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HEAT DATES

Semi Final Dates

Grand Final

We appreciate the support of our sponsors for making this event possible.

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Details

DING DONG LOUNGE
BAND COMPETITION 2025

How It Works

Four heats. Two semi-finals. One grand final.

Bands battle it out on October 3, 4, 24, and 25. Judges select two from each heat to advance to the semis on November 14 and 15.


The final four face off on 29 November for the ultimate prize.

Think your band’s got it?
Entries are closed right now, but if a band pulls out and you want to go on the waiting list, send us an email and let us know.

All the rules, dates, gear, and prizes can be found here.

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PRIZES

  • Dave Rhodes Productions - Record your single with legendary producer Dave Rhodes (Devilskin, Blindspott, HLAH). Valued at $3,500 – includes full tracking, mixing, and mastering.

  • Imaginary Friends - Professionally shot music video by Dave Thomson (Shepherds Reign, Alien Weaponry, The Boondocks). Valued at $3,500 – includes performance shoot, camera, and lighting gear.

  • Indium Design – Artwork and posters by Barny Bewick (Devilskin, Alien Weaponry, Villainy, Shepherds Reign).

  • JB Hi-Fi - $1,000 voucher to spend on gear, tech, music, movies, and more. Fuel your next creative leap or upgrade your setup.

  • Phantom Billstickers - $1,150 in street advertising to promote your release party across town. Get your face on walls in the streets of Auckland.

  • ACT UP Entertainment - Promotion for your single, video, and release party across social and scene channels. Valued at $600 – built for reach, resonance, and hype.

  • Ding Dong Lounge / Dead Witch - Free venue hire for your Single Release Party at Auckland’s iconic underground venue. Valued at $400 – no hire fee, just pure energy.

  • Muzic.NZ - Press release, artist bio, interview, and mentoring session with NZ music experts. Valued at $450 – editorial coverage and career guidance included.

  • Ion Guitar Works - Instrument Servicing and Free Setups for Winners Before Recording. Valued up to $320.

Previous Winners

Previous Winners

Grand Finalists 2024

Results

Previous Winners

2024: Grapehouse

​2023: Blindr

2022: Lost Vessels

2021: Covid... great band

2020: WHITE NØISE MAFIA

2019: Enter Venus

2018: Dead Beat Boys

2017: AnimalHead

2016: Fallstate

2015: Bad State

2014: Thin White Lines

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Grapehouse, 1st Place Winners of 2024

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Open Hours: Tuesday - Thursday 7:00 PM - 2:00 AM, Friday - Saturday 7:00 PM - 4:00 AM

© 2025 by Ding Dong Lounge | info@dingdongloungenz.com | 26 Wyndham Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

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