now."
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"Winning the grand prize for best video really helped get us exposure. After we won the video was picked up by Fuse on Demand and Comcast Cable. We took the prize money and put it towards recording our first EP. Our song 'Dearest I'm So Sorry' (from the EP the prize money paid for) went on to win Best Hard Rock song on OurStage as well. The momentum continued when we entered 'Dearest' into the MTV Bay Area Breakout Artist contest and were selected by MTV to have a live video shot of 'Dearest' and broadcast on MTV2 for viewers to vote. We won the MTV VMA for Best Bay Area Breakout Band!
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"With the fans deciding that's so much cooler than just like someone getting in there and getting a spam robot and vote, vote, vote. It's so much cooler that you have to listen to it and judge that way so we're honored to be here and thankful for the site to exist in the first place."
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"OurStage is doing more, at least in my opinion, for musicians than pretty much just about anyone out there and I think it's an amazing site, and what you guys are doing is great."
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"Winning the Sanctum Sound Recording time has opened up so many doors for me. I was able to cut a rough CD to send out to producers and thanks to the amazing sound quality of the tracks, my rough tracks sounded like an acoustic album. It helped me take my music career to the next level. With the tracks I recorded, I am now working along side a producer to start recording my first full-length album. I will also be eventually flying to London to work with a producer who has worked along side Jason Mraz, and James Morrison. Quite Exciting!
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