Presented in partnership with the Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI), Battle of the Bands Wisconsin offers emerging artists a high-stakes platform to compete for professional recording sessions, music video production, and a coveted performance slot at Summerfest.
At Battle of the Bands WISCONSIN presented by Sound Check Entertainment and Through Line Studios and partnering with the Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI), our mission is to empower emerging bands with the tools and resources needed to thrive in the music industry. We provide professional video production, photography, media promotion and recording opportunities, giving artists a platform to showcase their talents and build a strong foundation for future success.
By fostering creativity, collaboration, and exposure, we aim to launch the next generation of Wisconsin’s musical talent into the spotlight
Prizes
- Studio Recording Time at TreeHouse Studios (formerly the Exchange)
- Photo Shoot Session
- Full Music Video
- Summerfest slot for your band
- Rockstar Trophy
in total a $5000 value plus
prizes for 2nd and 3rd place
2026 Battle of the Bands enrollment is now closed. See you at the finale on March 27th!
Battle of the Bands YOUTH, June 20th, 2026 - See Below
Qualifying Rounds
Jan. 16th - Ope! Brewing Co., West Allis, Wi
Feb. 21st - the Bur Oak, Madison, Wi - SOLD OUT!
March 13th - Maddy's Bar and Music Lounge, Waukesha, Wi - SOLD OUT
**Sold out is for bands to signup. Fans welcome to attend,
Finale
March 27th - RallyPoint, Oconomowoc
Top 3 bands will receive a Paid Performance
Eligibility
All band members must be over 18
Minimum of 2 band members - Max 10
50% of performance must be your original songs
What You Receive for your Entry
Performance video provided to all bands
Performance Photos
Eligibility for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes
Multimedia promotion of your band
Professional critique by industry leaders
1 year WAMI membership
Details
$150 entry fee
$100 entry fee for returning bands from the 2025 BoB.
Limit 10 bands per date/venue
2 song performance
How to Enter
Just complete the entry form below and hit submit.
You will be taken to the entry fee page.
Your enrollment is not confirmed until the entry fee has been received.
Battle of the Bands: Wisconsin – YOUTH EDITION 🎸🏆
Where the Next Generation of Rockstars Takes the Stage.
Are you a young musician ready to go from the garage to the "Big Gig"? Sound Check Entertainment, ThroughLine Studios, the Chad Smith Foundation and Raised Grain Brewing are proud to present the first-ever Youth Edition of Battle of the Bands – Wisconsin!
This is more than a contest; it’s a professional launchpad designed to give young artists the high-quality assets they need to start their careers in the music industry.
Event Details
📅 Date: Saturday, June 20th, 2026
🕐 Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 Location: Raised Grain Brewing Co., Waukesha, WI
👥 Eligibility: Open to solo performers and bands (Ages 12–18)
The Grand Prize 🥇
The winning act will receive the opportunity of a lifetime:
Summerfest Performance: A confirmed slot on the WAMI Stage at Summerfest on July 3rd, 2026 (or a 2027 date).
Professional Photoshoot: A dedicated session with ThroughLine Studios to build your professional brand.
The Title: Crowned the 2026 Youth Battle of the Bands Champion!
Prizes will also be awarded to 2nd and 3rd place finishers.
What Every Participant Receives
We believe every artist deserves to look and sound their best. Every band and solo act that competes will walk away with a Professional Media Starter Pack provided by ThroughLine Studios:
🎥 High-Quality Performance Video: Multi-cam edit with professionally recorded/mixed audio.
📸 Live Performance Photos: High-resolution shots of your set to use for booking and social media.
🎙️ Expert Feedback: Constructive, on-the-spot critiques from industry professional judges to help you grow.
Entry Fees
Bands: $100
Solo Performers: $75
Includes performance slot, media package, and judge feedback.
How to Enroll
We are looking for the best young talent in the state to represent Wisconsin on the big stage. Because we provide a full professional media package and a high-stakes prize, spots are extremely limited.
The Selection Process
There are only 8 performance spots available for this showcase.
Not First-Come, First-Served: We vet every application to ensure all performers meet a "Performance Ready" standard.
Vetting Criteria: Our team reviews your experience and video submissions to curate a high-quality, diverse lineup that is ready for the professional atmosphere of Raised Grain and potentially the Summerfest stage.
The Entry Fee: A deposit is required at the time of application ($100 for Bands / $75 for Soloists). This ensures we are reviewing serious contenders. If your act is not selected for this edition, your entry fee will be refunded in full immediately.
Step 1: Prepare Your Submission
Before filling out the form, please have the following information ready:
Band/Performer Name & Style: What do you play? (Rock, Indie, Pop, etc.)
Experience Level: Tell us about your journey. How long have you been playing? Any previous gigs or school performances?
Member Details: Names and ages of all performers (Must be between 12–18). Where are they from?
Video Links: This is the most important part of your application. Please provide links to YouTube, Vimeo, or a Google Drive folder featuring a video of a recent rehearsal or live performance. Parents: Phone recordings are perfectly fine; we just need to see and hear the talent!
Step 2: Submit the Application & Fee
Complete the Youth Edition Enrollment Form below and process your entry fee. Once submitted, our talent scouts will review your media.
Step 3: Notification
All applicants will be notified of their status by May 1st, 2026. If selected, you will receive your official "Performance Guide" and load-in schedule.
Enrollment form below!
Note to Parents: This event is designed to be a supportive, educational, and professional experience. Regardless of the competition outcome, every participant walks away with professional-grade media to help jump-start their musical future.
