Battle of the Bands Is Back!

Are you in a band? Do you think you have what it takes to shred your way to cash, prizes, and Santa Barbara music-scene glory? Then, boy, do we have the gig for you. Starting this Thursday, July 18, The Santa Barbara Independent and New Noise S.B. are inviting all Santa Barbara County music makers to sign up for the fourth annual Downtown Sound Battle of the Bands.

The process is simple. Head over to independent.com/downtownsound, sign up for an account, input your band bio, upload a picture and a link to a Soundcloud site, and voilà! — you’re all set. All participants will have their band or project listed for free on independent.com’s Santa Barbara music guide. They’ll also throw their hat into the first round of Downtown Sound, during which an esteemed panel of music industry professionals will select five entrants to move on the live finals round. In addition, we’ll open up the judging to our readers, who will select one “wild-card” band to move on to the finals by way of online votes. Together, all six bands will compete onstage at SOhO Restaurant & Music Club this October. The band with the best songs, most sparkling stage presence, strongest musical chops, and biggest audience appeal takes home the grand prize. So, are you ready to rock? If so, visit independent.com/downtownsound to register. Contestants must currently reside in Santa Barbara County to participate.