This competition is open to young people aged 12-19 years old. The majority of band members need to fall within this age bracket, and the combined average age of your band should not exceed 19 years old as of 1 February 2024.

We invite anyone to enter this competition, however, local Northern Beaches bands will be given first priority in the event where judging scores are equal

Bands cannot be signed to a record, publishing label and/or booking agency

All bands must be available for all key dates in 2024 

These are 'All Ages' alcohol and drug free events. Any performers found under the influence or in possession of alcohol or drugs in or near the performance venue will be immediately disqualified. 

Bands are to tailor their performances appropriately for an under 18s audience.

The overall Judges Choice winners of previous Northern Composure Band Competitions are not eligible to enter again.

One song (original or cover) performed by your band

Must include text with your band name and song title at the start

Cannot be longer than 5 minutes total

Needs to showcase who you are as a band, so put your best foot forward!

Will be uploaded to the Council website for online voting by a judging panel as well as an open 'people's choice' vote. A link for this will be sent to all bands for you to share with family and friends on Monday 18 March

The top 8-12 videos will progress to the live semi finals

8-12 bands from the online heats will be selected by a judging panel, which will include a people’s choice online vote, to go into the semi-finals. There may be an option of extra semi-finalists at the judging panels’ discretion

Two bands from each semi final will be selected by the judging panel to move on to the grand final which will include a new judging panel  

The live events will be managed and run by Council staff and professional security guards

These are 'All Ages' alcohol and drug free events. Any performers found under the influence or in possession of alcohol or drugs in or near the performance venue will be immediately disqualified.

Bands are to tailor their performances appropriately for an under 18s audience.

Stage time at the semi-finals and grand final is strictly 40 minutes. This includes set up time. We will have a staff member on site to assist you if needed however it is expected you set up your own equipment. Times may be altered if additional bands compete, or any unforeseen situations arise.

All bands must be at the venue by 6.00pm on the night of their semi-final for the line-up order draw (names drawn from a hat) and band briefing.

It is the band’s responsibility to claim prizes from sponsors within six months or date set by sponsor. A letter of introduction will be provided indicating the band has won and this must be presented to the organisation providing the prize. Prizes are void after this time.

Bands progressing through to the semi-finals will need to pay an entry fee of $50 per band (incl. GST) to compete. This payment must be made before your performance. Pay your entry fee now 

All bands are given free entry to the live events they are performing in as well as two extra wrist bands for ‘roadies’ to help load and unload your equipment to the venue. 

A vocal PA will be used for the semi-finals and final. You will require your own drum kit, instruments, amps etc. Small amps are okay - we can boost them through our PA system.

The technical aspects of the competition (sound and lighting) will be operated by a professional company.

Bands must supply a stage plot on in the lead up to their performance.

Organisers take no responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged equipment. Look after your stuff – do not leave it unattended at any time.

Don’t forget, judging of the competition starts as soon as you arrive so please arrive on time, with everything you need and please be respectful of organisers, sponsors, technical staff, other bands and audience members.

The judges’ panel is made up of (list exact positions – one council staff, one judge, one industry, one young person etc) and all judging decisions are final.

Competing bands will be judged on the following five categories at the semi-finals and final:

1. Musicianship – Technical ability for singers and musicians 
2. Originality – Even when playing covers, have you put your own brand into the song
3. Stage Presence – How you interact with your audience and each other
4. Youth Audience Appeal – Do you appeal to a wide audience of 12-24 year olds
5. Overall Conduct – How you conduct yourselves as individuals and as a band