Hunter Hayes & More Set for MTV/CMT/VH1's MUSIC INDEPENDENCE DAY

In a nod to the democratic spirit that all artists are created equal, MTV, CMT and VH1 today announced that its parent company, Viacom, and Monster DNA Headphones will collectively match dollar-for-dollar fan support of unsigned artists via the Tip Jar feature on Artist Platform (Artists.MTV/VH1/CMT) during "Music Independence Day."

On July 4th, from 6am-6pm (ET/PT) on all three networks, MTV, CMT and VH1 will provide the ultimate party playlist for everyone to revel in, covering all genres from hip hop to bluegrass to EDM to cowpunk, exposing new artists, celebrating the superstars and offering a chance to directly support those who work so hard to play the music we love.

Emerging artists looking to build their base will have the chance to reach millions of new fans on the popular music TV networks, bringing their music to legions of new supporters through the Artist Platform, a music discovery site that powers MTV/CMT/VH1's network of 60 million passionate music fans online and 100M homes on-air. The Artist Platform lets fans connect with the stars they know and new artists they will love, and gives artists the power to claim or create their own page in a high-traffic environment that offers unparalleled opportunities for exposure on television networks and beyond.

To have their music and videos considered for MTV, CMT and VH1 as part of Music Independence Day, artists simply claim or create their page on the Artist Platform (artists.MTV.com, artists.CMT.com or artists.VH1.com), and opt in to "Music Independence Day." And whether they opt-in to "Music Independence Day" or not, all the artists who have claimed or created pages on the Artist Platform will be able to drive audiences to their pages via social networks and #MusicIndependenceDay, where they can invite listeners to purchase music, leave tips or otherwise show their support. Viacom and Monster DNA Headphones will collectively be matching fan tips dollar-for-dollar for unsigned artists (up to $100 per tip and up to $500 per artist/band on first-come-first serve basis, with a cap of $100k in the aggregate.). For more information on the match and artist payment, go here.

MTV, CMT and VH1 will each put their own spin in how the day of music is celebrated on-air. From Hip Hop, Rock, Country, Pop, Bluegrass, Indie, EDM and more, the music brands will offer a variety of music to mark the day:

On MTV: MTV is celebrating the 4th by throwing the ultimate block party in the USA with hosting duties split between some of today's biggest and emerging artists including Vampire Weekend, Iggy Azaela, Chance The Rapper, and Best Coast's Bethany Cosentino. The day's playlist will feature an eclectic mix of genres while spotlighting independent artists that have emerged from Artists.MTV. From party videos to intimate performances to some of the bigger music moments throughout MTV history, Music Independence Day will be celebrated on MTV in its unique voice. The day will feature exclusive new interviews and packages featuring today's hottest artists including Ke$ha, The Wanted, Mac Miller, Hunter Hayes and Big Time Rush, as well as emerging artists like Austin Mahone, Chvrches, Travi$ Scott, Joey Bada$$, Dillon Francis, Flume and Bloody Beatroots, who will discuss their favorite songs of the summer along with wishing fans a happy Music Independence Day.

On CMT: What's the fourth of July without barbeque? CMT hosts its annual "BBQ Week," culminating in the ultimate BBQ playlist on Music Independence Day. CMT will celebrate music without boundaries and showcase the best established, emerging and indie artists across the fringes of country music. From contemporary to bluegrass, roots and everything in between, CMT's ultimate playlist will include such favorites and emerging artists as The Lumineers, BRandy Clark, Ella Mae Bowen, John & Jacob, Maggie Rose and Striking Matches; alongside country superstars Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood. CMT will introduce viewers to Luella and the Sun, and invite fans to leave a tip to help rebuild their studio which recently burned. Check out the best in the genre, and get to know the newest in the genre as CMT reveals breakthrough acts discovered via Artists.CMT

On VH1: Hosted by "VH1's Top 20 Video Countdown's" Jim Shearer, who will be based out of the City of Brotherly Love on July 4th. VH1 not only celebrates a day of music from 6am-6pm, but will feature the 2013 "Philly 4th of July Jam," from 8pm-11pm, LIVE from Philadelphia featuring performances from The Roots, John Mayer, Jill Scott, Demi Lovato and more. Leading up to the concert, VH1 will play videos and performances from the best summer jams to get everyone in the party mood. In addition, VH1 will premiere a new music series STOP/WATCH. On each STOP/WATCH a band or solo artist performs a complete song in sixty seconds flat. It's a great way for viewers to discover new artists and sample new music on TV, online or on a mobile device. STOP/WATCH will feature a myriad of artists spanning all genres of music including Jonas Brothers, Hanson, Jessie Ware, JOHNNYSWIM, Kate Nash and Kat Dahlia.

About MTV:

MTV is the world's premier youth entertainment brand. With a global reach of more than a half-billion households, MTV is the cultural home of the millennial generation, music fans and artists, and a pioneer in creating innovative programming for young people. MTV reflects and creates pop culture with its Emmy, Grammy and Peabody award-winning content built around compelling storytelling, music discovery and activism across TV, online and mobile. MTV's sibling networks MTV2 and mtvU each deliver unparalleled customized content for young males, music fans and college students, and its online HUB MTV.com is a leading destination for music, news and pop culture. MTV is a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.

About VH1

VH1 delivers the ultimate mash-up of music, pop culture and nostalgia for adults who still want to have fun. VH1 is available in 99 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital channels and services including VH1 Classic, VH1 Soul, VH1 Mobile and VH1.com and @VH1, the HUB for all things music and pop culture. VH1 is a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Follow us on Twitter @VH1PR.

About CMT

CMT, a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), is the leading television and digital authority on country music and entertainment, reaching more than 92 million homes in the U.S. CMT and its website, CMT.com, offer an unparalleled mix of music, news, live concerts and series and is the top resource for country music on demand. The network's digital platforms include the 24-hour music channel, CMT Pure Country, CMT Mobile and CMT VOD.

About Monster DNA

Monster is redefining what a headphone can look and sound like with Monster DNA headphones, which deliver the company's outstanding Pure Monster Sound. Specially designed and tuned by Noel Lee, the Head Monster, Pure Monster Sound uses the company's latest proprietary technologies to bring the full experience of live music to music lovers and concert goers everywhere. Articulate, tight, and ultimately revealing, it's as close to live music as being on stage with the musicians.

Designed with both the music and fashion consumer in mind, Monster DNA features a distinctive "not-round, not-oval," but totally new, bold and striking triangular shape. The color scheme itself is just as innovative, with the inside color asserting itself just as prominently as the outer headband color. The inside color shows up on the upper side, and both colors are meaningful.

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