BATTLE OF THE BANDS RULES & REGULATIONS
SDRRMA BATTLE OF THE BANDS
RULES & REGULATIONS
BackgroundThe South Dakota Rock and Roll Music Association will host the fourth annual Youth Battle of the Bands on Friday, October 18th, as part of the annual South Dakota Rock and Rollers Hall of Fame induction, scheduled for Saturday, October 19th, 2024. This event provides an opportunity for statewide youth musicians to showcase their passion for creating and performing music live on stage. The venue is the South Dakota Military Heritage Alliance located at 1600 W. Russell Avenue, Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57104.
Who Can EnterThis competition is open to all musicians in 12th grade and younger who are part of a rock group outside of school. The majority of band members must be attending a South Dakota public, private, charter, virtual, or home school during the 2024/2025 school year. Bands with members who are recent high school graduates or college-age may also apply, but priority will be given to bands whose members are primarily in 12th grade or younger. Out-of-state bands are not eligible. Accepted genres may include Rock, Hard Rock, Rockabilly, Heavy Metal, Rhythm and Blues, Indie Rock, and Pop Rock. The use of backing tracks or sampling tracks must be kept to a minimum. Rhythm instruments and drum/percussion backing tracks may be used. All instrument solos and vocals must be performed live without the use of backing vocal tracks. Karaoke-style performances are not allowed.
The First-Place winning band from the previous SDRRMA Battle of the Bands is not eligible to enter, however, all other bands who either participated or entered but did not participate are eligible and invited to enter.
Performance Stage & Equipment
SDRRMA will provide a professional stage, sound system, and lighting system. Bands may use their own guitars, keyboards, percussion equipment (excluding drum sets), and amplifiers. SDRRMA will provide a “house” drum kit to be used by all participating bands.
Band Registration/Application
• There is no cost to register a band.
• All interested bands must complete the application and submit a video of one (1) song, cover or original, no longer than 5 minutes.
• Videos must be uploaded to YouTube.com and the video link must be included in the application. Applications without a video will not be considered.
• There is no limit to the number of bands that wish to apply for the competition, and all submitted demos will be fairly judged to determine finalists.
• The deadline for registration is July 31, 2024.
Finalist Selection
A final selection of bands will be announced on or before August 15, 2024. Finalists chosen will be notified by email. Bands selected as finalists will be invited to appear at the “Battle of the Bands” competition at the Alliance in Sioux Falls on Friday, October 18th. Showtime is 7pm-10pm and is open to the public. Each band must perform a minimum of 3 songs, originals or covers. Each performance set must not exceed 20 minutes. All finalist bands are responsible for their own travel arrangements and expenses.
Each playing member of finalist bands will receive a commemorative “Battle Of The Bands” plaque and two complimentary tickets for the Battle of the Bands competition. Each member of the first-place winning band will also receive two complimentary tickets for the South Dakota Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction event. Additional tickets or plaques must be purchased by the bands.
PRIZES
There will be a total of 3 winners:
• First Place: $1,000 in prize money and opens the Saturday Hall of Fame induction Show.*
• Second Place: $500 in prize money.
• Third Place: $250 in prize money.
*First Place winner will be invited to be the opening act at the annual SD Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction event on Saturday, October 19 at the Alliance in Sioux Falls.
Please submit all questions through the “
Contact” form on the South Dakota Rock and Roll Association website or to Willie Bertsch, event coordinator at 605-413-7749.