Reyka Vodka To Bring Two American Bands And Four Superfans To Iceland Airwaves Festival

NEW YORK, June 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Dirty Projectors, Of Monsters and Men, and Sigur Ros are each confirmed to play the acclaimed Iceland Airwaves music festival, running October 31 – November 4, 2012. Now, Reyka Vodka, the first vodka ever distilled in Iceland, is giving up-and-coming American bands their chance to take a spot onstage as part of the world's most revered and celebrated cutting edge music festival.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120620/NY27635 ) 

Beginning June 20, bands can submit their tracks to www.Reyka.com and two bands, selected by Iceland Airwaves, will win a weeklong trip to Reykjavik including travel and lodging, and get their shot to play alongside some of the most exciting and inspired names in independent music.

Once the bands have been selected, then it's the fans' turn. Beginning August 14th, fans will be encouraged to vote for their favorite of the two bands via the Reyka website. The band that receives the most votes will select two lucky contestants at random from its pool of voters to win an all expenses paid trip to Iceland Airwaves for them and a friend.

"Iceland has long been known as the home of some of the most creative musicians in the world – just look at Bjork and Sigur Ros," said Caspar MacRae, Vice President of Brand Marketing for William Grant & Sons. "We're excited to work with Iceland Airwaves to bring two great American bands and four lucky American fans to experience this unique festival and see firsthand the purity and energy of the Icelandic culture that gave birth to Reyka Vodka."

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".

This marks the second year Reyka Vodka will bring some of the best in America's indie music cred to its Icelandic homeland through Breakthrough at Airwaves. In 2011, YACHT, Caged Animals and Young Magic each were selected for the program and, in addition to sharing their music with an international audience, were taken on a hometown tour of Iceland courtesy of Reyka; Reykjavik, Blue Lagoon, and the Golden Circle were just some of the natural wonders the group experienced firsthand providing a glimpse inside this unique island that has spawned a truly distinct creative culture.

"Reyka is an important proponent and advocate of Icelandic culture, and a supporter of the independent music scene," said Grimur Atlason, Festival Manager of Iceland Airwaves. "It's this investment and commitment that makes them ideal partners for Iceland Airwaves. We're so pleased to have them involved for a second year, and excited to see the talent that will join our incredible line up!"

By simply uploading three original tracks, photos and a biography/website link to the official Reyka Vodka website (www.reyka.com), 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 August 6th, 2012, with the winning bands to be announced August 14th, 2012, and winning consumers to be announced on September 7th 2012.

Further information:

James Curich                              Alexandra Osorio
William Grant & Sons USA           Maloney & Fox
t. 212 299 9440                            t. 646 356 8300
e. [email protected]   e. [email protected]  

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, Reyka took home the Vodka Trophy from the 2011 International Wine & Spirits Challenge, and 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 Reykjavik 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 third 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 Milagro® Tequila.

Among the most recent accolades for the well-awarded company, William Grant & Sons was honored as the "Distiller of the Year" by the International Wine & Spirit Competition for the second year running and the fourth time since 1999. When counted along with the same designation from the International Spirits Challenge, William Grant & Sons has received this title an unprecedented nine times in the past 12 years.

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, Gibson's Finest, Monkey Shoulder, Clan MacGregor, Reyka Vodka, Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur, Lillet, 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 Reyka Vodka