A Pacific Northwest band is trying to get its name out while simultaneously raising money for local arts education taking on the Bands4Good Challenge.

The competition, an effort to celebrate new music, recognize up-and-coming artist and give fans the ability to vote, Bands4Good is a national contest focused on showcasing unknown talent and raising money to keep music in schools.

Each of the 184 contestants have submitted at least one song for people to vote on once a day. People can purchase additional votes with the proceeds going to various organizations working to keep arts programs in schools, something near and dear to Bellevue resident Joe Marzullo.

Marzullo, the guitarist for DedElectric, a classic-rock, grunge group, officially formed in April 2013, after he and frontman Daymon Fritz reunited after working together on other musical projects, and were joined by bassist Graeme W. Smith and drummer Ben Frates.

“We try to create a very large sound from the four of us,” Marzullo said. “Rock and Roll never died, it just went home for a while and we’re trying to coax it back out.”

In an effort to showoff their rock prowess, the band decided to accept an invitation from Bands4Good’s organizer earlier this fall. Inbetween recording their first studio album and their numerous day jobs, the band has reached out to friends and fans to help raise money and get them into the semifinals.

As of Monday afternoon, the band had received 1,950 votes, good enough for 29th place and were on the edge of getting into the next round of the competition. Voting for this round ends Wednesday, Dec. 11.

“We’re hoping to get at least 10,000 votes and raise several hundred dollars,” Marzullo said. “Every little bit helps.”

Each of the bands members has had at least some musical training in school and for Marzullo, who recently graduated from the University of Washington’s School of Music, all arts in schools are important.

DedElectric currently has two songs available, “The Gap” a slower, grungey tale of rock and blues, and “Ten Thousands Eyes,” which was released shortly afterward.

Marzullo said the newest track is a sort of homage to classic rock legends Pink Floyd.

“It’s an intricate song … something trying to unravel itself, to send a message,” he said. “One person sanding among ten thousand eyes looking at them, how do you stand out?”

For more information about the competition visit http://2014.bands4good.com/callingartists/ and for more information about the band or to cast your vote, visit adultopen2014.bands4good.com/DedElectric.

Prizes for the contest include a professional development retreat with music producer John Davenport, their song to be featured in the B4G 2014 compilation CD, home studio recording gear, and or a chance to judge next year’s competition.