OUTDOOR LIVE MUSIC SERIES: BATTLE OF THE BANDS
presented by
Calling all Sea to Sky Musicians! Do you think you have what it takes to play live at WSSF
Enter the head-to-head competition for a chance to open the Skullcandy Stage at WSSF 2025 Outdoor Music Series, presented by Rockstar on April 10, 2025 at 3 PM.
The application is open from March 5 to March 8, 2025. With the online contest portion running March 10 until March 28, 2025.
The winning band will be scored 50% by Online Fan Vote (most likes each week) and 50% through scoring done by a panel. Each Week the winners of the previous week will go head to head until only 2 bands/artists remain and one musician will be crowned the overall winner.
Judging Criteria
ORIGINALITY & CREATIVITY
Songwriting & Compositions:
Innovation in melody, harmony, and lyrics.
MUSICALITY & TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY
Instrumentation & Vocals:
Accuracy, timing, and skill level in playing instruments and singing.
Musical arrangement:
How well the band arranges their song, including dynamics and transitions.
IMPRESSION & SUITABILITY
Would this music appeal to an all-ages, resort friendly, International and local audience? Does it resonate with mountain culture?
Total Package:
How well all the elements come together.
STAGE PRESENCE & PERFORMANCE
Energy & Engagement:
How effectively the band connects with the audience through movement and charisma.
Visual Appeal:
Coordination of performance elements that enhance the performance.
ENGAGEMENT IMPACTS
Crowd Reaction:
Would you go to Skiers Plaza to see this artist/band? Would you recommend them to visitors and friends?
Emotional Connection:
The band’s ability to evoke emotions and create memorable moments.
Musician Call-Out: Terms and Conditions
- Applications are open March 5th to March 8th, 2025. Bracket style voting will start on March 10, 2025. The online bracket will be open from Monday at 10 AM to Friday at 10 AM weekly, with the winners who are advancing to the next round announced Friday afternoon. The winners each week will be based on number of likes on their 30 second video clip and the scoring criteria. (Please note votes on videos uploaded directly to other accounts will not be considered. Only the likes on the WSSF official channels will be counted). The more likes you get the higher your chances are of advancing.
- Each Band will be responsible for submitting a 30 second clip to be used as their digital application which will be then used as their submission and posted to World Ski & Snowboard Festival Instagram.
- Musicians must reside in the Sea to Sky corridor: Lions Bay to Lillooet.
- Musicians must be available to perform on April 10, 2025 from 2:30PM to 3:30PM.
- Genre: Considering the diverse International audience of all ages at the Outdoor Music Series, presented by Rockstar during WSSF priority will be given to bands/artists with broad appeal.
- The Set list and all material will be vetted by WSSF Music production crew to ensure it is resort-friendly.
- Financial Responsibility: Costs associated with travel and musician fees will be the responsibility of the musicians. Musicians will receive a $1000 performance fee and WSSF artist accreditation.
- The Battle of the Bands is in its inaugural year and is being piloted.
- Please note that due to the limited amount of spots, not all applications will be accepted.
- Only a select number of spots are available.
Additional notes:
The World Ski & Snowboard Festival Outdoor Music Series, presented by Rockstar, is in skiers plaza April 10 to April 13, 2025 from 2:30 PM – 5PM. It is a free, all-ages, family friendly, accessible multi-day concert series programmed by Gibbons Whistler, KR Productions, and supported by Whistler Blackcomb and the Resort Municipality of Whistler. Your application will be scored with regional, national and international visitors as well as residents in mind.
WSSF gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Resort Municipality of Whistler through the Festival & Events Animation Fund and is grateful to be the shared, unceded territory of the Lil’wat People, known in their language as LilIwat7úl, and the Squamish People, known in their language as SḵwxL wú7mesh, and respects and commits to a deep consideration of their history, culture, stewardship and voice.