Shell Looks To Brighten The Future Through Music

Houston – Can artistic talent and the actual sounds of energy inspire people to respond to the world’s energy challenges? Shell aims to find out with a unique online music contest: Shell #makethefuture Music Contest. Shell is inviting musicians to write an original song incorporating various Sounds of Energy into their music, and will award $15,000 (USD) to the winner.

The goal is to encourage an interest in Science Technology, Engineering and Math – or STEM – through the unexpected platform of music. 

“At Shell, we know what is possible when creative and innovative people work together for a better future. The Shell #makethefuture Program includes a host of initiatives aimed at inspiring and unlocking people’s scientific ingenuity, ideas and creative spirit,” said Niel Golightly, Shell Vice President External Relations for the Americas.  “One example is the Shell Eco-marathon, which challenges high school and university students from around the world to design, build, test and prove some of the world’s most energy-efficient vehicles. Another example is the Shell #makethefuture Music Contest.”

Why Music

With the need to grow the STEM talent pool, educators have been looking for help[i] and finding it with learning through song. Math is inherent in the timing and rhythms of a favorite song.  Engineering is involved in the mixing and music production. Physics describes the compression waves that carry the clear treble and deep bass tones. It’s art, and it’s science, and students respond.

How it works

To enter the contest, musicians (US and Canada residents ages 16 and over) – soloists or bands – are asked to record an original song and incorporate at least three Sounds of Energy provided by Shell, with one being the sound of the Shell Eco-marathon vehicle engine. Other available sounds include the drum-beat of seismic waves moving through the earth, the scream of advanced fuels becoming horsepower in a Formula One racer or the hiss of the sun turning water to steam.

All are examples of innovative Shell technology to help drive a more secure and sustainable future. The Sounds of Energy can be heard and downloaded here: http://www.shell.us/musiccontest. 

Music entries are accepted March 3, 2015 through May 15, 2015. Entries can be submitted via a YouTube link or by uploading a sound file in the artist’s profile on the Shell #makethefuture Music Contest website. Starting May 4, 2015 through May 29, 2015, the general public is invited to vote daily for their favorite song and be entered into a daily drawing to win a $100 (USD) Shell Gift Card.

The top ten songs chosen by the voting public will move on to a judging panel. The winning band or artist will be announced June 17, 2015, and win $15,000 (USD). Find rules for submission and how to enter at http://www.shell.us/musiccontest.

About Shell Oil Company

Shell Oil Company is an affiliate of the Royal Dutch Shell plc, a global group of energy and petrochemical companies with 93,000 employees in more than 90 countries. We deliver a diverse range of energy solutions and petrochemicals to customers worldwide. These include transporting and trading oil and gas, marketing natural gas, producing and selling fuel for ships and planes, generating electricity and providing energy efficiency advice.

We also produce and sell petrochemical building blocks to industrial customers globally, and we are investing in making renewable and lower-carbon energy sources competitive for large-scale use. In the U.S., we operate in 50 states and employ more than 20,000 people delivering energy in a responsible manner.

About Shell Eco-marathon

Shell Eco-marathon is a global program that challenges high school and college student teams to design, build and test the most energy-efficient vehicles. With annual events in the Americas, Europe and Asia, this innovation competition pushes future scientists and engineers to travel the farthest distance using the least amount of energy. Shell Eco-marathon Americas 2015 will take place April 10th-12th on the streets of Downtown Detroit and is free and open to the public. Visit www.shellecomarathon.us to learn more about this weekend of free programs for all ages.

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