Battle of the Bands 2020

Key Dates

Thu 31 Oct
Applications open

Wed 4 Dec
Applications close

Before Christmas
Shortlisted acts announced

Wed 29 Jan
Battle of the Bands event

That’s right, it’s another talent competition. Except this one champions the unorthodox, the unusual and the unheard.

Whether you want to try out ideas on stage, or you fancy dipping your toe in alternative classical waters, Battle of the Bands is a chance for soloists, new music ensembles, improvisers and performance artists to showcase their work in front of a friendly crowd and panel of industry experts.

Shortlisted acts get the chance to perform a 5–15 minute set in the cosy setting of The Victoria pub in Dalston on 29 January 2020. Past winners of this night have gone on to perform at future Nonclassical nights, been shortlisted for the Royal Philharmonic Society Awards, and have even released music from the Nonclassical label.

Interested? Fill in an application form, including a link to a demo track either on SoundCloud, YouTube or Vimeo. Deadline for applications is Wednesday 4 December 2019. Applicants will then be notified as to whether their application has been shortlisted before Christmas, with successful applicants performing on Wednesday 29 January 2020.

We are particularly interested in applications from under-represented groups across BAME, female-identifying groups, disability, and acts from diverse musical backgrounds.

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Apply

Applications for Battle of the Bands 2020 are now closed.

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HOW TO APPLY

Applications must be made online by 5pm on Wednesday 4 December 2019 via our online form.

Before applying, you should have the follow things ready:

INTRODUCTION

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what interests you.

YOUR REPERTOIRE OR PROGRAMME IF SHORTLISTED

This is an important part of the shortlisting process. We are looking for acts who chime with the Nonclassical ethos.

LIST OF INSTRUMENTS AND PERFORMERS

WHERE YOU ARE BASED

Please note that only UK-based acts are eligible.

 MAIN CONTACT NAME AND DETAILS

LINK TO WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA

UP TO THREE LINKS OF YOUR MUSIC (EITHER VIA SOUNDCLOUD, YOUTUBE OR VIMEO)

Please note we do not accept downloads. Links may be private but please provide any passwords for password protected links.

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FAQs

What are you looking for?

When shortlisting, we’ll be looking at the quality of both the performance and repertoire you’ve chosen. However, although programming is important to us, we’re open when it comes to style as long as it fits in with our mission of showcasing the best new classical, electronic and experimental music.

Do you have to be UK-based?

Yes, all applicants must be UK-based and available to perform at the event on 29 January 2020.

What should I prepare?

Sets should be between 5 and 15 minutes. It’s up to you how you choose to fill that time, although you should have an idea of what you’re going to do when you apply – we’ll ask you for a repertoire list, which will be taken into consideration when shortlisting.

I’m a pianist, is there a piano available at the venue?

Although it’s a pub venue without a house piano, we wouldn’t want to deter pianists from applying. We can provide an electric keyboard or you’re welcome to bring your own.

I’m an electronic musician, what tech is available at the venue?

There’ll be a sound technician on the night and the venue itself is set up with microphones, monitors and speakers. Time is often tight on the day so a complicated setup will be tricky, but you can always double check with our Events Officer if you’re unsure. We’ll also ask you to list your technical requirements when you apply.

If you have any further questions, please get in touch with Heather Stephenson (Marketing & Events Officer) on heather@nonclassical.co.uk

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