(Plano, Tex., 12/28/07) In what may turn out to be one of the strangest crossover marketing schemes, Frito-Lay North America, the convenient foods division of PepsiCo., announced that the Doritos brand has selected 10 unsigned group and solo artists as semi-finalists in the Doritos “Crash the Super Bowl” challenge.

Judges involved in selecting the semi-finalists included two reps from Interscope Geffen A&M Records. Obviously NOT an independent label.

The winner will have a 60-second music video montage of their song air during the Super Bowl XLII broadcast on on FOX, Feb. 3, 2008, and receive record deal with Interscope Geffen A&M Records.

Sort of takes all the fun out of being indie, doesn’t it?

Fans will determine the three finalists by voting for their favorite performer through December 31, 2007 online. The semi-finalists are:

1. Barra Libre of New York, NY: “Disco Naked”
2. Blind Fury of Camden, SC: “My Nature”
3. Dominic Castillo and the Rock Savants of Portland, OR: “Keep You Around”
4. Gina Cutillo of Coram, NY: “The Blame”
5. Kina Grannis of Austin, TX: “Message from Your Heart”
6. Landon Austin of Dallas, TX: “Waitin”
7. Metafore of Boca Raton, FL: “Nah Mean”
8. Nivla featuring P. Oberoi of New York, NY: “Be Easy (Koi Naa)”
9. One False Move of Brick, NJ: “$2 Fare”
10. Playback of Boxford, MA: “Just Breathe Girl”

The three finalists will each be awarded $10,000.

- The Stonewailer