Ding Dong Lounge Band Competition 2026: How It Works

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1. Competition Structure

The competition consists of four Heats, two Semi-Finals and a Final.

• Heats: Judges select two bands from each Heat to progress to the Semi-Finals.

• Semi-Finals: Judges select two bands from each Semi-Final to progress to the Final.

• Final: Four finalists compete for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th place.

All judging decisions are made by the judges in accordance with the competition criteria. Decisions are final, subject to these terms and conditions.

2. Judging Criteria

Judges score bands across six categories, each worth up to 10 points. The maximum score is 60 points per judge.

• Musicianship: Technical ability, instrumental skill, timing and how well the band plays together.

• Vocals: Vocal ability, delivery, control and how well the vocals suit the music.

• Songwriting: Quality of original songs, including composition, lyrics, arrangement and structure.

• Originality: A distinctive sound, creative ideas and a clear musical identity.

• Stage Show: Stage presence, confidence, energy and audience engagement.

• Audience Size: The number of people watching the band's performance.

Bring your supporters! Audience Size is a dedicated judging category, so encourage your friends, family and fans to come along and watch your set.

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Judges' scores are combined to determine each band's total score and placing. If there is a tie, the judges will review the tied results and determine the placing.

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Judging sheets and individual score breakdowns will not be provided to bands. All judging decisions are final.

3. Performance Details

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• Each band will be allocated a Heat date and performance time.

• Heat performances: 20 minutes.

• Semi-Final and Final performances: 30 minutes.

• Winners will be announced within 30 minutes of the final band's performance each night.

All band members must be aged 18 or older and carry valid photo identification. Accepted ID includes a New Zealand driver licence, Hospitality NZ 18+ card, Kiwi Access card or passport.

All participating bands must be Auckland-based.

4. Application and Band Responsibilities

For this competition, a band is defined as two or more performers playing original music together.

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Application Fee and Heat Entry

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Bands may apply to enter any of the four Heats, subject to availability.

• Heat One: No application fee.

• Heats Two, Three and Four: $20 application fee per band.

We're waiving the fee for Heat One to encourage bands to get involved early and kick off the competition. If you're ready to compete, enter Heat One and take your shot at the grand prize!

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Original Music and Songwriting

Cover songs are permitted, but judging will primarily focus on original songs written by the band. Songs written primarily by AI are not eligible for points in the Songwriting category.

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Band Responsibilities

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All participating bands must:

• Arrive for load-in at 6pm and attend the band meeting at 6:30pm.

• Ensure at least one band member attends the meeting each night, where the running order will be announced.

• Ensure the opening band is available for line check before doors open.

• Bring their own instruments, instrument leads, effects pedals and any additional equipment they require beyond the provided backline.

• Ensure their equipment is compatible with the venue's backline and can be used safely.

• Follow all reasonable instructions from venue staff, the sound engineer and the competition team.

5. Backline Provided

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The following equipment will be provided, subject to availability and the final setup.

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Guitar

• 1 × Orange Super Crush 100 Black guitar amp head, 100W, two-channel, with cab-sim output.

• 1 × Marshall MX412A 240W 4×12 angled cabinet, 16-ohm mono.

• 1 × Marshall 8412 140W Lead 4×12 straight cabinet, 8-ohm mono.

One complete guitar setup, consisting of one amp head and one cabinet, will be provided.

Bands with more than one guitarist must bring an additional compatible amp head for the second cabinet or provide their own combo amp. Guitarists must bring any additional leads and accessories they require.

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Guitarists must confirm equipment and connections with the sound engineer. Do not connect an amp head to a cabinet unless the impedance and power requirements are compatible.

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Bass

• Markbass Little AG 1000 bass head, rated at 1,000W at 4 ohms or 600W at 8 ohms.

• Bugera BN410TS 4×10 bass cabinet, rated at 2,800W, 8 ohms.

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Drums

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Mapex Armory drum shells:

• 10×8 mounted tom

• 12×9 mounted tom

• 16×16 floor tom

• 22×18 bass drum

Drummers must bring their own cymbals, cymbal stands, snare drum, kick pedal, drum throne and sticks.

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6. Tickets and Entry

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Tickets will be available through the Ding Dong Lounge website and at the door, subject to availability.

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Heats and Semi-Finals

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• Early Bird: $5

• General Admission presale: $10

• Door: $15

Final

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• Early Bird: $15

• General Admission presale: $20

• Door: $25

Early Bird tickets are limited. Door tickets may not be available if an event sells out.

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Band members, family, friends and supporters must purchase tickets unless advised otherwise by the organisers.

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All ticket revenue goes to the venue to help cover competition costs. Bands do not receive a share of ticket or door sales

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7. Prizes

1st Place: Grand Prize Package

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Dave Rhodes Productions and Parachute Studios

Record a fully produced single with Dave Rhodes, known for his work with Devilskin, Blindspott and Head Like a Hole, using Parachute Studios' professional facilities. Includes pre-production, recording, mixing and mastering. Valued at $4,071.

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Imaginary Friends

A music video produced by Dave Thomson, known for his work with Shepherds Reign, Alien Weaponry and The Boondocks. Camera equipment, lighting and a smoke machine will be provided as required. The winning band must supply a suitable filming location. Valued at $3,500.

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Indium Design

Custom artwork and promotional posters designed by Barny Bewick, known for his work with Devilskin, Alien Weaponry, Villainy and Shepherds Reign.

Cash prize

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$1,000 cash.

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Phantom Billstickers

Auckland street advertising for the winning band's single release party, valued at $1,150.

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ACT UP Entertainment

A promotional campaign for the band's single, music video and release party across relevant social media and music-scene channels, valued at $600.

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Ding Dong Lounge / Dead Witch

Free venue hire for a single release party, valued at $400.

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Ion Guitar Works

Instrument servicing and complimentary setups before recording, up to a value of $320.

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Epic Engraving

A custom trophy commemorating 1st place in the 2026 competition.

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2nd Place

• One full day of Studio A recording at Parachute Studios with an engineer, available at a discounted rate to all four finalists. See All Finalists below.

• $250 in Ding Dong Lounge food and beverage vouchers.

• Free Dead Witch venue hire for a gig or private party, valued at $400.

• Custom 2nd-place trophy from Epic Engraving.

3rd Place

• One full day of Studio A recording at Parachute Studios with an engineer, available at a discounted rate to all four finalists. See All Finalists below.

• $250 in Ding Dong Lounge food and beverage vouchers.

• Free Dead Witch venue hire for a gig or private party, valued at $400.

• Custom 3rd-place trophy from Epic Engraving.

4th Place

• One full day of Studio A recording at Parachute Studios with an engineer, available at a discounted rate to all four finalists. See All Finalists below.

• Custom 4th-place trophy from Epic Engraving.

All Finalists

Parachute Studios recording offer

All four finalists, including the winning band, are eligible for one full day of Studio A recording with an engineer for $700 + GST, half the usual price of $1,400 + GST.

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This is a discounted offer, not a cash prize. Bands must arrange the booking directly with Parachute Studios.

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All Semi-Finalists

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Dave Rhodes mentoring

All semi-finalists are eligible for a one-hour online mentoring session with Dave Rhodes. This includes all four finalists, as they will have progressed through the Semi-Finals.

Arrangements and availability will be confirmed with the provider.

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All Participating Bands

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Ion Guitar Works

All participating bands can access half-priced instrument servicing.

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Prize Conditions

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• Prizes are supplied by the named sponsors and providers and are subject to their terms, availability and redemption requirements.

• Bands must contact the relevant provider to arrange and redeem their prizes.

• The winning band must supply a suitable location for music video filming.

• Discounted services and special offers are not redeemable for cash.

• Prizes are not transferable or redeemable for cash unless explicitly stated.

• Recipients must meet any provider conditions, expiry dates and booking requirements.

• If a prize becomes unavailable, the organisers will make reasonable efforts to arrange a comparable alternative and communicate any material change.

8. Code of Conduct and Disqualification

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Ding Dong Lounge is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for everyone involved in the competition.

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All band members must read, understand and agree to comply with the Ding Dong Lounge and Dead Witch Code of Conduct, published on the venue website. Compliance is a condition of entry and participation.

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Harassment, bullying, intimidation, discrimination, unwanted sexual behaviour, violence, threats or other behaviour that compromises the safety or wellbeing of others will not be tolerated. All participants must respect personal boundaries, consent, venue rules and reasonable staff directions.

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Any concerns should be reported to a member of the competition team or the Duty Manager.

The organisers may issue warnings, refuse entry, remove individuals from the venue, cancel participation or disqualify a band where appropriate. Serious incidents may be referred to Police. A band's participation may be affected by the conduct of any of its members.

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Disqualification may occur for breaches of the Code of Conduct, unlawful or seriously improper behaviour, compromising the fairness of the competition, or serious harm to safety or the integrity of the event.

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Decisions will be made based on the circumstances and communicated where reasonably practicable.

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9. General Conditions

• Bands must provide accurate application details and notify the organisers of any changes.

• Bands must attend their allocated dates and times and comply with all competition requirements and instructions.

• The organisers may make reasonable changes to schedules, running orders or event arrangements where necessary. Material changes will be communicated.

• If a sponsor or provider cannot supply a prize, the organisers will make reasonable efforts to arrange a comparable alternative and notify the recipient.

• Entry does not guarantee progression to the next round or receipt of a prize.

• Competition administration, eligibility and event arrangements are managed by Ding Dong Lounge and/or ACT UP Entertainment. Judging and placings are determined by the judges in accordance with these terms.

• By submitting an entry, the band confirms that its members have read, understood and agreed to these terms and the Code of Conduct.