Two promising Vietnamese rock bands, Winfield and Black Infinity, have been named in the top 10 shortlist for the first-ever contest ASEAN region top band title.
The shortlist also includes representatives from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand.
The announcement was made at a press conference in Bali on June 22 by chief judge, well-known Malaysian music producer Roslan Aziz.
The redAMP – Are You ASEAN's Best Band? Contest is an online band competition, which was open to unsigned bands from Southeast Asia.
Co-hosted by AirAsiaRedTix .com – a new entertainment events online ticketing site, and MTV (Music Television channel), the competition attracted a significant number of bands in the region.
Pop, rock and metal, to jazz, classical and even traditional or indigenous folk instrument bands were encouraged to participate. Bands were able to enter with songs either in English or any of their local languages.
The public can also cast a vote for their favourites though online voting which was launched on June 23. People can vote for their favourite band via SMS, Facebook and at AirASiaRedTix.com/redAMP.
The winning band will get the top prize of a US$15,500, a recording and distribution deal to kick-start their music career, and US$3,000 in AirAsia e-gift vouchers. In addition, they will also given the chance to perform at an international concert in August.