Jack Daniel's and music have a close affiliation that dates all the way back to 1860, when Mr Jack himself began one of the oldest recorded music sponsorships: the Silver Cornet Band.
"We wanted to continue Jack's love affair with music by helping showcase up-and-coming South African artists who are creating their own unique sounds, so we partnered three musical legends, who have followed their own authentic paths to success, to become the official Jack Daniel's Music Scouts," said Jack Daniel's Sean Harrison, trade marketing manager.
"That's why, together with T-BO Touch, DJ Vinny da Vinci and Mandla "Spikiri" Mofokeng, who all embody the spirit of Jack, we've launched a grass-roots-level search for artists that are doing something special and deserve a platform," he added.
Targeting young male and female musicians between the ages of 19 and 35 in the LSM 7 to 10 income bracket, the below-line-campaign is utilising TLC's Glamcam, as well as warm-up parties, protégé gigs, radio, Facebook, Twitter and a mobi-site where T-BO Touch, DJ Vinny da Vinci and Mandla "Spikiri" Mofokeng have announced the launch of their search for authentic South African talent.
"Glamcam, our unique event photo capture experience, provides photo brand activation through sharing moments; whilst the set creates a fun vibe at any event giving brands a spectacular backdrop for awesome group photos," said TLC Unlimited's group MD, Brett Tucker.
"We are taking photographs - that look like magazine covers - of the Jack Daniel's Music Scout entrants and consumers and printing them on site in our Nightlife venues during the campaign, whilst Photodeli's Digibooks help to tell the Jack Daniel's story," he added.
Whether unsigned musicians, vocalists or DJs, the countrywide search is open to anyone with musical flair. Entrants will be given a platform to demonstrate their skill, including gigs where they will perform to begin securing their own fan base and impress the Jack Daniel's Music Scouts.
The winning artists, as selected by the JD Music Scouts, in addition to receiving exposure through the campaign, will win a trip to the US to discover the history of hip hop and house music.
Musicians have until 14 November to enter and send in their track. There will then be a shortlist of 12 prospects, who will battle it out at a number of events between now and December, culminating in a finale on 7 December.
Go to www.jackscouts.co.za from a mobile device to enter, and follow progress on Facebook at JackDanielsSA.
For more information about TLC, go to www.primedia-unlimited.co.za
