It’s time to apply! Applications are open now till the end of 2025.

 

This March, The Stray’s Battle of the Bands returns -- a launchpad for Michigan’s most inventive and boundary-breaking artists. Every Saturday night, five bands step into the spotlight, bringing their sound, their story, and their best shot at the finals on April 4th.

Finalists are chosen by a mix of crowd opinion and expert ears -- a panel of music industry pros who live and breathe the West Michigan scene.

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Opening Rounds: Saturdays, March 7, 14, 21, & 28 (5 bands each)

Finals Night: Saturday, April 4 (Opening round winners return)

 

At stake: Over $3,000 in payouts to local artists.
$500 to the winner. $400 to runners-up finalists. Even bands that don’t make the finals walk away with $75 and a packed-house performance under their belt.

 

Rock, soul, hip-hop, reggaeton -- every genre has a place here. Whether you’re a new act or a seasoned veteran, we want to hear what you have to say.

 

 Even at Battle of the Bands, we believe collaboration is greater than competition. The ultimate goal of this event is to create an exciting performance opportunity where artists can network, grow, and be paid for their craft! 

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For the Audience

Get ready for the loudest month of the year.
Tickets drop in February, with Finals Night sales opening once the lineup is locked. Seats will move fast -- don’t miss the showdown.

 

Past Finalists

Our previous finalists have set the bar high with their performances!

Season I: Whorled (Winner), Daisybox, Epitones

Season II: Short Panic (Winner), Pocket Watch, Cordero

Season III: Squatch (Winner), The Cosmoknights, Farewell Come April, Quilter

Season IV: Rusty Vining & His Friends (Winner), Y-Not, Ethereal, Stanley & Quiggle

 

Previous Judges Include

John Sinkevics (Local Spins) - Elle Lively (Michigan Music Alliance) - Andrea “SuperDre” Wallace (OPNR) - Jake Rye (Social Recording Company) - Robby Fisher (Dogtown Studios) - Shelby Brook (WYCE) - Yolonda Lavender (Soul Artistry LLC) - Ryan Jamgotch (Electric Moon Studios) - Meghan Wilcox (Whitfield Artist Group) - Jennifer Hudson-Prenkert (Sounds of the Zoo) - Chelsea Whitaker (Music Journalist) - Quinn Matthews - Rachael Reinholtz - Dutcher Snedeker

 

Interested in Sponsoring?

Support the scene.
We’re partnering with studios, music shops, and local businesses to give artists more than cash -- studio time, discounts, gear, and visibility.
Sponsors receive logo placement on promotions, on-stage shoutouts, and direct connection to hundreds of passionate fans and musicians.
If that sounds like your vibe, reach out.