Ready to make your mark on Melbourne's music scene?
Stay Gold's Battle of the Bands is back and bigger than ever in 2025!
We're searching for the city's most dynamic unsigned talent to take centre stage in this career-launching competition. Whether you're indie rockers, metal warriors, hip-hop innovators, or electronic pioneers, this is your chance to showcase your sound to industry heavy-hitters and music lovers alike.
More than just a competition, this is your opportunity to join Melbourne's thriving music community, build lasting connections, and potentially kickstart your journey to the next level. With thousands in cash prizes, industry mentorship, and career-boosting opportunities up for grabs, this could be the milestone moment your band has been waiting for.
All genres welcome. All members must be 18+.
Competition Dates
Heat 1: Thursday 20 March
Heat 2: Wednesday 26 March
Heat 3: Wednesday 2 April
Heat 4: Thursday 10 April
Finals: Wednesday 30 April
VOTING INFO:
On arrival, all attendees will receive 2 voting tokens. Additional tokens are received for each drink purchased.
Crowd votes are weighted at 50%, with our industry judges having a 25% vote & our experienced live music staff having the other 25%.
GRAND PRIZE INCLUDES
☆ $3,000 Cash Prize
Use it towards gear, touring, recording, or anything else you can think of!
☆ Marketing Mentorship thanks to Destroy All Lines
2x 1-hour sessions with an industry expert Marketing Manager from one of Australia's largest independent entertainment promoters - Destroy All Lines.
☆ Golden Tickets to ANY show at Stay Gold for 2025
Valid for all performing band members
Can be used multiple times throughout 2025
Excludes private functions and events
Does not include +1
☆ Tickets to Good Things Festival 2025
Each performing member will receive a ticket to Good Things Festival 2025. Tickets are not exchangeable or refundable.
☆ Free (x3) rehearsals at Stay Gold
Rehearse your stage show on the same stage you’ll end up playing!
HEAT WINNER PRIZES INCLUDE:
$150 Bar Tab
$150 Bar Tab (valid only for Battle of the Bands events)
Free Venue Hire at Stay Gold
Valid for use for your next single or EP/Album launch.
Golden Ticket for One Stay Gold Show
One-time use Golden Ticket for any Stay Gold show
Valid until end of 2025
For performing band members only
Excludes private functions and events
Does not include +1