BIC® and Charlie Puth Announce "INKubator" Music Contest, Challenging Aspiring Songwriters to Express Their Creativity with BIC's 4-Color Ballpoint Pen

Entrants will submit an original handwritten song for the chance to win a $10K music prize and one-on-one mentorship session with singer, songwriter and producer, Charlie Puth

SHELTON, Conn., May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Calling all music makers! Do you have a song in your heart and a BIC pen in your hand? Following the success of last year's 'A pen for every side of you' campaign with Charlie Puth, BIC is once again teaming up with the GRAMMY-nominated and multi-platinum singer, songwriter and producer to spotlight BIC's 4-Color Ballpoint Pen with a music competition dubbed the "INKubator." Starting today, songwriters of all experience levels will have the opportunity to craft a handwritten song using the 4-Color Ballpoint Pen and submit their musical masterpiece to bicinkubator.com for BIC and Charlie's consideration.

BIC's iconic 4-Color Ballpoint Pen has been turning heads – and switching colors – since 1970, and it's still a fan favorite today. These retractable pens offer a comfortable wide-barrel and plastic clip and feature four colors in one convenient place: black, blue, red and green, making them the perfect writing instrument for color-coding, notetaking, songwriting and so much more. With a simple, satisfying click, consumers can choose their color and get to creating.

"Self-expression and creativity are key pillars of the BIC brand," said Haven Cockerham, BIC Chief Commercial Officer, North America. "Inspired by the 4-Color Ballpoint Pen, the 'Inkubator' contest will challenge consumers and brand fans to ignite the creative spark we all have within us. After partnering with Charlie Puth last year, we knew he'd be a natural fit to help spearhead this year's music contest. Charlie's enthusiasm for music education melds perfectly with BIC's support for both education and exploring self-expression, and we're excited to continue our work together."

"BIC's dedication to the arts, whether supporting music education or challenging consumers to tap into their undiscovered songwriting potential, is one of the many reasons that I'm back to help bring the BIC INKubator to life," said Charlie Puth. "I can't wait to listen to all of your unique, original songs, hopefully written with your 4-Color Ballpoint Pen, and can't wait to meet the finalists in NYC!"

BIC "INKubator" Music Contest

Encouraged to use the 4-Color Ballpoint Pen to craft their songs, INKubator entrants will be challenged to submit an original song inspired by how the pen helps express every side of themselves. In addition to submitting handwritten songs, entrants will submit a video where they'll perform their original song and discuss the inspiration behind the piece.

Once submissions close on June 2 at 11:59 pm ET, BIC will collaborate with Charlie to choose four (4) finalists to attend a "pitch-off" in New York City on July 23 where they'll be challenged to perform their original song for Charlie and the BIC team. All chosen finalists will receive a "4-Color prize" of $10,000 to put towards their budding music careers, but only one lucky winner will be selected for a mentorship session with Charlie.

The BIC 4-Color Ballpoint Pen is available for purchase on BIC.com as well as at your favorite online and in-store retailers during back-to-school season and all year round.

ABOUT BIC

A global leader in stationery, lighters, and shavers, BIC brings simplicity and joy to everyday life. For 80 years, BIC's commitment to delivering high-quality, affordable, and trusted products has established BIC as a symbol of reliability and innovation. With a presence in over 160 countries, and over 14,000 team members worldwide, BIC's portfolio includes iconic brands and products such as BIC® 4-Color™, BodyMark®, Cello®, Cristal®, Inkbox®, BIC Kids®, Lucky™, Rocketbook®, Tattly®, Tipp-Ex®, Wite-Out®, Djeep®, EZ Load™, EZ Reach®, BIC® Flex™, Soleil®, Tangle Teezer® and more. Listed on Euronext Paris and included in the SBF120 and CAC Mid 60 indexes, BIC is also recognized for its steadfast commitments to sustainability and education. For more, visit www.corporate.bic.com and to see BIC's full range of products visit www.bic.com. Follow BIC on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.

ABOUT CHARLIE PUTH

GRAMMY-nominated and multi-platinum singer/songwriter/producer Charlie Puth has proven to be one of the industry's most consistent hitmakers and sought-after collaborators across multiple genres. To date he has amassed over 35 billion career streams, nine multi-platinum singles (including "Attention," "We Don't Talk Anymore," "See You Again" & more), four GRAMMY nominations, three Billboard Music Awards, a Critic's Choice Award, and a Golden Globe nomination. Puth is currently working on his highly anticipated fourth studio album, the follow-up to 2022's CHARLIE which featured platinum-certified hit singles "Light Switch" and "Left and Right" featuring Jung Kook of BTS. Meanwhile, his 2021 co-penned/produced single "Stay" for The Kid Laroi and Justin Bieber reigned #1 on the Billboard Global 200 chart for eleven weeks, and his collaboration with Gabby Barrett on their "I Hope (Remix)" earned him his fourth top 10 charting track on the Billboard Hot 100.

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SOURCE BIC