The No Label Needed Contest & Series presented by Scion, in collaboration with MetalInsider.net, will help one band leave labels behind and take on the industry all on their own. The series will show readers how it's done, all while helping one special contest-winning band get ahead in a spectacular way.

From now through February 8th, unsigned acts can submit demo packages www.metalinsider.net/nolabelneeded.

Twenty finalists will be selected and one winner will be voted on by the public and a panel artists, agents, writers and managers who work with the likes of KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, AS I LAY DYING and SHADOWS FALL. Voting will run from February 9th through March 8th. The grand prize winner, to be announced on March 15th, will win all the help and education they need to become a truly self-sufficient artist without having to sign a traditional record deal.

The winning band will receive a personalized, all-encompassing tutorial focused on the secrets and tips needed to achieve success in the music industry through DIY means of marketing. Winners will be mentored by the members of Shadows Fall, record an EP produced by Machine (LAMB OF GOD, EVERY TIME I DIE, SUICIDE SILENCE), shop for their stage and photo shoot clothing with Maria Brink (IN THIS MOMENT) and Rob “Blasko” Nicholson (OZZY) and receive advice from the likes of Ben Weinman of THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN. Their website will be re-designed, their merch re-imagined and radio and press campaigns mounted to promote their EP by the best in their fields.

The series is not only meant to be a learning experience for one band, it is meant to teach any dedicated musician who wants to learn how to properly market their craft. Readers will be able to interact with contest partners and contributing musicians and professionals through the site to get some real insight into specific areas of expertise.