An album put together by students of the Publishing and Recording unit of VU's Bachelor of Business (Music Industry) is a finalist in the prestigious international Independent Music Awards.
The Potential Unlimited II CD features 13 songs from emerging Australian bands including Ballarat's Howl, winner of the 2009 JJJ High School Bands Unearthed competition, and Cut Off Your Hands, who have since been approached to sign a recording deal.
Entrants from 77 countries were received for the awards, and the Victoria University project is the only finalist in its College Label Release category from outside the United States.
The 65 students in the unit selected the songs for the album, negotiated with the artists, and organised production, artwork, publicity, marketing and promotion.
Their lecturer, Adrian Marchesani, said the students maintained a high level of enthusiasm throughout the project and the quality of their work has been acknowledged by their IMA finalists selection.
"It's a win all round. The students had a chance to be involved in a real world experience in the music industry and show their commitment to the industry and the artists," he said.
"These acts now have a platform from which to build their profile" we may even uncover a great act."
The winner of the IMA award will be announced in January.
The students worked with fellow students from the School of Computing Science and Mathematics to put together a website to promote their CD: www.amusicdegreethatrocks.vu.edu.au
They also collaborated with students from units in live performance and design to organise promotional gigs and cover artwork.
