Time Line of the Event

The first 2020 competition events are taking place in September with nationwide events running throughout October & November. Finals will be in November 2020.

Entry Process

• Bands enter online at www.battleofthebands.co.nz
• After registration, bands are placed into a heat at a venue nearest their location.
• We recommend bands enter now to ensure a placement at their nearest venue.

History of the Event

Battle of the Bands – National Championship has been an annual feature of the New Zealand music scene since 1993. In that time the event has developed significant brand recognition and is strongly supported within its target demographic. Many well-known NZ music artists have been previous winners and finalists of the event; such as OPSHOP, TADPOLE, BLINDSPOTT, BAKERS EDDY, SKINNY HOBOS, STRANGELY AROUSING, BRENDON THOMAS & THE VIBES, THE RUBICS, ALIEN WEAPONERY, VALKYRIE and Members of I AM GIANT, DEVILSKIN to name just a few.

Aims and Overview

The event consists of multiple live shows held at leading professional live music venues throughout the country. Each year typically sees bands from all over NZ competing for a place at the National Final, which is held in Auckland, in recent years over 2 nights.

The primary function of the Battle of the Bands National Championship is to provide a platform for emerging music talent to obtain greater public awareness and broaden their opportunities in the search for music industry recognition & progression as well as provide ready set up live events for participating bands to gain more stage experience, to road-test and develop their songs and stage craft. Since 2009 the event has also offered greater involvement for fan/viewers, by means of competitions, digital developments and engagement within the judging by the use of audience voting.

Prizes / Sponsors

Over the years, Battle of the Bands - National Championship has been supported by many of NZ's premier brands (As well as International companies), from recording studios, musical instrument retailers and their international top brands, clothing and footwear brands, music festivals, beverage companies, universities and much more. The 2020 prize list and supporting sponsors is partially complete with further announcements due shortly.

National Tour of New Zealand

This year the national winning band will win a NATIONAL TOUR with tour dates taking place in 2021

Rhythm and Vines

We’re pleased to announce the opportunity the R&Vs team have added to the prizes, with the 2020 National Champions performing at the iconic festival. Rhythm and Vines is New Zealand’s premier music and camping festival, located at the beautiful Waiohika Estate, on the east coast of New Zealand. www.rhythmandvines.co.nz

Single Recording in New Zealand and mixed in Australia by UK producer Steve James

TThe winning band will win recording time at one of NZ’s top recording studios with the band’s single then mixed in Australia by legendary UK producer STEVE JAMES

• www.steve-james.com

Flights and accommodation are included in the international tour and Brisbane recording trip

Global Radio Airplay

USA based MUSIK & FILM will provide Global Radio Promotion delivering the winning band’s single worldwide to over 250,000 radio stations

Allen & Heath Mixing Desk and Audio Technica Prizes

Thanks to our wonderful sponsors JANSEN SOUND, the winning band each year gets to take home a state of the art, high quality mixing desk from the world-renowned brand ALLEN & HEATH. Jansen's other global leading brand, AUDIO TECHNICA (The World's biggest selling microphone brand) also supplies microphones and headphones for runner up prizes and individual musician award prizes.

• jansen.co.nz
• www.allen-heath.com
• www.audio-technica.com

More Prizes will be announced soon

Venues

The country's best Live Music Venues will host Battle of the Bands National Championship events.

2020 Event dates and Venues

All dates and additional venues are currently being confirmed. As dates are announced, they will appear on the Competition page of this website.