JOIN THE BATTLE

All applications are due by 11:59pm on September 15th, 2023.

For more details about the event visit treedomemn.com/events/battleofthebands

HOW TO SUBMIT

Fill out the form at the bottom of this page to the best of your ability. You must choose a bracket to join the Battle:

This battle consists of a “New Band” bracket and a “Veteran Band” bracket which will ultimately put the top act from each bracket against each other to determine the 2023 Battle of the Bands winner.

  • A “New Band” is defined as an act that formed, released its first public song, or performed for the first time within two years of the application deadline.

  • A “Veteran Band” is defined as an act that achieved those milestones prior to two years before the application deadline.

  • A total of four (4) bands will begin the competition on each side, for a total of eight (8) bands in the competition and fourteen (14) overall performances.

By submitting an application, you agree to ahere to guidelines about the event listed below. The eight participants will be determined by the Treedome organizing team and contacted to perform no later than September 22nd, and each act has 2 weeks to create a set for the event. 


At its core, this event seeks to promote music discovery alongside support for our local music ecosystem with a welcoming, competitive spirit. Don’t be a dick, have fun, and put your game face on. 😈

BATTLE OF THE BAND GUIDELINES & POLICIES

WHO CAN ENTER:

  1. Any type of musical act.

  2. Band members must be at least 18 years old. No Exceptions. You must be at least 18 years old by the night of your performance. Performers under the age of 21 are not permitted to consume any alcohol at the event.

  3. This event is only open to artists whose ‘homebase’ is located within 120miles of the venue in Rochester, MN. At least two members of your band must reside within this radius. If you are a solo performer, you must reside in this radius.

  4. Proof of residency will be required in your intake form, sent after the invitation to perform.

TIMELINE

  1. All applications must be submitted by 11:59pm on September 15, 2023

  2. Applicants are notified of invitation to perform, waitlist, or rejection by 5pm on September 18, 2023.

  3. Intake form for performers is due by 11:59pm on Monday, September 25th. If you do not submit an intake form, you will be given one followup notice via email. If you do not respond a waitlisted band will take your place.

  4. Waitlisted bands may be notified as late as Thursday, October 5th to play. If you do not wish to stay on the waitlist, please notify us at contact@treedomemn.com as soon as possible.

  5. Final advances will be sent by Wednesday, October 4th indicating load-in information and day of show details.

  6. The first bracket performance begins at 2pm on Saturday, October 7th with 3 songs (20min limit). The semi-final round brackets begins at 7:00pm with 3 songs (20min limit). The final round begins at 9:15pm with 6 songs (40min limit). The winner is announced at 11pm, and will be invited back on stage for an 2-song encore.

RULES OF THE BATTLE

  1. Playing time. Each set has a song and total time limit. The first two rounds are limited to 3 songs with a 20min limit, and the final round is limited to 6 songs with a 40min time limit. This includes all performance time and stage dialogue. For each minute your band plays over the time allotted, you will be deducted 10 points. This deduction could change the night’s outcome, so just don’t do it. If you play 5 or more minutes over your 20 minute set-time, you are immediately disqualified and sound will be shut off.

  2. Repeat Songs. Bands may repeat up to two (2) songs from their first set in the semi-finals. Bands may repeat any songs in the finals.

  3. Cover Songs. Bands are limited to only one (1) cover song per set. Also considered a cover is any parody, or songs including a small section from an existing song. You will be disqualified if you perform more than one cover song in a set including the final round. If you have have any questions in advance, please reach out to contact@treedomemn.com

  4. Cancelling. If you need to cancel for ANY reason, please let us know ASAP at 763-489-8365 / nathan@treedomemn.com. PLEASE do not no-show, this prevents another band from being pulled from the waitlist and getting ready to perform.

  5. Guests. Only two (2) guest passes will be provided per band.

  6. Merch. You may sell your own merch at this event like any other show. We HIGHLY recommend using a guest pass for a merch person! You are allowed to sell merch for the duration of the event regardless of advancing.

  7. Venue Policies. We expect all performers to treat this venue, staff, and volunteers with care and respect. You must follow all venue policies outlined in your advance. If at any point you are deemed destructive, disruptive, or unable to perform due to your own actions, you will be removed from the venue and your band disqualified.

PAYMENT AND PRIZES

Yes, you will be paid for your performance. All bands will be paid a minimum of $50 for their performance, however your final amount will increase based on how far you go. The $50 starting rate will not be added onto additional prizes, the further you get, the larger your prize total.

If you have any questions regarding the event or this application, please email contact@treedomemn.com or call Nate at 763-489-8365