What is Battle of the New Bands?
Battle of the New Bands is an incredible event that allows students to gain hands-on experience in music industry. Original bands are formed under student managers, as they embark on a series of live competitive performances put on by the members of SUNY Fredonia’s Music Industry Club.
This event is held annually in the fall semester and welcomes all students in all majors to apply for the manager or musician positions.
Below is a list of FAQs about the competition, application process, and qualifications needed for this unique opportunity.
Q. How do I become a manager or musician in a band?
A. After filling out an application, ten managers are selected by the e-board of the Music Industry Club. The managers are then responsible for recruiting musicians through networking with those who have applied for the position. Once managers are chosen and bands are formed, you can become a part of a real team, creating music, promoting your band and more!
Q. What if I already have a band? Can I join with them?
A. Unfortunately, the battle is solely for new bands formed exclusively for the competition. Pre-existing bands have an unfair advantage in that they may already have a following and reputation. However, if you are already part of a band, you and your friends are still welcome to enter the battle for the chance to become a part of one of the new bands.
Q. What if I don’t play Rock music?
A. Music Industry Club looks for variety in the bands’ genres and accepts all types of music into the battle. The more the merrier!
Q. What happens if I am not chosen based on my application?
A. If you are not chosen to be a manager or a musician, the Music Industry Club offers a variance of other opportunities for getting involved with the event. Students also are always invited to apply again the following year.
Each individual has to learn to market their own skills and talents by networking with others in order to succeed. Regardless of your acceptance, the application process and the event itself provides a realistic view of the music industry.
Q. How do the voting rounds and the rest of the competition work?
A. After their formation, the ten new bands will work to market themselves and record a demo to be voted upon by the general campus. Based on their recordings and progress, five of the ten bands will be eliminated and the remaining five will be left to compete in the final battle.
At the show, each of the five remaining bands will perform three songs, two of which must be original compositions. Voting consists of three segments: a popular vote based off of student attendance, a judge vote from industry professionals and teachers, and an evaluation of the manager’s performance. The winner is the band whose collective score is highest.
Q. After the competition is over, can the bands and managers stay together?
A. Yes! In the Music Industry Program we always encourage not only new relationships and experiences, but also lasting ones. If your band is willing and capable, stay together and rock out in Fredonia!
Still want to learn more about The Battle of the New Bands? Go check out the Music Industry Club’s page to learn more about the competition!