voeveo, the community website for mobile content, and record label Aardvark Records,  have revealed that London-based act Riveraire has won the grand prize in the audio category of the voeveo Incubator mobile content competition. The competition formed part of the voeveos UK launch celebrations in October 07. It aimed to suppor and help creative people learn skills to build their mobile business. Entrants were invited to submit a full-length audio clip as part of the audio incubator competition. voeveo members and sellers then voted on all clips submitted and Riveraires song came out on top.
The winning mobile fulltrack was Down To The Ground, a rousing acoustic pop track with a bittersweet lyric. Riveraire wins global digital distribution and promotion with the Cornwall-based independent record label Aardvark Records as part of the audio Grand Prize. Aardvark will license the winning track, which will be distributed globally through Aardvarks digital distribution network, including iTunes, MSN, Napster, eMusic and numerous other household digital music brand names.
As far as were aware, this is the first deal of its kind in the music industry, says Aardvark Records Head of Communications, Alex di Savoia. A label scouting and working with an artist based on the strength of their audio productions for mobile telephones shows just how much the music industry is changing.
Annabel Youens, Community Director of voeveo adds:
Its been quite amazing to see the Incubator succeed. It was always our vision to help independent artists form new relationships and build their skills by partnering them with industry mentors. We built voeveo to empower bands, musicians and other creative artists to manage their business how they want and tap into explosive mobile market. Its been a real pleasure to see Riveraire win and connect with Aardvark Records.
Riveraire is an accomplished acoustic pop songwriting trio, bringing together the talents of London-based Australian writer and performer Caroline Loftus and British songwriters Paul Carr and Paul Nolan. Their name harks back to the two Pauls northern roots and the river Aire in Yorkshire. Since meeting in London seven years ago, the team has been carefully crafting a catalogue of songs that combine soaring melodies, heartfelt words and Carolines rich and luscious vocals.
Were really thrilled and excited about winning the Incubator Competition and for the opportunity to connect with a wider audience with the help of voeveo and Aardvark Records, says Loftus. As independent artists, its fantastic to receive mentorship and support at a grass roots level. It feels like a real boost for us and fellow independent artists who are striving to make their mark in the mobile and digital arenas.”