Our friends at Our Wicked Lady (OWL), the Bushwick bar consistently in the running for best venue in the neighborhood thanks to its rooftop shows and cozy first-floor bar, are bringing back their annual Winter Madness Battle of the Bands competition for the fifth year in a row. Bands from tri-state area can apply until midnight tonight, December 8th, for a shot at glory.
Past winners of Winter Madness, like SKORTS, PONS, and DEAD TOOTH, have all gone on to achieve local acclaim.
This year’s event is sure to be exciting, with 16 bands battling it out for a grand prize… The Battle of the Bands will take place every Friday and Saturday night in February 2025 on OWL’s winterized rooftop. The winners of the battle will receive $5,000, recording studio time, a slot at OWL’s SXSW showcase. Keith Hamilton, co-owner of Our Wicked Lady, told Bushwick Daily that one-on-one sessions with industry pros may also be included in the grand prize, though this is still unconfirmed. Second, third, and fourth place winners will also receive cash prizes: $1,000 for second, $500 for third, and $250 for fourth.
The competition will take place every Friday and Saturday night in February 2025 on OWL’s winterized rooftop. A panel of guest judges — music industry professionals — will preside over each round. Previous judges have included industry professionals such as Billy Aukstik (Hivemind Studio), Jeff Berner (Studio G Brooklyn), Tommy Borscheid (The Orchard), Lia Camille Crockett (Parcha Projects), Jonathan Clarke (iHeartRadio), Quantic (Musician/Producer/DJ), Nick LaFalce (Favorite Friend Records), Sara Landeau (Musician/Producer), and Jonathan Toubin (DJ/Musician).
The tournament format is inspired by the March Madness model — with bands competing in elimination rounds until one winner is crowned. All participating bands will receive 50% off a @Tunecore first-year “Rising Artist” unlimited distribution plan.
To be eligible to compete, bands must meet the following criteria:
- Be located in NY, NJ, CT, PA, or DE.
- Have at least two live instruments (no solo acts). Backing tracks are allowed if paired with live instruments.
- Have all band members be 21 years of age or older.
- Be available to compete every Friday and Saturday in February.
Bands that competed in 2024 are not eligible to compete this year. All genres are welcome and encouraged. Bands can apply online here. The application fee is $55.
Don’t miss your chance to compete in this year’s Winter Madness Battle of the Bands!
Cover image taken by Brett Wachtel for Bushwick Daily.
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