Orange County Register

If you’re a struggling rock band eagerly hoping for a Big Break, Irvine-based Taco Bell could boost your career.

Taco Bell is hosting its third annual Feed the Beat contest, where it rewards indie bands free food for a month. But, this year, Taco Bell is upping the ante. Besides feeding 100 bands a month’s worth of burritos and chalupas, Taco Bell will also work with the Top 3 groups to get a digital song produced so it could be sold online on sites like iTunes, the company said.

The singles will also be promoted on www.feedthebeat.com and through online and in-store advertising.

Bands can enter the contest via the Feed the Beat website. Taco Bell will select 100 groups to receive one month’s supply of Taco Bell Bucks while they are on tour. The award, valued at $500, can only be used during the “Fourthmeal” hours — the late night meal between dinner and breakfast, Taco Bell stated.

The public will choose the Top 3 bands based on Internet voting on the Feed the Beat site. All entries must be submitted by Sept. 18. Voting begins Oct. 9. Enter contest, more details.

Bands must meet the following criteria:

• Must be an indie rock or alternative rock band
• Must be on tour in the fall
• Must have a dedicated fan base

Related fast-food marketing buzz:

• Taco Bell expands cheap eats menu with Volcano Taco
• Baja Fresh opens ‘Express’ eateries at USC, LAX
• Pizza Hut raises price on new pasta meals

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