Sunrise offers groups chance at national exposure

They’ve been open in Park Place Mall for a few months now, but Sunrise Records held an official grand opening at stores across the country on the weekend.

Each of the 80 Sunrise Records locations held its own celebration featuring snacks, giveaways and special discounts.

The independently owned Canadian retailer announced last February it would take over 70 previous HMV locations across the country, including Lethbridge.

To coincide with the celebration, Sunrise Records announced its Local Artist Contest — a chance for independent bands and musicians to have their work sold in stores nationwide.

Submissions are being accepted now. Finalists will be decided by online votes until Oct. 31, with the ultimate winners to be chosen Nov. 10.

The grand prize package includes: 500 copies of your album pressed on vinyl, 500 copies on CD; national distribution of your album in all Sunrise Records locations; your music featured on the Sunrise Records homepage; a personalized plaque of your LP; and promotion of your music via Sunrise Records social media and newsletters.

To vote on submissions or to make your own application, go to Sunrise Records on Facebook.

Launched on Sept. 18, the contest has already seen at least 99 submissions, garnering more than 7,000 votes.

Visit www.sunriserecords.com for more information.

Follow @MelissaVHerald on Twitter