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BandStorm 2025

The stage is set for BandStorm 2025 – SoundStorm’s battle of the bands competition in partnership with Absolute Music and the The Old Fire Station, Bournemouth (Bournemouth Uni). A highlight of the SoundStorm calendar, our annual battle of the bands has brought to the stage a wonderful array of talented performers, bands and vocalists and we are excited to be announcing the details for this year’s BandStorm competition!

Are you in Y9 – 13, at school, college or home educated, in a band, and fancy getting some fantastic auditioning and gigging experience?

Its EASY to apply! Here’s how:

  1. Complete the application form
    • Please get this done ASAP – don’t wait for the deadline (it will help us know how many bands are intending on getting involved early on). Please note that confirmation emails aren’t generated automatically from the form but as long as you get to the Thank You message at the end, consider it submitted successfully.
  2. Video audition: Deadline 13/12/24.
    • Your video should be of your band performing 1 track of no longer than 3 minutes which showcases your collective talent and enthusiasm.
    • At this first stage we just want to see/hear an example of a song you are rehearsing or have performed – it doesn’t need to be professional – just a good video, or audio (if you don’t have video) you’ve taken on your phone is fine!
    • TIP (or, challenge?!) – in the past we’ve received videos where we can only hear one part, or no vocals at all for example, because everyone is playing too loud for the purposes of taking a video…can you adjust your volumes so that we can hear all the parts in the video submitted? – don’t worry, in the real thing you’ll be able to give us the full throttle energy!
    • Please submit via the website www.wetransfer.com, send to jo.farley@bcpcouncil.gov.uk and make sure to include the name of your band! 

We will send all bands a confirmation email their application is complete, or reminder to submit their videos on 29th November, two weeks before the deadline. Successful applicants will be notified by email no later than 20th December 2024.

Heat slots will be communicated in early January and confirmed by mid January. Bands will be allocated one of two Heats and will be asked to prepare 2-3 songs (covers or originals) lasting no more than 10 minutes:

Heat 1: Saturday 8th February 2025 (Absolute Music)

Heat 2: Sunday 9th February 2025 (Absolute Music)

What happens during a Heat?

We carefully select a panel of 3 professional, trusted, encouraging and supportive judges, who are all excellent musicians in their own right, with varying musical backgrounds. You will be given a slot – which includes setting up with and chatting to our friendly sound engineer, audition time, followed by some supportive but constructive feedback.

What will I need to bring?

Your instrument and associated leads! There are amps, mics, a drum kit and electric piano supplied in the audition room.

Can our friends and family come to watch us?

YES! We really encourage you to bring a small group of supporters, we have space for 12 of your nearest and dearest to come and cheer you on. Naturally, if you get through to the final, we want everyone to drum up a much larger support group, there is plenty of space at the Old Fire Station and these tickets will be able to be purchased in advance.

What happens after the Heats?

Then the finalists will be asked to perform at The Old Fire Station, Bournemouth. The date for this is TBC currently, but we expect it to be on the week commencing 10th March 2025.

We can’t wait to see you!

Watch the video below and see our 2024 final!