Teen Grammy Competition Aims To Bring Awareness

In a musical climate where the last vestiges of social commentary have taken a back seat to the over-celebrated themes of sex, drugs, excess and relentless partying, it’s refreshing to see musical organizations unite to offer an opportunity to those inundated by its impact and challenge the status quo via the very same medium.

For the second year in a row, the GRAMMY Foundation and MusiCares are partnering with NIDA to host the second annual Teen Substance Abuse Awareness through Music Contest for teens aged 14-18. The contest is being held in conjunction with National Drug Facts Week which begins October 31, 2011. Participants are asked to “compose or create an original song and/or music video that explores, encourages and celebrates a healthy lifestyle or accurately depicts a story about drug abuse.” The overall focus of the contest is to bring increased awareness to substance abuse.

It’s no secret that drug use and experimentation are synonymous with youth and rebellion. That sentiment is echoed in much of the music today aimed at young minds, which glorifies its usage but does little in the way of showcasing the harmful and disastrous effects of doing so. Enter the Grammy Foundation, MusiCares and NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse -- part of the National Institute on Health).

The non-profit GRAMMY Foundation was established in 1989 by its parent organization N.A.R.A.S. (National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences). Its self-described aim is “to cultivate the understanding, appreciation and advancement of the contribution of recorded music to American culture from the artistic and technical legends of the past, to the still unimagined musical breakthroughs of future generations of music professionals.”

From personal experience, most people (I know) think of the GRAMMYS as an annual award show where music’s “best and brightest” shine for a night of dazzling performances and award collection. While this may be true to an extent, there is something much deeper at the core.

As a member of N.A.R.A.S’ Producers and Engineers Wing, I saw first-hand the dedication to preserving the art of music and empowering its contributors and ambassadors simultaneously. I was privileged to participate in a number of key initiatives geared toward helping young and aspiring musicians and artists develop both a genuine respect and appreciation for the musical arts. One such initiative, GRAMMY in the Schools in particular, gives students direct access to music industry professionals through a series of well-organized interactive workshops, mixers and panels.

MusiCares, another non-profit also established in 1989 by the Recording Academy exists to provide a wide range of financial, medical and personal assistance to the musical community at large in times of need or crisis. Drug and substance abuse issues and recovery are included in the scope of MusiCares outreach. Each individual requiring assistance is given the integrity, dignity and confidentiality deserving in such situations. MusiCares’ goal is to direct the music industry’s attention to the issues that affect and impact the music community’s health.

The results from last year’s submissions demanded the contest return for a second run.

“When we launched this contest last year, we though it would be an ideal way to showcase aspects of our non-profit missions -- music education for young people for the GRAMMY Foundation and health and human services and addiction recovery for MusiCares. The submissions from teens were so powerful and moving that we are eager to see the results of this year’s campaign, and continue to spread the word to young people about the toll of addiction and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle," President and CEO of the GRAMMY Foundation, MusiCares and the Recording Academy Neil Portnow said.

NIDA Director Dr. Nora D. Volkow seems to agree.

“The quality of last year’s entries was so impressive that the contest is launching earlier this year to give more students a chance to participate. This competition gives teens a unique opportunity to express and share their feelings and experiences about how living a drug-free life helps them navigate their way safely into adulthood," Volkow said.

The first prize winner will be invited to Los Angeles to attend the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards Backstage Experience. The “Experience” is a backstage tour that takes place while the artists performing on the GRAMMYS telecast rehearse live -- a treat for any music lover!

In 1998, as a guest of Will Smith I got to see what the winner of this contest will enjoy backstage and I can say for certain they will not be disappointed!

Additionally, the first, second, and third places winners will have their entries posted on the GRAMMY365, MTV’s Act Blog, and the Above The Influence Campaign websites respectively. Great exposure!

To sweeten the deal even more, ALL WINNERS will receive a small cash award from Visions Adolescent Treatment Center in Malibu, California in addition to a certificate from NIDA acknowledging their role in disseminating health info regarding substance abuse. NIDA will provide technical assistance in judging contest submissions with points being given for accuracy of subject matter.

All original music and/or video contest submissions should be sent to MusiCares and postmarked no later than October 10, 2011. Entries should be no more than three minutes long. Submissions should be mailed to:

Ms. Erica Krusen
MusiCares and GRAMMY Foundation Teen Substance Abuse Music Contest
3030 Olympic Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90404

Contest winners will be revealed during NIDA’s 2nd annual Drug Facts Week beginning October 31, 2011.

Check out The GRAMMY Foundation, MusiCares and Drug Facts Week websites for more information.