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

YES. Nonetheless, if your band is signed with a major label, the festival isn’t probably the best option for you since we’re basically scouting new emerging bands, not professional artists.

How do I take part to the festival?

First you have to register your band on our website. Then a member of our team will contact you (by email or on Facebook) to set up a first meeting where you will be explained how the festival works. If everything is fine, will confirm together your participation to the Festival and you receive the date and time of your first gig!

I registered my band but nobody has contacted me!

This can happen if your band does not fit the format of the festival or if the band is not based in the city where the festival takes place. If you have any doubt, just contact our team!

Is there a registration fee to enter the festival?

It's free to enter the festival. Emergenza is essentially against PAY-TO-PLAY. 

We will ask a guarantee deposit of 100 $ at the meeting to secure the date. You will get the full deposit back on the day of your last Emergenza’s show. For example: if you come and play the first step of the festival and you do not pass it, you will have your deposit back at the end of the concert right after the results. If you pass the step your deposit guarantees us your participation in the semifinal step. On the day of the semifinal, if you come, play the gig but you don’t make it to the final, you will get your deposit back at the end of the show right after the results. If you make it to the final, we will return you the guarantee deposit on the day of the final right after your soundcheck.

Why do we have to make a deposit?

The deposit guarantees to the festival as well as to the organizators organizers, to the venues, to the audience, and to the other participants that:

- You will be present for your gig

- the band is seriously intentioned to take part to the competition, ready to properly prepare the show and work to gather audience to the show

So the deposit won’t be refunded only in the following cases:

- The band performance doesn’t take take place for reasons that do not depend on Emergenza (the band retires from the competition, does not come to the show, comes to the show but refuses to play, etc)

- The band gathers less than 10 people to the gig


So you’re saying that in the end we are obliged to sell tickets in order to have my deposit back?

As Emergenza’s staff explains during the first meeting, there two main aspects that the festival requires to the participants during the preparation to the gig in order to make this experience positive and productive for everyone (for the bands, the club, the audience, the organizators, the other participants)

1 - to work on the show and to prepare a well played, interesting and entertaining set

2- to work on the fanbase in order to maximize the presence of audience during the gig

Most of the bands do not get that gathering audience is as important as preparing a cool gig. If every participant works in this direction you will have a full room during all the concert, the possibility to show your music to new audience and definitely a great concert!

If on one hand Emergenza doesn’t want to fix a high minimum ticket to be sold by the bands in order to keep the festival open to everyone, on the other hand we want to avoid unfair situations where only a few bands work hard in order to gather the audience whereas the others might not make any effort but have a full room during their concert anyway thanks to the work of another band. You can easily understand how this kind of situation might be displeasing for everyone.

The band in the end can also refuse to sell tickets and come and play to the gig. In this case they won’t have their deposit back.

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?

Yes. The festival allows solo artists with an instrument.

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 of the quality of their project.

I can’t play anymore. Can I get the registration fee back?

If you already met Emergenza’s staff and booked the concert, unfortunately no. It is possible to move your gig to a further date if there is the are still free spots and, in this way, get your deposit back.

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 reasons we screen out bands that live far from the cities where the festival takes place are: - We request that all bands members attend the meetings we organize before the concerts. There will be one 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, contact us 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, contact us 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 CD compilation?

The Local Manager along with Emergenza’s Special Projects and Talent-Scouting staff.

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.

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 or tape 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 concert 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 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 international final?

Bands participating at the international final abroad must get their own papers and visas.

Who looks after the transportation of a band’s personal instruments for international final?

Bands participating at the international final must take care of the transport of their own instruments. Usually, in Emergenza finals, 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 final?

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 audience vote?

The audience votes simply by using a QR code any time during the concert, anyone has to vote for at least two, and up to seven bands, every night.

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.

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

At the Eliminatory Round AND at the Semi-Finals the vote is cast by the audience only. The greatest advantage of an open audience vote is that is a very fair and clear system. This way, the results reflect public opinion!

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

This is rare but it may happen, but, as stated above, everyone must give at two preferences, otherwise the vote doesn't go through. Therefore the audience, with this multiple choice, will likely vote for the most interesting band along with the vote for their friends.

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.

When we played there was less people compare to the other bands!

Even if this happens, it’s is part of the game. Sometimes a big crowd comes at the beginning of the show and then leaves before of the end; sometimes people come later and miss the first concerts, etc. If we wait for everyone to be in the audience, the show would never begin…. or end at 3AM! We just consider. So tell your public to be there!

Where can I find the results from concert nights?

Check out our Website for all the listings & results. First choose your language, 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. The guest band/s always play in the middle of the night). Each one performs for 20-22 minutes. The change over in between the bands in 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 three 1,5 hour slots. Bands are told in which one of these 3 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?

The jury will award technical prizes to any of the 14 bands performing in the Final. During the final the judging is shared in between the public and the jury. At the end of each performance the public votes by show of hands. When the last performance is over, the jury will meet and chose the best musicians which will receive the technical prizes. After that, we will give them the names of the 6 bands with the top votes as per the public. The jury then decides which one of the 6 bands deserves to be the winner.

How does admission to the shows work?

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 then they 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 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 just before their sound check 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 4 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 young 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 announce and advertise the concerts in all major newspapers, weeklies, on the radio and the Internet, and will also announce all bands’ concert date & time on our Website. However, this promotion does not guarantee that we will reach each band’s public 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 give bands some posters; on each poster there is a blank space where the bands can put their name, set time, etc. We will also provide each band with 100 tickets so they can approach their public 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 before the sound check.

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 mount of tickets to arrive at the ones, 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 the concerts in every city in Europe or in North America for free. You can request your free voucher on the website (by following the link ‘Complete Festival Schedule….’) Friends and family coming with you will have to pay.

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

Yes. Media & industry people can attend the shows for free. You have to inform your local Emergenza office or your Local Manager in advance of the name 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.

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.

What does Emergenza provide my band with?

Emergenza provides the venue, the technical organization, the sound man & backliner, & promotion… all you have to do is play! 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, cymbals). 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 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 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?

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

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.