EBONY DAY

WINS

MTV BRAND NEW FOR 2013

PRESENTED BY EMPORIO ARMANI DIAMONDS

FIRST EVER UNSIGNED ARTIST TO WIN

Friday, 1 February 2013: Following a month of public voting and three exclusive MTV Brand New for 2013 showcases presented by Emporio Armani Diamonds, MTV UK today announced British singer-songwriter Ebony Day as winner of MTV Brand New for 2013 - the first ever unsigned artist to win MTV’s annual search for the best in new music 

Since voting opened on 14th January, MTV Brand New for 2013 nominees have been running massive social media campaigns to encourage their fans to vote. http://brandnew.mtv.co.uk has been inundated with over 260,000 unique votes – a 75% increase versus 2012 - for the ten nominated artists. Ebony Day received a total of 40% of votes to take the ultimate crown, followed closely by Gabrielle Aplin in second place.  K Koke, Kodaline and Rascals make up the top five.

As the MTV Brand New for 2013 winner, Ebony Day will receive ongoing priority support throughout 2013, as well as editorial and promotional support across MTV’s network of UK channels and websites.

After uploading videos performing covers of popular songs and her own compositions, 19 year-old Ebony Day has racked up over 19 million video views and 150,000 subscribers on YouTube gaining a huge, dedicated global fan base.

 "I'm so overwhelmed that my fans have made this win possible for me! It's all down to their ongoing support and hard work that I have won MTV's Brand New of 2013 and I can't thank them enough. This is a dream come true for me, I've never been happier." said Ebony Day

"Creating a campaign to match those from labels and signed artists seemed an impossible challenge, but the changing music industry is evident as the sheer support from Ebony's fans have allowed the unimaginable to become a reality. I truly couldn't be prouder of Ebony, her years of hard work are paying off, she deserves this." said Lucy Tallant  (Manager, Ebony Day)

In November 2012, MTV shortlisted nine artists for MTV Brand New for 2013 before adding Ebony, who won her place after a nationwide unsigned competition to fill the tenth and final nominee spot. Ebony is now MTV Brand New’s first ever unsigned winner.

The ten nominated MTV Brand New for 2013 acts were:

Angel Haze

Disclosure

Ebony Day

Gabrielle Aplin

HAIM

K Koke

Kodaline

Little Nikki

Rascals

Tom Odell

Last week MTV Brand New hosted two exclusive live shows at Camden’s Electric Ballroom and The Forum, Kentish Town which featured headline performances by 2012 MTV Brand New winner, Conor Maynard, and 2011 Brand New nominee, The Vaccines, alongside 2013 nominees Gabrielle Aplin, Little Nikki, Tom Odell and Kodaline.

MTV Brand New for 2013 will premiere on MTV Music on 24th February at 9pm with highlights from the Conor Maynard showcase.  This will be followed by The Vaccines: Brand New Live at 9:30pm.

With one of the most successful track-records for a new music poll, over the last five years MTV Brand New has identified international stars such as Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber & Ke$ha before debut releases whilst also picking up top British music talent Tinie Tempah, Adele, Florence + The Machine, Ellie Goulding, Jessie J, Friendly Fires, White Lies, Wretch 32, Labrinth - and last year’s winner Conor Maynard - at the very start of their recording careers.

PRESS CONTACT:

Rowan Wilkinson 0207 484 6262 or email rowan.wilkinson@dawbell.com

Claire Walley 0207 484 6269 or email claire.walley@dawbell.com

Stuart Bell 0207 484 5291 or stuart.bell@dawbell.com 

Links:

http://brandnew.mtv.co.uk

www.facebook.com/mtvbrandnewuk

www.twitter.com/mtvmusicuk

www.gabrielleaplin.co.uk

#MTVBrandNew