VH1 and Whole Foods Market Thinks "You Oughta Know" Who's Up and Coming in New Music Talent

VH1 and Whole Foods Market partner for 2nd year Team Member Music Project culminating in a special VH1 artist showcase

New York, NY (October 1, 2013) -VH1 and Whole Foods Market(R) (NASDAQ: WFM) come together again for the 2nd year in a collaboration of discovery and celebration of new and fresh talent. Last year, Whole Foods Market launched its first-ever music competition, The Whole Foods Market Team Member Music Project, where Team Members from across the country were invited to submit their original music for the contest. This year, VH1 is leveraging the power of its "You Oughta Know" franchise even more for the competition, offering the winner a live performance showcase in March 2014 in Austin, TX.

Since its launch in 2005, VH1's "You Oughta Know" franchise has introduced promising new artists on the rise and served as a barometer for what and who's hot in music today. Many "You Oughta Know" artists have gone on to win industry awards and accolades including "Best New Artist" Grammy Awards and nominations. This highly acclaimed franchise has helped break artists such as Adele, Ed Sheeran, Foster the People, Gotye, Mumford & Sons, The Civil Wars and many, many more.

"After the success in our first partnership with Whole Foods Market last year, we were eager to join with them again and expand the participation of the VH1 "You Oughta Know" franchise with the talented Team Members of Whole Foods Market," said Caralene Robinson, Senior Vice President, Creative Group and Consumer Marketing at VH1. "With the incorporation of the live music performance in Austin, TX., we are recognizing and rewarding the exceptional talent of Whole Foods Market Team Members across the country."

Beginning October 1 through October 23, The Whole Foods Market Team Member Music Project will invite music fans to vote and choose a winner from 10 finalists who made the cut from over 500 entries. Anyone can listen and vote daily for their favorite song at www.rockout.wholefoodsmarket.com.

There is a limit of one vote per person each day. Everyone who votes in the contest is entered to win a trip for 2 to attend the taping of the VH1 "You Oughta Know In Concert" in November in New York City and a $1000 Whole Foods Market gift card.

The Whole Foods Market Team Member finalists are:

· Bryan Bergmann from the Laguna Niguel store in California

· Maxwell Breaux from the Reston store in Virginia

· Lauren Carder from the Winter Park store in Florida

· Daniel Chase from the University Heights store in Providence, Rhode Island

· Jeff Chen from the Glastonbury store in Connecticut

· Michael Davis from the Glendale store in California

· Brendan Guerin from the Symphony store in Boston, Massachusetts

· Stefan Kostaras from the Scottsdale store in Phoenix, Arizona

· Patrick McCarthy from the Hollywood store in Portland, Oregon

· Jeff Reading from the Cranston store in Rhode Island

"We are once again blown away by the musical talent of our Team Members! We are excited to help shine a spotlight on the participants and we appreciate VH1 for providing an outlet to showcase the 10 finalists and helping them pursue their passion for music," said Scott Simons, Global Marketing Director for Whole Foods Market.

To learn more about the program and listen to the finalists, tune into www.rockout.wholefoodsmarket.com. Support your favorite artist by joining us in the conversation online at #wfmmusic.

*Grand prize includes airfare for two to New York City, two nights hotel, entry to the VH1 You Oughta Know In Concert in November and a $1000 Whole Foods Market gift card. For official rules, click here

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About VH1:

VH1 delivers the ultimate mash-up of music, pop culture and nostalgia for adults who still want to have fun. VH1 is available in 99 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital channels and services including VH1 Classic, VH1 Soul, VH1 Mobile and VH1.com and @VH1, the hub for all things music and pop culture. VH1 is a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.

About WHOLE FOODS MARKET:

Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market (wholefoodsmarket.com, NASDAQ: WFM), is the leading natural and organic food retailer. As America's first national certified organic grocer, Whole Foods Market was named "America's Healthiest Grocery Store" by Health magazine. The company's motto, "Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet"(TM) captures its mission to ensure customer satisfaction and health, Team Member excellence and happiness, enhanced shareholder value, community support and environmental improvement. Thanks to the company's more than 73,000 Team Members, Whole Foods Market has been ranked as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" in America by FORTUNE magazine for 15 consecutive years. In fiscal year 2012, the company had sales of $11.7 billion and currently has more than 350 stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.