California Rockers Release EP With Mike Clink and Single with Slash as Winner of Guitar Center's Groundbreaking Unsigned Artist Competition

On March 8th, State Line Empire will release "Drive Me", the anticipated single featuring legendary guitarist Slash.  As the winners of Guitar Center's Your Next Record with Slash, the  groundbreaking unsigned artist discovery program, the San Mateo outfit  recorded a 4-song EP with iconic producer Mike Clink (Guns N' Roses, Mötley Crüe, Megadeth) with Slash performing on the lead single "Drive Me."  Recorded at The Village and East West Studios in Hollywood, the single  will be featured in the iTunes rock section and distributed by TuneCore.  For an exclusive preview of the track, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSolFPjrbCU.

After sifting through more than 12,000 entries, Slash and Mike Clink  handpicked State Line Empire to receive the ultimate career-altering  opportunity that included a management development deal with "The Collective"; a $10,000 Guitar Center shopping spree; new gear; endorsement deals from Ernie Ball Music Man; an opening slot on Slash's Monster Energy Bash; as well an editorial feature in Guitar World Magazine and promotion from iTunes.

"Guitar Center and I were looking for a great new rock band that hasn't  been able to get a foot in the door otherwise. With State Line Empire,  we found that, and this song is very representative of the band," said  Slash "It's got a great hook. It's catchy, simple, and not too long -  and it just rocks."

"I thought this was a great opportunity to give someone a leg up in the  business," said Clink. "For this band to be managed by a great company,  to have the support of Guitar Center, to have Slash play on the record,  and to have my involvement as well - It's as if you're getting a major  label deal."

State Line Empire formed in 2009 and after a whirlwind first few months  of songwriting, Tyson Yen, Dave Pearl, Cat and Jay Michaelis found that  an exciting chemistry had emerged and the band was born. Their EP titled Octane will also be available on iTunes on March 8th. For more information on the band including upcoming tour information, visit http://www.myspace.com/statelineempire.

"The whole experience has been amazing. At the time that I got the phone  call from Slash telling us that we won, I kinda didn't believe it,"  said Dave Pearl, bassist for State Line Empire. "This is a dream come  true."

Launched with Slash in February 2010, Guitar Center Presents Your Next Record is a first-of-its-kind  unsigned band competition.  Since this unprecedented collaboration with  Slash and State Line Empire, the program has also featured the  acclaimed singer/songwriter Keith Urban, who hand-selected Texas'  Brandon Green to head to the studio with producer Dan Huff in May and  open for Urban on his upcoming tour. In March, Guitar Center and Travis  Barker joined forces for the third iteration of Your Next Record, giving  another group of aspiring artists a chance to record with an acclaimed  artist, exposing their music to the masses.

Guitar Center Presents Your Next Record with Slash is just one of many Guitar Center initiatives created to foster growth  and success within the music community. Other programs include its  annual Guitar Center Sessions, King of the Blues, On-Stage and Drum-Off competitions, among others.