SUNSET BEACH - Jazz legend Herbie Hancock has come to Second Life. In a partnership with Verve Records and Universal Music Germany, Hancock is the centerpiece for a contest in which Second Life Residents can mix new music based on Hancock's music and submit it for judging. The contest is part of the launch of Pangaea Island, which is the creation of Universal Music, Germany.

According to the Pangaea Island Website

, the project is designed to recognize the potential of multimedia and mixed reality. “Pangaea Island's vision is to unite people involved in music, arts or generation of digital content like machinima and bundle the creative potential of metaverses such as Second Life. We strive to support and consult innovative music projects and further on develop these in close connection with you - the artists.”

The contest itself is an opportunity for home musicians and music professionals alike. Mix a new song using one of Hancock's tunes in some way, even if you've only taken inspiration from one of Hancock's tracks.

According to the contest rules, “Remixing is just one possibility. Produce and record your own song inspired by Herbie Hancock's music. Take elements from any Hancock track - play or combine them in your own way and show Herbie what it means for you.”

Residents wishing to get involved in the contest should begin by visiting the contest website, of course, and then send an email to the contest address. Residents will then be sent the piano track from a new Hancock song that they can choose to use or not. The contest deadline at present is November 15, so residents will need to act quickly to be part of the excitement.