Teens Make Music Contest Announced

Today marks the launch of the sixth annual GRAMMY Foundation and MusiCares Teens Make Music Contest, in conjunction with the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids as part of its Above the Influence (ATI) campaign. The contest asks young musicians, ages 14 – 18, to compose or create an original song and/or music video that celebrates life above the influence or brings attention to the real-life consequences of substance abuse.
“We are excited to continue our partnership with the GRAMMY Foundation and MusiCares to recognize talented young teens empowered to share their views on substance abuse and addiction,” said Marcia Lee Taylor, President and CEO of the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids. “As youth are bombarded with pro-drug and pro-alcohol messages, our Above the Influence program empowers teens to stand up to the daily pressures in their lives, including drug and alcohol use. The Teens Make Music Contest is a great outlet for teens to showcase why they choose to be above the influence.”
“Through this unique opportunity with the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, we are encouraging young people to create stories that celebrate the positive aspects of a healthy lifestyle, or reflect on the devastating effects of substance abuse,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of the GRAMMY Foundation, MusiCares and The Recording Academy®. “The Teens Make Music Contest provides a rewarding chance for teens to speak to their parents, teachers and, perhaps most importantly, their peers.”
The first-place winner will receive two tickets to the 58th Annual GRAMMY Awards® at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, two tickets to the GRAMMY Celebration®, a grand cash prize of $5,000 courtesy of Sony/ATV Music Publishing, a cash award of $500 provided by Visions Adolescent Treatment Center, and the opportunity to perform a set at the Acoustic Tent on the 2016 Vans Warped Tour in the city closest to their hometown. The second- and third-place winners will receive two tickets to the 58th Annual GRAMMY Awards, cash prizes of $250 and $100 (provided by Visions Adolescent Treatment Center), respectively, and all three winners will have the opportunity to attend the 58th Annual GRAMMY Awards backstage experience during rehearsals in February 2016. Other prizes include a VISA gift card valued at $250 to be used toward airfare to and from Los Angeles, two tickets to any Vans Warped Tour show, gift bags and more.
“As the world’s largest music publishing company, Sony/ATV Music Publishing treasures its aspiring songwriters. We are thrilled to be a part of something so important to this generation’s young writers and musicians,” shared Martin Bandier, Chairman and CEO, Sony/ATV Music Publishing.
All three winners will have their original compositions posted on the MusiCares and GRAMMY Foundation’s websites, the Vans Warped Tour website, and the Above the Influence website in January 2016. Winners will also be featured during National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week℠ taking place Jan. 25 – 31, 2016.
Original music compositions or compositions with accompanying videos must be sent to the GRAMMY Foundation and MusiCares postmarked no later than Monday, Dec. 7, 2015. Entries must be no more than four minutes long and include lyrics. For more information and to enter the contest, please visit