A MOBILE distribution agreement and a record deal are on the cards for one talented local songwriter.CellularOne has partnered with Swagger Wireless, the world’s first dedicated mobile hip-hop content provider, to discover the best the island has to offer.

That person will land a mobile distribution agreement with CellularOne and Swagger Wireless including ring tones, screensavers, wallpapers and MP3 video clips, a $5,000 publishing deal and a trip to New York City to record the winning single.

“We are excited to partner with CellularOne to promote Bermudian musicians,” said Swagger’s CEO Briant Biggs.

“This is another vehicle for artists to get their music out conveniently to a broader market. Ring tones and digital downloads are dominating the market with sales, and what better way for a new artist to raise their profile than by capitalising on the opportunities made possible in today’s mobile and digital age.”

Founded in 2004, Swagger Wireless has become an industry leader, renowned for developing artists for an urban audience and creating original content for wireless devices on all networks.

“We are always looking for new ways to allow our customers to benefit from first-to-market technologies and the very latest mobile phone content,” said Bryant Richards, responsible for marketing and new product development at CellularOne.

“We also recognise that Bermuda has many talented musicians, but it can be hard for them to get their music out to the global market. Teaming up with Swagger Wireless through the Mobile Movement Tour will allow us to do both of these things.

“Our customers will have more choice when it comes to the music and ring tones they download to their cell phones, and we will have a platform to promote local musical talent on an international stage. It’s a win-win situation.”

CellularOne and Swagger Wireless will host a competition as Snorkel Park where 15 finalists will face off during a live concert on August 31. The winner will be selected by Swagger Wireless executives and audience members, who will cast their votes by text. Second and third place finishers will receive mobile distribution agreements with CellularOne and Swagger Wireless which include ring tones, screensavers, wallpapers and MP3 video clips and $3,000 and $2,000 publishing deals respectively.

In order to be eligible, applicants to the Mobile Movement Tour must be at least 18 years of age, and must sign a participation agreement and release contract which may be downloaded from CellularOne’s web site, www.cellularone.bm.

The contract, along with a sample of original music in CD format, must be delivered to the mobile provider’s Reid Street offices by 5 p.m. on August 10.

“Industry-wide, we are experiencing a trend of convergence between cellular, Internet and multimedia services,” said company COO Michael Leverock (pictured).

“As a major player in the wireless telecommunications industry here in Bermuda, we are always interested in seeing how we can capitalise on industry trends for the benefit of our customers.

“By partnering with Swagger Wireless, an industry veteran in the delivery of mobile content applications, we will be able to provide our customers with more of the products and services they want and, in addition, support Bermuda’s aspiring young musicians at the same time.”