Battle of the Bands

1. Entries to the 2025 Battle of the Bands competition will be open from Saturday 1 March 2025 until Friday 1 April 2025.
2. Performers must be between 12 and 24 years of age. 
3. Bands cannot be signed to a record or publishing label.
4. Due to the popularity of the contest preference is given to bands from the Ryde Local Government Area.
5. Finalists will be selected from their demo link which is to be provided in the registration form. A total of 5 bands will be selected from these links. Demo links are preferred to be received via social media pages such as YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Sound Cloud or similar. 
6. Finalists are selected by a panel comprising of council staff and will be notified by Friday 4 April 2025.
7. Bands must be available to play at the Battle of the Bands event on Wednesday 16 April 2025.
8. All competing bands must be at Lachlan’s Line Auditorium by 5.30pm on Wednesday 16 April for the line-up, program overview and band briefing.
9. If performers do not turn up or are late to the event, they will be disqualified.
10. Complete stage set up is provided on the day. Audio Equipment and Backline will be supplied – 5-piece drumkit, cymbal kit, 2 x guitar amps, mic/stand and 1 x bass amp. You will need to bring your own instruments including any keyboard set ups.  
11. Organisers take no responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged equipment. Do not leave it unattended at any time.
12. Bands must supply a stage plot to help the audio engineers with the line-up and specs on request. A template will be provided to finalists.
13. Bands will have 15 minutes of performance and 10 minutes of setup/changeover. Times may be altered if unforeseen situations arise. Bands may be interrupted if they go over their allocated time and points may be deducted from their scores.
14. All material presented is to be original, or original artist properly acknowledged.
15. Bands are expected to tailor their performances appropriately for an under 18s audience.
16. This is an alcohol and drug free event. Any performers found under the influence or in possession of alcohol or drugs in or near the performance venue will be immediately disqualified.
17. A panel of Judges at the Battle of the Bands event will select winners.
18. Competing bands will be judged on the following five categories: Musicality, Stage Presence & Personality, Original Material, Professionalism and Overall Quality of Performance.
19. The judge’s decision is final, and no arguments will be entered into.
20. Winners will be awarded a recording studio package through Katcha Music Studio.
21. Runner up will receive a $1000 gift voucher from Mall Music.
22. Third place will receive a $500 gift voucher from Mall Music.
23. Following the event, winners and runner ups will be invited to perform at various council events such as Granny Smith Festival and Australia Day.
24. Participants indemnify Ryde Council and its agents for any actions, claims or demands of any kind resulting in personal injury, property loss or actions of band members. It is advised that venues are covered under council public liability insurance coverage. Band members are advised to seek their own legal advice on their personal insurance requirements.
25. All band members (and their parent/guardian if under 18 years) agree to allow information, photos and video taken at events and recording sessions to be used for advertising or promotional purposes.
26. By entering this competition, all band members agree to have contact details shared with relevant parties to be invited to further live music opportunities.

For more information or any questions please contact Ryde Council on 99528222 and we will get back to you as soon as possible.