MUMBAI: MySpace in partnership with MySpace Records and Toyota Motor Sales USA, Inc., has launched Rock the Space, which is an exclusive competition encouraging unsigned bands or solo artists to submit an original song for the opportunity to score a recording contract with MySpace Records.

From 21 May to 1 July, 2009, aspiring artists across the US can enter to win by visiting Toyota’s MySpace Music profile for submission details and contest rules.

"MySpace’s origins are in connecting new and emerging artists with music fans. We designed the Rock the Space competition to take that idea to new heights. Toyota is thrilled to bring unsigned musicians and the MySpace community this unprecedented opportunity," said Toyota Motor Sales corporate manager, marketing communications Kim McCullough.

To enter the Rock the Space competition artists must submit an original mp3 demo. All entrants will have the opportunity to create a viral music widget with an easy embed code to help them spread their music across MySpace and the web. MySpace users can share in the experience by adding the music widgets to their profiles and posting comments on the Toyota Music profile.

In July, MySpace Records will select five finalists who will be featured prominently on the Toyota Music profile and the MySpace community will vote to select the winner. The five finalists will receive a media allocation to promote themselves with My Ads targeted advertising throughout MySpace.

"Rock the Space allows the MySpace Music platform to do what it does best – enable new music and new artists to be discovered. MySpace is excited to offer these artists a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and to take part in their journey from the very first step," said MySpace president of sales and marketing Jeff Berman.

The Rock the Space winner will be announced in September and will receive a recording contract as well as a $10,000 musical instrument prize package provided by guitar manufacturer Fender. The winner’s song will also be available for download on the MySpace Music Home Page. The four runners-up win a MySpace Records Development Deal friends package.

"Rock the Space will create an organic and loyal fan base with a vested interest in these artists and their careers by allowing users to participate in the process from the beginning. This interactivity between artist and fan has always been a fundamental and differentiating factor for the MySpace Music platform and has led to the success of many of today’s most popular artists," said MySpace Records general manager J. Scavo.