Battle of the Bands

The stage is ready, the amps are buzzing, and the rhythm is calling you!

Masters’ Union, one of the top business schools in India, proudly presents Battle of the Bands, the ultimate showdown of musical talent at Unmute, our spectacular cultural fest.

This event is your band’s golden opportunity to showcase its talent, captivate the crowd, and claim the coveted title of Unmute’s Best Band.

Whether your sound is rooted in rock, jazz, blues, fusion, or experimental genres, BOTB is the perfect platform to make your music shine. At this electrifying event, creativity knows no bounds, and every strum of the guitar, beat of the drum, and soulful vocal performance counts.

Bring your passion, instruments, and drive to own the stage—this battle is for those who dare to be bold!

If you have what it takes, we will be waiting for you and your melodies in Gurugram.

General Guidelines

• Eligibility:
  • Participants must be enrolled in a recognized college or university.
  • Each band must consist of at least 3 and no more than 8 members.
  • All members of the band must belong to the same institution.
• Registration:
  • Bands must register online through Unstop by the specified deadline.
  • Registration should include the band’s name, a list of members, contact details, name of their institution, and the personal email ID of any one team member.
• Performance Format:
  • Each band will be allowed a total of 10 minutes (Empty Stage to Empty Stage).
  • Bands exceeding the time limit will face a deduction of points.
• Genres and Originality:
  • Bands can perform original compositions or covers.
  • Original compositions will score higher in creativity.
  • Explicit or offensive lyrics/themes are prohibited. Violation will lead to disqualification.
  • In case a song is an original composition, the band has to give the  lyrics to the organizers. Lyrics will be checked for vulgarity and profanity.
• Judging and Disputes
  • The judges' decision will be final and binding.
  • Any disputes must be addressed to the organizing committee within an hour of the performance.

Competition Rounds:

The Audition Jam (Online)

• Bands must submit a 3–7 minute performance video via Google drive link on Unstop
• This submission will serve as the audition, so bring your A-game! Showcase your style, talent, and energy to stand out.
• The top bands will be shortlisted for the live performance round and the results will be announced by 28th Jan date.

The Stage Battle (Offline)

• The top bands will battle it out live on stage at Masters’ Union in front of an audience and a panel of judges.
• Performances will be judged on Musical Skills, Creativity, Stage Presence, Synchronization, and Overall Impact.
• Two bands will be selected for the final round.

Finale:The Ultimate Face-Off (Offline)

• The top 2 bands will go head-to-head in an intense final round, where they will face off to claim the title of Unmute’s Best Band.
• This is the ultimate test of skill, energy, and crowd captivation.
• The No. 1 band will be crowned the winner, with prizes for the top 3 bands.

Judging Criteria

Performances will be judged based on the following parameters:

• Musical Skill (30%):
  • Instrumentation, vocal quality, and overall musicianship.
• Stage Presence (20%):
  • Energy, engagement with the audience, and stage confidence.
• Originality & Creativity (25%):
  • Unique style, originality in arrangements, or compositions.
• Coordination & Synchronization (15%):
  • Band cohesion and timing during the performance.
• Adherence to Rules (10%):
  • Respecting time limits and following the code of conduct.

Technical Details

• Equipment:
  • Standard equipment (drums, amplifiers, microphones, etc.) will be provided.
  • Bands are required to bring their own instruments (e.g., guitars, keyboards, special effects).
• Sound Check:
  • Bands will be given a 5-minute sound check slot before their performance.
  • Time slots will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

Code of Conduct

• Respect all participants, organizers, and audience members.
• The use of alcohol, drugs, or any prohibited substances is strictly forbidden.
• Any damage caused to equipment or venue property will be charged to the responsible band.

Disqualification

Bands may be disqualified for the following reasons:

• Use of offensive or inappropriate lyrics/themes.
• Exceeding the allocated time limit by more than 3 minutes.
• Disruptive behavior or misconduct on/off-stage.
• Failure to comply with the judges’ or organizers’ decisions.