History of the Event

Battle of the Bands - National Championship is New Zealand's largest and longest running R18 Band competition; events take place nationwide, allowing bands throughout the country to take part. The event 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. Many well-known NZ music artists have been previous winners and finalists of the event; such as OPSHOP, TADPOLE, BLINDSPOTT, Members of I AM GIANT, DEVILSKIN, 48 MAY, THESE FOUR WALLS, SONS OF ZIONand many others.

Aims and Overview

The event consists of over 50 live shows, held at leading professional live music venues throughout the country. Each year sees around 100 bands competing for a place at the National Final, which is held in Auckland in our 2 Auckland venues over 2 nights, this year on 24th and 25th July.

The primary function of the Battle of the BandsNational 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.

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 alongside music industry judges.

Time Line of the Event

Initial planning for the event has already begun, with entries already opened through the event web site (www.battleofthebands.co.nz)

4 months of eliminations will be held at multiple live music venues throughout the country. Each venue hosts a series of heats, (and semi-finals in most cases) and regional finals. Throughout the event, judging and voting determines each region's champions; who then represent their region at the National Final in Auckland.

The first competition events will take place inearly April, with events running Nationwide throughout April, May, June and July 2016.

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.

Prizes / Sponsors

Over the years, Battle of the Bands - National Championship has been supported by many of NZ's premier brands (As well as some 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 2016 prize list and supporting sponsors is partially complete with further announcements due shortly.

Tour of Europe

The new 20th Anniversary super prize is a 10 date Tour of Europe for the 2016 winners! This amazing opportunity will commence on 25th August in Spain, traveling around various European countries, finishing in Germany for the Oktober Fest events. More details will be announced soon.

Global Radio Airplay

2013 National Champions "The Fu King" (Dunedin) and 2nd place winners "Lee Gray & The Beat" (AKL) are both receiving radio airplay throughout the world thanks to our USA sponsors Musik & Film, global airplay specialists. This includes airplay on BBC1 UK, Numerous stations in the US, South America, Europe & More. The 2014 Winners 'Strangely Arousing' (Auckland); upon completion of the recording of their new single (from the prize they won from Roundhead Studios) will also be receiving Global Radio Promotion from Musik & Film.

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 world famous brand, Audio Technica (The World's biggest selling microphone brand) also supplies microphones and headphones for runner up prizes and individual musician award prizes.

More Prizes will be announced soon

Venues

The country's best Live Music Venues will host Battle of the Bands National Championship events. 2016 venues are: Juice Bar&The Kings Arms in Auckland, Biddy Mulligan's in Hamilton, Brewers Bar in Mount Maunganui, The Mayfair in New Plymouth, The Royal in Palmerston North, The Cabana in Napier, Bodega in Wellington, Dux Live in Christchurch and Sammy's in Dunedin. Additional venues in Otago and Southland are also likely to be added.

2016Event 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.