(NU) - Buzz – word-of-mouth excitement, anticipation and praise – can elude even the most talented artists.

      Internet-based technologies make putting songs “out there” easier, but with that comes every artist wanting to put their works “out there.” Now, there is a sea of Web pages, blogs, photos, downloadable music and videos that cause bands seeking recognition to face one to 5 billion unique-hit odds. Touring takes money, and bands know that touring is a must in order to be found and gain fans. High gas prices and road fatigue can make long tours even more impractical than ever.

      But music festivals – multi-day, multi-stage events – help bands find large audiences, and that elusive “buzz,” with minimal effort. Music festivals don’t necessarily mean camping in mud – many Americans now view music festivals as travel opportunities. Cities host music festivals to draw visitors – many local, upscale hotels offer music festival packages.

      Festival organizers also use their events to raise awareness about issues like global warming. Many make attempts to lessen their environmental impact. Others award eco-friendly prizes. In May 2009, the OC Music Fest in Irvine, Calif., will award the winner of its “Be the Band” contest (http://betheband.ocmusicfest09.com) a tour van and 1,000 gallons of biodiesel fuel. A previous artist’s “getting signed”music festival success is obvious and can be viewed at www.youtube.com/ocmusicfest.

Music festivals allow unsigned acts to reach large audiences.

      But music festivals’ primary goal remains, simply, to bring unknown bands to the people. At the OC Music Fest ’09, 60 unsigned bands will share five to eight stages with national and regional A-List and veteran acts. The unsigned groups will be chosen through the “Be the Band” contest, which accepts entries online. Some entrants include the Tri-Star Embodiment from Modesto, Calif., LiTaL from Sherman Oaks, Calif. and Kiven from San Juan Capistrano, Calif.

     For unsigned bands, playing music festivals means reaching a larger audience quickly. In three days, the bands playing the OC Music Fest might gain 20,000 to 60,000 new fans – few tours can create comparable exposure.

     “My heart has always been in helping the unsigned, up-and-coming, developing acts,” said Wayne Irving, founder of the OC MusicFest. “I have long admired the works of my friend Kevin Lyman and the Vans Warped Tour for their long-running success in the genres of punk, metal and alternative rock music.”

     For more information about the OC Music Fest and its “Be the Band” contest, visit www.ocmusicfest09.com or myspace.com/ocmusicfest.