Reyka Offers U.S. Bands the Chance to Breakthrough at Iceland Airwaves

NEW YORK, July 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Bloc Party. Florence and The Machine. TV On The Radio. James Blake. Want to follow in the footsteps of this remarkable list of talent and perform at Iceland Airwaves? Reyka Vodka is bringing three American bands to Reykjavik to perform at the internationally celebrated music festival October 12-16, 2011! The selected artists will receive a weeklong trip to Reykjavik including travel and lodging, and the opportunity to perform live on stage at Iceland Airwaves, along with this year's lineup which boasts headliner Bjork with her Biophilia live show, Beach House, Agent Fresco, Sin Fang, SBTRKT, The Violet May, John Grant and a host of international acts.

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Since the first edition was held in 1999 (in an airplane hangar), Iceland Airwaves has become one of the premier annual showcases for new music – Icelandic and otherwise – in the world. The ever-growing festival has continually been an object of admiration and serious interest for music fans and critics worldwide. Rolling Stone magazine called Iceland Airwaves the "The hippest long weekend on the annual music-festival calendar", with Pitchfork adding its acclaim for the festival's "unbelievable zest for music and celebration".

"We're thrilled about partnering with Iceland Airwaves and giving bands the chance to share the stage with some of the most electrifying indie talent out there," said Jenny Logan, Senior Brand Manager for Reyka Vodka. "Playing on an international stage, as well as multiple impromptu gigs, while experiencing Reykjavik's nightlife firsthand will allow for a unparalleled look into incredible talent and unique spirit of the people of Iceland."

By simply uploading three original tracks, photos and a biography/website link to the official Breakthrough at Iceland Airwaves SoundCloud© account (http://soundcloud.com/groups/breakthrough-at-airwaves), any U.S.-based artist or band can formally enter the competition. Iceland Airwaves will review and judge all eligible entries submitted. Prize package includes a performance on the Iceland Airwaves stage and off venue gigs, featured airplay on Icelandic radio, access to Iceland Airwaves performances and events at Reykjavik's hottest venues, as well as a tour of the Golden Circle and airfare and hotel accommodations for one week. The contest will close September 5, 2011 with the winners to be announced September 15, 2011.

About Reyka Vodka

Made by William Grant & Sons, and as unique as the land that inspires it, Reyka Vodka is the first Vodka ever distilled in Iceland and is known for its distinguishing and unique characteristics, such as its small batch production, lava rock filtration, Carter Head still distillation and use of some of the naturally purest water in the world.  These qualities have helped to elevate Reyka to high esteem since the distillery's founding in 2005.  Recently, judges of the 2010 Fifty Best Vodkas Competition gave Reyka a five star rating, placing it above such industry big hitters as Grey Goose and Ketel One. Reyka Vodka has an ABV of 40% and an RRP of $19.99. For more information, visit www.reyka.com.

About Iceland Airwaves

The inaugural Iceland Airwaves took place in 1999 as a one-off event in an aircraft hangar in Reykjavík Airport. Subsequently, it has become one of the premier showcases for new music in the world with hundreds of journalists and industry people in attendance. Iceland Airwaves has become known for its intimacy and party spirit.

Previous years have seen artists such as The Bravery, The Rapture, Florence and the Machine, Klaxons, Hot Chip, Flaming Lips, Bloc Party amongst other international acts play. The event has also been a showcase for the finest local talent, including Sigur Ros, FM Belfast, GusGus, mum, Singapore Sling and Dr Spock. For more information, visit www.icelandairwaves.is

About William Grant & Sons

William Grant & Sons, Ltd. is an independent family-owned distiller headquartered in the United Kingdom and founded by William Grant in 1887. Today, the luxury spirits company is run by the fifth generation of his family and distills some of the world's leading brands of Scotch whisky, including the world's most awarded single malt Glenfiddich®, The Balvenie® range of handcrafted single malts and the world's fourth largest blended Scotch Grant's® as well as other iconic spirits brands such as Hendrick's® Gin, Sailor Jerry® Rum, Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey and the award-winning Milagro® Tequila.

Among the most recent accolades for the well-awarded company, William Grant & Sons was honored as the "Distiller of the Year" for the fourth time in five years by the prestigious International Spirits Challenge.

Founded in 1964, William Grant & Sons USA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of William Grant & Sons, Ltd. and features one of the fastest growing spirits portfolios in the USA with brands including Glenfiddich, The Balvenie, Hendrick's Gin, Sailor Jerry Rum, Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey, Milagro Tequila, Stolichnaya Vodka, Grant's, Hudson Whiskey, Clan MacGregor, Reyka Vodka, Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur, Lillet, Licor 43, Art In The Age, The Knot and BOLS cordials. The company has offices in New York City (sales and marketing) and Edison, NJ (bottling and warehouse facilities). For more information on the company and its brands, please visit www.grantusa.com.

SOURCE William Grant & Sons