My band is signed to a small indie label. Are we still eligible?

YES. We only ask that bands already signed to major labels abstain from registering in the festival to leave room for new, emerging bands to be heard.

Will all expenses be paid if we make it to the international final?

Yes. Emergenza will pay for the flight to and from Germany, accommodations and food.

What can I win?

Amazing prizes courtesy of our sponsors... Go the the prizes section to get all the details!

Is there a registration fee to enter the festival?

Registration on the website is absolutely free. Depending on the city you are taking part in you might even be offered promotion packages with music business related services such as press photo session, press release write up, digital music distribution, flyer/poster layout, discounts for producing merchandise, social media training, stage performance coaching, music business seminars etc.

What does Emergenza provide my band?

Emergenza provides the venue, the technical organization, the sound technician, the stage crew, and promotion. Emergenza will supply all materials: not only the sound system (P.A. system, microphones, stage monitors etc.), but also the back-line (guitar & bass amps and drum set). All of the equipment is of top quality. Technicians (sound engineers & stage hands) are part of the venue’s, Emergenza’s and the affiliated music store’s staff.

During the B.E.S.T. showcases, what expenses are covered by the organization?

Travel (by means chosen by Emergenza) and accommodation expenses are covered.

How can my band register?

Bands can register in two different ways: - Through the Website: The band’s information is automatically entered into the system when you fill out the online registration. The booking department at the head office will contact the band for a meeting. - By Phone: If you do not have access to the internet, you can call the head office where your info will be inserted into the system. If meeting dates are available at that time, you will be booked immediately; otherwise, you will be contacted when dates are confirmed.

What is the deadline to enroll my band in the Festival?

There's no due date for the enrollment. However, we strongly recommend that you register as soon as possible – places are limited & fill up fast!

I’m a solo artist. Can I participate?

Because the festival focuses on live performances and because some of the stages we use are big, we suggest that artists sign up and then perform with a group of either a backing band, with featuring artists or with both. We suggest you are at least 3 people on stage in the performing group/band.

I play in two bands. Can I participate with both of them in the same edition?

Usually yes. But the bands can’t share more than half their members.

Do I have to send Emergenza a demo or press kit?

No. Emergenza does not do a pre-selection of bands before the concerts. It works on a “first come, first serve” basis. We prefer to let bands show us what they do on stage, and let the audience decide who they like best & let those bands advance to the next round. A demo is often most representative of a band’s financial assets, not necessarily of the quality of their songs!

I tried registering online, but I got a message back saying the Festival was not happening in my region. I want to participate anyway!!! What do I do?

The reason we screen out bands that live far from the cities where the festival takes place is: - We request that all bands members attend the meetings we organize before the concerts. There will be a 40min. meeting where our staff will explain in detail how the contest works, etc. There will also be a technical meeting a few days before your concert where we go over the technical requirements of your band. If you live too far away, you may not be able to come to these meetings. - If your fans live too far away, how can they come & support you? This would be a shame & unfair to you. If you are serious about your band & the festival, and really want to participate even if you live outside of town, just call the head office and we’ll see if we can work something out. - if there is a mistake, and you are within an hour of the city you wish to participate in, call the office and we’ll see what we can do.

Why is the whole band expected to attend all the meetings?

First because it’s important to explain the rules and the format of the festival to every single member of the band. We do not like misunderstandings, and often, band members who weren’t there will complain that they were not properly informed, etc. Secondly, we will assign the concert date for the band at the meeting therefore we need to make sure that everyone is available on that day – we can’t change a concert date once it’s assigned!!

What can I win?

Amazing prizes courtesy of our sponsors… Go the the prizes section to get all the details!

When are the awards actually given?

Awards (guitars, bass, amps, cymbals, and other minor prizes according with the choice of the sponsors) are given on the stage during the prizes ceremony at the end of most of the National Finals. Drum sets where available are usually sent to the drummer at home at Emergenza’s expense.

Who selects the bands for the international showcases that are also organized by Emergenza?

Local Managers point out the more interesting bands. The Holding Board will choose according to the Special Projects Section.

Can we play on the same date as another group we know?

It may happen. But we can’t guarantee it.

What kind of music can we play at the Festival?

Any style of music is welcome in the festival: rock, pop, urban, blues, funk, metal, etc. You can sing in any language you chose or be an instrumental band.

Can we play covers?

Yes. However, we suggest that you insert original material if you move on to the Final.

Are free food and drinks provided for the musicians?

No. We’re sorry. We don’t provide food or drinks. The venue usually keeps control of the bar.

During the B.E.S.T. showcases, what expenses are covered by the organization?

Travel (by means chosen by Emergenza) and accommodation expenses are covered.

Can we play instrumental music?

Yes. Any kind of music is welcome at Emergenza.

Are we free to put on any type of performance on stage?

Yes. You can put on any kind of performance. Be careful however to respect your state’s laws. There could be some regulation & restrictions regarding political messages or for types of performances that disrupt public order or that are dangerous (ie. Fire eating, fireworks, etc.).

How long do we get to play at each concert?

Your band has 30 minutes (including a 5 minutes change-over time) to strut your stuff & blow the audience away. It’s up to you to pick out your best material to showcase during those 25 precious minutes!

If we play live, how can we protect our non-recorded songs against plagiarism?

The simplest way is to send yourself a CD by registered mail in a sealed envelope. The date of posting will serve as certificate in case of plagiarism. It’s also possible (but much more expensive) to certify your songs through a notary. But be careful! Some organizations don’t protect your songs against plagiarism, but only ensure that you get money from copyright.

How is the concert time chosen?

For the Eliminatory Round, the concert time is assigned randomly. Then, time and date of the following concert(s) are chosen according to the votes, position and time in the last round.

Can we have the concert date changed?

Absolutely not. Once a concert date is assigned there is no way that it can be changed. So before booking, make sure you have all of your band members' availability and schedule.

Can we change the name of the band during the course of the Festival?

Yes, no problem. Contact your local manager if you want to change your band name.

Can we take photographs, or have video/audio recordings made at the show?

Yes, generally this is not a problem. On some nights there may be restrictions, but you’ll be informed during our meetings if this is the case. However there are 2 conditions: a- This material is to be for personal use only (you can’t use them for professional means: broadcast, newspapers). b- Please provide a copy to your Local Manager.

Can we use the Emergenza logo on fliers or posters made for promoting our concert night?

Yes. The Emergenza logo can be used. You can download it from the Website. Just select “Media” and click on “Graphics Download”.

Can we have an Author’s Rights statement?

Yes

Who looks after getting the visas for musicians to participating in showcases abroad?

Bands participating in showcases abroad must get their own papers and visas.

Who looks after the transportation of a band’s personal instruments for showcases abroad?

Bands participating in showcases abroad must take care of the transport of their own instruments. Usually, in Emergenza showcases, we provide a high-quality backline that saves the bands the troubles of transporting drum set and amps.

Can we change the time of the sound check?

You can ask your local manager, usually however, sound check times are fixed.

Can we decide the means of transportation to international showcases?

No. We’re sorry. The means of transportation (cars, airplane, etc.) will be determined by our management according to distance, time and budget.

Can we bring friends backstage?

No. No. No.

If a technical problem causes a delay in the course of the concert, do we have the right to make up the lost time?

No. Even if delays are due to technical problems and not your fault, unfortunately the situation is such that we can’t give you extra time. It’s also part of what playing live is all about! We assure you that we will do our best so that technical problems are reduced to a minimum.

If our time has run out in the middle of a song, can we finish the song anyway?

You can finish the song, but we may get a bit crossed. This is why we require your set list with the timing of each song, so the Stage Manager can let you know when you only have 5 minutes left. We (and the other bands) do not appreciate if you go over time, as it affects the other band’s set length as well. Please stick to the rules, and consider your song choice carefully to make sure you don’t go over the allotted time.

Can we set up a scene or put up a banner from our band on the stage?

Not really, because we have our sponsors’ banners displayed above the stage. We may be able to arrange something depending on the management’s rules in each venue. We can only accept non-flammable banners & stage props. Make sure your materials conform to the regulations!

What happens if a band is late or does not come at all to their soundcheck?

We move along with our schedule! Bands who do not come to the soundcheck forfeit this privilege. No line-checks are done before the performance.

What happens if a band is late for their performance?

The length of the performance is reduced accordingly. This measure is taken in order to avoid delays in the other performances and problems with the bands who were punctual.

What happens if a band doesn’t show up at all for the concert?

The order of the performances may be modified, but no band will play earlier than scheduled.

What happens if one or more bands go over their time in a performance

The change over time will be reduced, and if necessary, so will show time. Rules are clear: 5 minutes for the change over and 25 minutes for the performance.

How does the vote work?

In the finals a jury consisting of people from the music industry has the task of selecting the winners. In the earlier stages however, the results shall be provided by open vote by:
A) all attending musicians who play or have played in the festival (who always get in for free at our concerts)
B) all audiences who are attending the show
We use an online voting system that has proven its worth in that it eliminates “tactical voting” and makes the audience stay and check out more bands because they have to vote for at least 2 different bands.

Can we vote for the other bands during the concert night?

Yes, of course you can.

Can the audience vote for only one band each night?

No! Every single person in the audience is allowed & invited to vote for any and all bands each night.

Why do the bands proceed through the various steps of the festival by the audience’s vote?

The "jury" in the real-life-world of music is ultimately the audiences/fans who decides who will make it by supporting their favorite bands/groups. That being said we will have a jury consisting of people from the music industry selecting the winners of the finals in order to assure that the bands moving on to represent their state or country will have the best changes going forward. During the Eliminatory Round and at the Semi-Finals where more than one band/group will proceed to the next step in the contest the vote is cast by the audience and the participating musicians. In Emergenza cities where the smartphone voting system is implemented the audience has to vote for at least two different bands in order for the vote to be valid. This significantly reduces any "tactical voting" and eliminates the notion of a "popularity contest".

Woah! Bands that bring in a lot of friends in the Eliminatory Rounds qualify even if they are not talented!

That will rarely happen because both the audience and the performing musicians of the night has to vote for at least two different bands/groups in order for their vote to be valid. This reduces any "tactical voting" to a minimum and if all bands of the night brings their fans to the show this won't happen as people's second, third, fourth and fifth vote will go to bands that perform and play well. Bands such as these however - if it happens - don’t usually make it much past the eliminatory round. It is doubtful that their friends will pay again to come see them in a month or two. Also, at the Semi-finals, the venue will be much larger and it will be impossible for a band to monopolize the place. At this level, only the truly best bands will make it to the Regional Final. The trick for qualifying to the next round, especially at the Semi-Final stage, will be for a band to win the votes of those members of the audience that did not come to see them but that are discovering them for the first time, recognizing their talent and enjoy their music.

What happens if I or one of my friends forgets to vote before the voting was closed?

The vote will typically close 10-15min after the last band of the night has stopped playing. The MC of the night will announce from stage when the vote will close. It is each person's own responsibility to vote while the voting is open.

If we have been eliminated during the night, is there another way to move forward in the Festival?

No. Sorry. The only way to move forward is determined by the rules of the Festival.

Our audience was not in the venue because they arrived late so they couldn’t vote for us.

Unfortunately, we cannot account for individuals who were not present. Make sure your fans know what time you’re playing – and that they get there at least 1/2 hour before in case of delays at the door etc.

Where can I find the results from concert nights?

Check out our Website for all the listings & results. First make sure you see the page of your country, then your city to get all results & ranking of each night.

When is there a jury present?

Only at the Regional and International Finals.

How are the members of the jury chosen?

The management will select, individuals with different qualifications and experiences in the music industry: music critics, A&R, promoters, representatives of the music industry, to have diverse perspectives and an overall fair judgment.

Where can I find the jury’s detailed votes?

Check out our Website. Just choose the Final for your city and you will have the detailed results by the board of jury.

How do the finals work?

12 to 14 bands play in the same night (in the Regional Finals there are also the band's coming from the other finals). Each one performs for 20-22 minutes. The change over in between the bands is 2-3 minutes. During the Final there are no good or bad slot to play: all slots are equal. To be really fair to every band performing we don’t give out the exact time of the show. The night is divided into 3-4 slots. Bands are told in which one of these groups they will perform but not given an exact time to avoid having people show up for just one performance or at the start of the band’s show.

How does the judging work during the finals?

In the finals the jury will make the final decision of who the winner will be. However during the night the audience will vote as in the earlier rounds, only this time they do not choose the winners but instead give the jury an indication of which bands the audience favors. The musicians playing in the final will vote for each other as well. The musicians' vote has a higher priority than the audience vote and the first place in the musicians vote will go directly to the jury no matter how many audience votes that particular band got. Among the remaining bands that the musicians didn't send to the jury the top 5 of the audience vote will go to the jury. The jury will then decide which one of those 6 bands deserves to be the winner.

How does admission to the shows work?

Just like any concert it will be possible to pay the full price in the door or paying reduced priced presale tickets. Taking a chance and paying the full price in the door means that if the concert is already sold out it won't be possible to enter the venue and the price will be higher than presale tickets (isn't it better to spend that extra money on drinks with your friends inside the venue?).
Emergenza provides each band with 100 tickets so that they can approach their fans directly. Band’s fans and friends can save money if they buy tickets in advance from the bands themselves, as advance tickets will cost less than entry will at the door. Each band will have the same number of tickets to sell, thus ensuring that no one band can fill the entire room with only their fans. Bands are under no obligation to sell a certain amount of tickets. They are provided for their own promotion. It may be difficult, however, to qualify for the next round by bringing no audience support at all; this is after all the audience’s choice.

Do we have to pay for the tickets in advance?

No.

When do we have to return the money and the unsold tickets?

All money & unsold tickets are to be returned by the band at get-in on the day of the concert.

Can we sell the complimentary tickets and keep the profits?

Yes. If you sell tickets and reach the required number as per the agreement, you can use the free tickets as you see fit – sell them or give them away.

Don’t you think the ticket price is a bit high?

The price is higher to encourage the audience to stay longer than just their friend’s set. We want them to enjoy all the hours of music, discovering new, talented bands.

Is it important that the bands themselves promote their own show?

Yes, of course. It’s up to Emergenza to organize an unforgettable concert, to provide emerging bands with the best technical conditions possible. However, producing concerts with a lot of musicians on stage but in front of a tiny audience is less rewarding. Emergenza will use each clubs's PR network so that the concert will be promoted on the same level as other shows the club hosts. However, this promotion does not guarantee that we will reach each band’s audience directly. It is often difficult to attract an audience to come see up & coming bands which they have never heard of. It is thus important for bands to also do their own promotion. The Festival bases itself on an agreement of mutual effort between itself and the bands: both must work to ensure a great audience for the nights. To do that, we will offer bands to make a graphical layout for a flyer the band can use online or print as posters. We will also provide each band with 100 tickets so they can approach their fans and audience directly.

Are tickets valid for every night?

No. Tickets are only valid for the night when the band selling them is playing.

Can we leave tickets at the door and have them picked up by people in our audience?

Yes, as long as they are paid in advance in the afternoon at get-in.

Do friends, boyfriends/girlfriends, parents etc. have free admission?

No, We’re sorry. There are no free tickets for people outside the band. But if you sell the required amount of tickets to get free tickets on top of that, you can give those out to whoever you wish.

After the concert if we have some unsold tickets can we get a refund? Or can we use them for other nights?

No, we’re sorry. Pre-sold tickets are non refundable. Also the tickets are dated for each night and that means that you cannot use them for other nights

What happens if we lose the tickets we were responsible for?

Unfortunately you will have to pay for them. Don’t lose them!

How is the ticket price decided?

The price is set by Emergenza’s Head Quarter, depending on production & rental costs as well as cost of living in each country/city.

Can we come to see the other concerts in the Festival for free?

Yes. All musicians participating in the Festival can see Emergenza concerts for free all over the world (only exception is the international final). You can request your VIP Ticket on the website by following the link by the concert you want to attend. Make sure to check the age policy of the club.

Can we invite a journalist or a producer for free (without paying the ticket)?

Yes. Media & music industry people can attend the shows for free. You have to inform your Local Manager at least one week in advance by emailing the name, title, company and contact info of your guests. The guests must present themselves at the entrance on the night of your performance with a business card that confirms their identity and qualifications. No "plus one"s are allowed. The Emergenza manager responsible of the night you are playing has the authority to add or remove people from the guest list without notice at his/her own discretion.

Who can have free tickets or invitations?

People involved in music business can have a free ticket: journalists, managers, record company editors, promoters, booking agents, impresarios with whom you are not already working.

What does Emergenza provide my band with technically speaking?

Emergenza provides the venue, the technical organization, and the sound technician. Emergenza will supply all materials: not only the Sound system (p.a., microphones, stage monitors etc.), but also the Back-line (guitar & bass amps, drum set). All of the equipment is of top quality. Technicians (sound engineers & stage hands) are part of the venue’s, Emergenza’s and the affiliated music store’s staff.

Is percussion provided by the organization?

No.

Is there a keyboard provided?

No.

Can we bring our own sound technicians?

No, sorry. Emergenza’s sound engineer is the only responsible for the night and for the equipment. However if you want your sound tech to assist our engineer, he can enter the club as a normal audience and sit by his side. Regardless, Emergenza’s engineer is the only one that can make decisions and touch the controls.

Which piece of my drum set can I bring?

You can bring your cymbals, snare drum, drum pedal, electronic pads and other small percussions.

Can we have special lighting effects?

Sometimes we can arrange special lighting, depending on management and technicians’ rules in each venue. Bring it up at your technical meeting & we’ll see what’s possible.

Can we use our guitar/bass effects?

Yes, of course!

Can we use our own guitar/bass amplifiers?

No, we’re sorry. Amps are provided by the organization and all the bands have to use the same backline.

Can we use our cymbals?

Yes, you have to bring your own cymbals! The feedback we have be getting from drummers is that the cymbals are making up a major part of the sound and therefore you must bring your own cymbals. We normally procide a hihat stand and 2-3 cymbal stands. If you want to be sure you have enough stands then bring some of your own. At some clubs we might provide cymbals for show timing reasons and in that case you will be notified at the technical meeting of how many own cymbals you can bring.

Can we use our own microphone to sing?

No, we’re sorry. Microphones are provided by the organization and all the bands have to use the same kind of microphones. This is to avoid many technical problems and unnecessary time delays!

Can we bring our own stage technicians?

No. We totally trust our experienced staff with our sponsors’ equipment.

Our drummer is left-handed. How is this managed from a technical point of view?

Bands with left-handed drummer or with numerous musicians usually play first or last. It’s a matter of technical efficiency to ensure the best sound reduce the time between the bands.