Doe Eye a Finalist in Billboard’s Nationwide Battle of the Bands Contest

We told you last September to look out for indie-rock artist . Well, it’s a lot more than just Union City residents who’ve been bigging up our local gal.

On Tuesday, internationally-respected music magazine Billboard announced that Doe Eye, whose real name is Maryam Qudus, was selected as one of six finalists in their nationwide Battle of the Bands 2012 competition.

Qudus will compete head-to-head against five other bands on May 18 during a free showcase in Las Vegas. If she wins, she’ll get to perform at the 2012 Billboard Music Awards on May 20.

“I can’t believe it. It hasn’t really processed yet,” Qudus said of the honor. “I never would have thought I would be here a year ago.”

According to Billboard.com, the publication scouted the nation for the most promising unsigned artists earlier this year. Qudus said she received an email in March notifying her that Billboard editors had selected her to compete in the contest.

“I have no idea how they found out about me,” she said.

Qudus went on to compete against two other bands in the west coast region. She received the most votes in an online contest, which pushed her into the national finals.

The Billboard nod is just the latest in a string of landmarks for Qudus. She was recently selected as Fuse TV's Unsigned Artist of the Month and featured in Live 105's Top 20 Bay Area Bands of 2011.

“It feels good to get this recognition for my hard work and music,” she said. “Everyday I’m like, ‘What, this is happening?’ It’s awesome.”

To help support Qudus, visit her Billboard page and leave comments on why you think she should win. Qudus said the Las Vegas Battle of the Bands showcase is free, and the more fans who come out and show support, the better.

She currently has a new EP in the works. She plans to hit the studio in July with a late August/early September release.

For more on Qudus, visit www.ilovedoeeye.com.