Audio-Technica has launched an online search for the most entertaining alternative Christmas track. The company is looking for “fun and vibrant” YouTube video entries from the underground music scene that put a positive new spin on the age old tradition of Christmas carols.

“Every year we hear the same few songs, so it would be nice to see something new and creative,” said Audio-Technica’s Harvey Roberts. “The truth is we have an awful lot of musical talent in this country and we just felt that a competition like this would help give them some extra inspiration.”

Unfortunately, it looks like the contest is limited to the UK.

Sorry, Santa. North Pole residents are out of luck.

Bands, DJs or music producers from any genre have the opportunity of scooping either the top prize of £500 or five runners-up prizes of £100 worth of Audio-Technica equipment.

As an extra incentive the first 100 entries will all receive a free pair of Audio-Technica ATH-CK51 headphones worth £30 each.

Audio-Technica is asking people to submit their entries, which can be up to five minutes long, to YouTube . The best entries will be shared by Audio-Technica on its social networking channels.

The winning entries will be announced on Thursday 23rd December 2010.