Whether you’re looking to show off a lockdown project or dip your toe into experimental waters, Battle of the Bands is a chance for soloists, ensembles, improvisers and performance artists to showcase their work for a friendly crowd and panel of industry experts.

A small number of shortlisted acts will be selected to perform a 5–15 minute set at Moth Club, Dalston on Weds 19 Jan 2022. At the end of the night, our panel of industry experts will choose their favourite performance to win the opportunity to perform a full set at a future Nonclassical night, a bottle of champagne and will join our wider network of Nonclassical Artists. Previous champions include The Hermes Experiment and ensemble x:y, Tangram Sound’s Reylon Yount and Daniel Shao and many more – read more about the competition and its previous competitors here.

Applications are welcomed from performers of all ages, although there are two places in the final reserved explicitly for performers who are 18-25 years old. We particularly welcome applications from underrepresented and/or marginalised groups in music, including but not limited to women, non-binary, Black, Asian or ethnically diverse, and/or disabled artists. Shortlisted finalists will receive a small honorarium and Nonclassical will cover any travel and access expenses.

Interested? Fill in an application form, including a link to a demo track either on SoundCloud, YouTube or Vimeo. Deadline for applications is Monday 15 November 2021. Applicants will be notified as to whether their application has been shortlisted by Friday 17 December, with successful applicants performing on Wednesday 19 January 2022.