Are you in a local band that’s been wallowing in obscurity for far too long? Sorry to hear that. Here’s your chance to potentially break free.
Shindig 2014, CiTR’s annual band competition, hasextended the deadline for submissions to Monday, Sept. 22. The event begins Oct. 21.
Since 1983, Shindig has showcased over 800 new and unknown local bands. Japandroids, The Smugglers, and The Pack A.D. have all been semi-finalists in the competition.
As in years past, bands will perform for an assortment of local musicians and media professionals, competing for impressive prize packages, while the audience heckles and tells jokes for beer.
“Shindig isn’t really a battle of the bands competition – it’s a showcase of local music and an excuse for people to see local bands,” says Shindig host Ben Lai.
“Shindig is a good opportunity for bands who are new, who have moved to the city, maybe just high school to get their foot in the music scene.”
First prize includes two full days and one night of recording, plus mastering of five songs, at Rain City Recorders; two hours of free labour ($140) from Backline Musician Services; automatic acceptance to Music Waste 2015; a showcase spot at Canadian Music Week 2015 in Toronto; a two-page feature in Discorder Magazine; music industry consultations from Nimbus Recording; and more. Check out the CiTR websitefor more info.
This year’s event will move to a new venue, the Hindenburg (23 West Cordova in Gastown), which features a brand new stage, local beers on tap, and a desire to support more local music.
Shindig! starts Tuesday, Oct. 21, and continues nine weeks until Tuesday, Dec. 16... Semi-finals and finals will happen after the holidays. Cover is $6 for all events.
