Megan Landry's 'Dancing in The Dark' Tops BEAT100 Originals Music Video Chart

Sixteen-year-old, Megan Landry, found herself at the top of the BEAT100 Originals Music Video Chart with her well-written original track, "Dancing In The Dark". The talented teen was rewarded with a BEAT100 Gold Song Award, Gold Favourite Award and Silver Video Award for her incredible skills and effort that went into making her BEAT100 entry. Megan impressed users by announcing that she filmed and edited the video completely by herself.

"I consider myself an artist as much as I am a musician," explained Megan. "For me, it's not what I'm doing, but the fact that it's creative. It's what I live for." Megan's efforts clearly paid off as she won the originals chart by a milestone, with just under 4,000 votes; accounting to over 1,000 more votes than the second place winner, Jen Leigh.

Along with her newly awarded BEAT100 Originals Music Video Chart winner's title, Megan has been victorious in several other music-related competitions. During 2012, Megan won the top prize in "Arts and Culture" at the Spirit of the Capital Youth Awards for her two original songs, "Stronger" and "Light After Dark". Megan also won the title of "Top Female Artist" at Archimedia Studios, Atlanta, resulting in a cash prize of $5,000. The Young singer-songwriter is a strong supporter of anti-bullying and received recognition throughout Canada for her efforts to help the cause. "I wrote a song called "Stronger" last year because of a personal experience," says Megan. "It has about 98,000 views on YouTube and drew a lot of media attention". Megan was pleased to come across BEAT100, a music-based network that supports the same cause, and immediately signed up. "I really enjoy BEAT100 because it feels like a warm place where you can share your work with people who know what goes into writing and producing your own music," explained Megan. "The other artists are encouraging and supportive. It's fun and inspiring to meet so many creative people in one place."

New Jersey based singer-songwriter, Jen Leigh, placed second in the BEAT100 Originals Music Video Chart with her original track, "My Everything", which received a BEAT100 Bronze Song Award. Jen's entry received over 2,500 votes from her supportive fans and BEAT100 users, along with just under 10,000 views and over 1,300 video comments. "BEAT100 has been an amazing experience so far," says Jen. "I have met a lot of talented musicians, and we support each other, which I think is awesome. BEAT100 has brought me some new fans, and has actually helped me get closer with some of my loyal existing fans."

The Young singer faced an extremely difficult time during her younger years, and found Shelter through her music. "A major influence would have to be P!nk. The only healthy escape I had was her songs," says Jen. "I really hope one day I can create that escape for someone with my songs." Along with her passion for P!nk, Jen was also influenced by her own vocal coach, Barbara DeAngelis, and her husband Tulane DeAngelis. "Barbara and Tulane shaped me into the singer I am today," explained Jen. "I stayed under Barbara's coaching until she passed in 2011. She keeps me inspired to pursue a career in music." Jen plans to release several more original songs and wants to play at various venues and private events where her fans can see her live.

Italy based alternative-rock band, Nevrastena, placed third in the BEAT100 Originals Music Video Chart with their track, "Il Risveglio", which translates to "The Awakening". The band's high quality entry received a BEAT100 Gold Song Award, Gold Favourite Award and Silver Video Award, resulting in several bonus votes giving them an excellent head start. Nevrastena received over 2,000 votes on their upload, along with approximately 10,000 views and 1,000 video comments. "Our experience on BEAT100 has been amazing," says Alessandro. "We were surprised to find our name on newspapers and radios and our chart position has really benefitted us in our country, as well as worldwide." Nevrastena's BEAT100 upload is a preview of their upcoming album, "Il Risveglio", which will be released in March 2013.

The talented three-piece band is made up of Alessandro D'Agostino (vocals), Edgar Laini (guitarist) and Gabriele Comito (drums). Nevrastena have worked for the opportunities to play at large and well-known venues, such as 'Rolling Stone' in Milan, 'Arena Live' in Switzerland and 'Bloom' in Mezzago. The alternative-rock ban proceeded to win the title of "Best Emerging Group in Italy" in 2006 at a national contest called, "Asparago d'Oro". "I think that all of us have a real need to express ourselves through music," says Alessandro. "We have a dream and will continue to do our best to make it come true!"

BE SEEN - BE HEARD - BE REWARDED
Kelly Donovan