Buzz – word-of mouth excitement, anticipation, praise -; can be elusive even for the most talented artists.

Internet-based technology makes it possible to put songs online “out there”It’s easier than you might think, but it is essential for artists who want to share their work. “out there.”There are many Web pages, blogs and photos that can be downloaded music or videos. This makes it easy for bands to seek recognition. Bands know that touring costs money and that it is essential to gain fans and be discovered. Long tours can become more difficult because of high gas prices, fatigue, and other factors.

But music festivals – multi-day, multistage events – help bands find large audiences and that elusive audience. “buzz,”It takes very little effort. Music festivals are not always about camping in the mud. Many Americans see music festivals as a travel opportunity. Many hotels in upscale areas offer packages for music festivals.

Festival organizers use their events to raise awareness on issues such as global warming. Many try to minimize their environmental impact. Others give eco-friendly prizes. The OC Music Fest, Irvine, Calif. will present the award to the winner. “Be the Band” contest (http://betheband.ocmusicfest09.com) a tour van and 1,000 gallons of biodiesel fuel. An artist who has been before you. “getting signed”It is easy to see the success of music festivals. www.youtube.com/ocmusicfest.

The primary goal of music festivals is to expose unknown artists to the people. The

OC Music Fest ’09: 60 unsigned acts will share 5-8 stages with veteran and national A-List acts. The Unsigned groups will be selected through the “Be the Band”Online entries are accepted for this contest. Some of the entrants are: Tri-Star Embodiment, Modesto, Calif.; LiTaL, Sherman Oaks, Calif.; and Kiven, San Juan Capistrano.

Playing music festivals is a way for unsigned bands reach a wider audience quickly. In just three days, the bands at the OC Music Fest can gain 20,000 to 60,000 new followers – few tours can provide such exposure.

“My heart has always been in helping the unsigned, up-and-coming, developing acts,”Wayne Irving, founder and CEO of the OC MusicFest. “I have long admired the works of my friend Kevin Lyman and the Vans Warped Tour for their long-running success in the genres of punk, metal and alternative rock music.”

Find out more about the OC Music Fest. “Be the Band” contest, visit www.ocmusicfest09.com or myspace.com/ocmusicfest.