Sound City boss creates “ultimate” battle of the bands competition

Liverpool bands have the chance to win big money – and global exposure – in a new competition brought to you by the creators of Sound City

Bandzai – a broadcast series putting the spotlight on the best in new music – will see the winners of ‘the ultimate battle of the bands’ receive £10,000 and their place on a major festival stage, along with a record deal, a 3-day recording session at the city’s Parr Street Studios (which has hosted the likes of Coldplay, Rihanna and Blossoms), and being a part of a fashion campaign.

scotts Menswear and Guesthouse, sponsored by TuneCore, have partnered to create Bandzai 2021, with the competition taking place on global music discovery platform, Guesthouse (set up by the founders of Sound City). Guesthouse delivers weekly shows from artists across the globe, supporting creators through the pandemic and beyond.

Dave Pichilingi, founder of Sound City and Bandzai, said:

“Now is the time to celebrate the UK bands who have found creative ways to delight audiences over the past 12 months. Bandzai offers a global platform for emerging artists.” 

There are no rules on genre or style: all artists who would like the chance to win the grand prize and perform for audiences around the world, should apply by submitting a 2-5-minute video performance of one original song. 

The judging panel, made up of artists and leading industry figures, will select 100 acts from the applications, to feature on Guesthouse for the first round of voting. 

Applications close on March 29^th, with the judges making their decisions by April 5^th to select the artists who will be showcased on Guesthouse from April 6^th.  

Artists will go head to head and perform for audiences worldwide – with the audiences voting to decide who moves on to the next stage.  

The Grand Final will see the ultimate battle and the Bandzai 2021 winner crowned, walking away with £10,000, their place in the Sound City line-up and more career-changing opportunities.  

Dave continued: “This is an important event – artists have the unique chance to perform for big audiences on Guesthouse as they compete for the once in a lifetime opportunity, reaching people across the world with their music.  

“We have been working closely with artists and producers over many years and this is something that can really help to connect artists and audiences like never before.” 

Paul Ramsdale at scotts Menswear, said: “scotts are strong supporters of grass roots music – it’s something we are very proud of. With the recent climate it’s key we keep up this support with not only the established acts, but find the next generation and give them a platform to express themselves and showcase their talent.”  

Applications are now open. To apply and find out more, visit guesthouselive.co.uk/bandzai