Entries are now open for the 2024 Battle of the Bands until Monday August 12, with all finalists to perform at the BendiGLOW Youth Fest - a neon, glowing celebration of local young people, by young people, set to take place at Peter Krenz Leisure Centre Basketball Stadium from 3pm - 9pm Saturday September 21, 2024.
Battle of the Bands finalists will compete for awesome prizes donated by local businesses. First prize is a studio recording pack from Bendigo Records and a paid gig at a music festival. Second Prize is a $100 gift voucher from Muso’s Stuff and a paid gig, and third prize is a three-hour studio rehearsal session at YeeHaa Studios.
Sam Edmonds from Bendigo Records said they are stoked to again support the event. “These events are so important for finding and developing young talent and giving young artists a chance to shine and I can’t wait to see who’s on the bill this year,” Sam said.
The winning performances will be decided by three judges who are prominent members of the Bendigo music scene with prizes awarded at the end of the event. Following the Battle of the Bands, BendiGLOW festival goers will enjoy sets by Select All and Junkyard Wizards.
Live Music Bendigo from Phoenix FM will broadcast live from the event including sets from the Battle of the Bands finalists. Finalists will also have an opportunity to be interviewed throughout the broadcast.
Brett Adie from Pheonix FM said as a community radio station, Pheonix is proud to broadcast to the world the amazing talented youth of Bendigo.
Keith MacQueen from Live Music Bendigo said young artists are the future of live music in Bendigo and the event supports the vibrancy, vitality and life of our community. “YO Bendigo’s focus on young bands and artists is an important stepping-stone for them to keep the strong tradition and culture of live music in our town alive,” Keith said.
Battle of the Bands is open to both solo musicians and bands of all genres and is free to enter and participate. All members of each act must between 12 and 25 years of age, based in Greater Bendigo, and perform at least one song of original material. Original songs do not have to be ready at the time of entry, and performances must be live and not pre-recorded.
Battle of the Bands and BendiGLOW are initiatives of YO Events, Greater Bendigo's FReeZA team - a fun-loving team of young people who create local arts events and experiences.
YO Events team member and BendiGLOW Lead Producer Zak Rivas said it is going to be an awesome event to celebrate young people and upcoming musicians in the sprouting local scene. “The Battle of the Bands is a great opportunity for musicians to demonstrate their true passions and win awesome prizes as a reward,” Zak said.
BendiGLOW is supported by FReeZA and Victorian Youth Fest, both Victorian Government initiatives that support young Victorians to get involved in their community by planning and running drug, smoke, vape and alcohol-free music and cultural events for young people. It is a safe and secure event with no pass outs. Entry is free with donations welcome to support YO Events activities.
Battle of the Bands entries open on Monday July 15 and close on Monday August 13.