Submissions are NOW OPEN for the
3rd Annual Battle of the Bands, taking place on January 18, 2025.

Conceived in 2023, AOA’s Annual Battle of the Bands invites local and regional original groups to compete in a live face-off for a winning title and a prize that includes a recording session and marketing package.

Submissions are due by November 25, 2025. Find out how to enter below.

Regional bands performing original music:
Submit your entries by November 25, 2024 to be considered to play in the live battle! Five groups will be selected to compete on AOA’s main stage, where a winner will be chosen by a panel of judges and the audience.

This is your chance to share your original music with a packed audience, connect with other bands and musicians, and compete for the winning title and grand prize!

  • Please enclose the following material in an email or Google Drive folder with open permission:

    • A video with the following specifications: 

      • A verbal introduction of your band and a brief description of the original song you will be performing for your submission (Is there an interesting story behind writing it? Does it have a theme or topic that is important? etc.). 

      • Your band performing an original song. This can be an existing video from a live performance or rehearsal, as long as you have also stitched the introduction to the video.

      • YouTube or Vimeo links are preferred, but you may send your video in a Google Drive folder if necessary. Please do not attach video files to your email.

    • A written bio about your band 

    • A list of band members and their instruments/the instrumentation you would be playing with for the live show. Please include anyone who might need a microphone for background vocals, etc.

    • The lyrics to the song played in your submission video

    • Send your materials to Pearl Napolitano, at marketing@artsaoa.com before or by 11:59 PM on November 25th, 2024.

    Bands who are selected to play in the live show will be asked to pay a nonrefundable deposit of $60. This will cover the cost of a BotB 2025 t-shirt for each band member or will be used as a retainer to cover any costs if your band is confirmed for the live show but does not compete for any reason.

  • You are eligible to enter to compete if you fit the following criteria:

    • A band comprised of two or more members performing original music. You MUST perform original music, no covers will be accepted.

    • All participants must be available all day on January 18, 2025, for the tech run-through and performance.

    • You must be prepared to play three originals in the live show.

    • Bands who compete but do not win and bands who submit but do not play in the live show may reapply each year, but are not guaranteed a spot in the live show on any given year.

    • Bands with members under the age of 18 must have a written note of consent from their parent or guardian if chosen to compete.

    • Solo acts and bands performing only covers are not eligible.

    • Winning bands may not enter again for the two years following their winning year. Previous winning bands may enter with the same members three years after their winning year - ie. a band who wins in 2025 may enter again in 2028.

    • Individuals who were members of the previous year’s winning act may not enter the year after winning. Individuals who are members of a winning band may enter in a different project TWO years after their winning year, as long as it is a new project composed of 50% or more new members and they are playing different music. For example, members of the band that wins in 2025 may enter in a new band in 2027, as long as 2/4 members are different.

    • Participants under the age of 18 who do not have permission from their parent or guardian may not apply.

  • No, it is free to send in your band’s submission.

    However, bands who are selected to play in the live show will be asked to pay a nonrefundable deposit of $60. This will cover the cost of a BotB 2025 t-shirt for each band member or will be used as a retainer to cover any costs if your band is confirmed for the live show but does not compete for any reason.

After the live face-off on January 18th, one winning band will leave with:

  • A PR package by the marketing experts at Nicole J & Co. including the creation of a custom promotional poster design, a vertical short-form video, and a horizontal-format highlight video.

  • A production package to record, mix, and master one single with Will Lane at Viking Sound Studios.

  • An invitation to take the stage and play during the 2025 Battle of the Bands.