The Basement Door Presents
Battle of the Bands
Welcome to the homepage for our Battle of the Bands 2025. Below you will find all the relevant dates, information and application process to get your band involved.
Heat 1 - 18th January 2025
Heat 2 - 25th January 2025
Heat 3 - 1st February 2025
Heat 4 - 15th February 2025
Heat 5 - 1st March 2025
Heat 6 - 22nd March 2025
The Exchange, Twickenham
FINALS
29th March 2025
AFC Wimbledon
Applications please contact admin@thebasementdoor.org
Judging Criteria
Bands perform three songs: An original, a cover of their own choosing and a song by our featured artist, Prince.
Bands are scored on the following:
Technical Proficiency (10 Points) - How well do band members know their instrument?
Musicality (10 Points) - Accomplishment in music, quality of song construction, expressiveness, blend, balance of instruments etc.
Performance (10 Points) - Confidence, stage presence, enjoyment
Creativity (10 Points) - Originality of music. Did they make the music their own?
Audience Appeal (10 Points) - Did they engage with the audience?
Additional Information for Bands
EQUIPMENT
The Basement Door will provide a backline which must be used by every band. This consists of a full Drum Kit including cymbal stands, 2 guitar amps and a bass amp. Bands must provide breakables, including, cymbals and snare If the band uses a keyboard they must provide this along with a stand for it. This is to ensure that we have a smooth turnaround between bands and that all bands have an equal level of equipment. For solo artists a pa di boxes mics and leads will be provided.
PERFORMANCES
Be helpful and encouraging to other bands/artists (we are all here to be supportive and positive). This includes clearing the stage as fast as possible for the next act. Be mindful that family may attend to watch and excessive swearing may result in a lower score.
SOUND CHECKS
These are carried out by a Basement Door Sound Engineer. The Sound Desk may only be used by this engineer. Artists must arrive in good time for sound checks to be carried out so that the sound quality meets our professional requirements.
INSURANCE
The premises are insured for public liability. However, any equipment or other personal belongings of artists which are damaged or stolen are not the responsibility of The Basement Door.
HEALTH & SAFETY
All fire regulations must be adhered to, electrical sockets must not be overloaded and cables must not be left on the floor without proper safeguarding. If the Fire Alarm sounds, the building must be evacuated immediately. The assembly point will be revealed on the night as bands arrive for soundchecks.
ALCOHOL & SMOKING POLICY
Artists and ticket holders are not permitted to bring alcohol onto the premises.
No smoking (including e-smoking) is allowed in the premises.
OTHER TERMS
The Basement Door reserves the right to cancel this booking if necessary. If during an event there is a severe disturbance or damage or a justifiable complaint by neighbors then agreement will be terminated with immediate effect and without notice. It is not permitted to fix anything to the fabric of the walls, doors or ceilings. Party poppers, silly string, helium balloons and other ‘party’ items, including glitter type products, tica-tape and confetti are prohibited throughout the premises.