The grand prize winner will record a professional project produced by Jim Wirt at Santa Cruz Recording Studios. This includes studio time, engineering, mixing, and production to create release-ready music.

Finalist bands will receive professional recording opportunities, including the chance to record a single at Santa Cruz Recording Studios.

Every band selected to participate will receive professionally recorded multitrack audio and high-quality video of their performance, which they can use for promotion, social media, and press materials.

Bands submit an application and music for review. Selected bands are invited to perform live at Santa Cruz Recording Studios, where their performance is professionally recorded and evaluated by industry judges.

Winners are selected by a panel of industry judges based on musicianship, originality, performance, songwriting, and overall artistic potential.

Performances are held at Santa Cruz Recording Studios and professionally filmed and recorded. Finalists will also compete at a live finale show at a legendary local venue.

Absolutely. The recordings and videos are yours to use for promotion, releases, and social media. We just ask that you tag and credit Santa Cruz Recording Studios and the Battle of the Bands when you share—it helps everyone grow.

Nope. Submission and participation are completely free. Just bring the music and the energy.

Studio filming sessions happen throughout April 2026, with the final live showdown taking place at the end of May 2026. Applications close on March 15, 2026, so be sure to submit before the deadline. Mark your calendars—it’s going to be loud.

By submitting and participating in the Santa Cruz Recording Battle of the Bands 2026, artists agree to the following:

All bands should be prepared to perform original music live. Bands must be available for studio filming sessions in April 2026 and, if selected as finalists, for the live finale at the end of May 2026. Participants are expected to arrive prepared and perform at a professional level.

By participating, artists grant Santa Cruz Recording Studios and its partners permission to record, film, photograph, and use their name, likeness, audio, and video for promotional, marketing, broadcast, and educational purposes. Bands will receive copies of their recordings and videos for their own promotional use, and we kindly ask that Santa Cruz Recording and the Battle of the Bands are tagged and credited when shared.

Prizes, including recording sessions and production with platinum producer Jim Wirt, are non-transferable and may not be exchanged for cash. Prize sessions will be scheduled based on availability. Santa Cruz Recording reserves the right to substitute equivalent production services if necessary.

Participants are responsible for their own instruments and equipment. Santa Cruz Recording is not liable for loss or damage to personal gear. All participants are expected to behave professionally and respectfully. Santa Cruz Recording reserves the right to disqualify any participant for unsafe, illegal, or unprofessional conduct.

Santa Cruz Recording reserves the right to modify, reschedule, or cancel the competition if necessary due to unforeseen circumstances. Submission of an application confirms that the applicant has authority to represent their band and agrees to these terms on behalf of all members.