Complete Guide to Performing at Music Festivals | How to Enter, Audition Tips, and Roadmap to Performing

1. What is a music festival? | How does it differ from a solo performance at a live music venue?

"I want to stand on a big stage, just once." Many amateur bands have moments when they think this. Performing solo at a live music venue is the experience of putting together a set for about an hour with just your band, but performing at a music festival comes with a different kind of excitement and difficulty. Multiple bands share the same stage, and you have to capture the hearts of an audience you've never met before within a limited time. In this article, the Membo editorial team will organize as concretely as possible the path to performing at music festivals for amateur and independent bands, from the practicalities of entry to how to handle the situation on the day of the event.

First, it's important to clarify the broad scope of the term "music festival." Generally, a music festival is a general term for a music event that brings together multiple performers in a specific location over a set period of time. Under the broader concept of a music festival , it encompasses a wide range of formats, from classical music festivals to outdoor rock and pop festivals. For amateur and indie bands, "music festivals" can be broadly classified into the following four types.

The biggest difference between performing at a festival and playing solo at a live music venue boils down to two things: the short set time and the fact that the audience isn't necessarily your fans. While a solo performance allows for a setlist of around an hour, festival performances often only offer 20-30 minutes, and in contest formats, it's not uncommon to have only two or three songs. Furthermore, the audience isn't solely comprised of people who came to see you; many are there to see other performers or simply happen to be in the venue. Putting together a performance that captivates an audience hearing your music for the first time within a limited timeframe—that's the essence of the challenge of performing at a festival.

2. Differences in performance formats: Auditions, lotteries, scouting, and first-come, first-served

When aiming to perform at a music festival, the first thing you need to understand is the "difference in performance formats." Even if the goal is the same—"I want to perform at a festival"—the selection process varies greatly from festival to festival.

The audition-style judging format is commonly used in amateur and independent music discovery festivals , as described later, and it perfectly embodies the original meaning of the word " audition" : "having candidates perform and judging their suitability." On the other hand, local music festivals and shopping street events often use lottery or first-come, first-served systems, where the timing of application, rather than talent, is more important in determining whether you get to perform. The organizer-scouted format is one where the accumulation of daily activities pays off, and efforts to increase attendance at live shows and consistent posting on social media can lead to unexpected opportunities.

The type of festival your band should aim for depends on your musical ability, the time you can dedicate to preparation, and the scale of the festival you want to perform at. If you're trying out festival appearances for the first time, a realistic option is to start with local music festivals that use a lottery or first-come, first-served entry system to gain experience, and then, based on that experience, challenge yourself on larger stages that require an audition.

The idea of aiming for multiple performance formats simultaneously.

You don't have to limit yourself to just one performance format. Many bands pursue multiple routes simultaneously, such as submitting entries to local music festivals via lottery while also submitting audio samples to audition-style festivals around the same time. Lottery and first-come-first-served formats often have short turnaround times, while audition-style formats can take several months to yield results. Combining multiple routes with different schedules makes it easier to maintain opportunities to perform at festivals throughout the year.

How to perform on a big stage without auditions

Performing at a large-scale festival isn't just about applying to and winning auditions. Many artists catch the eye of organizers through consistent, dedicated work, leading to invitations. Here, we'll introduce specific approaches to getting closer to a big stage without going through the audition process.

Build up a track record of performing at live music venues. By consistently performing solo and building up a track record of audience numbers and performance frequency, you'll be more likely to catch the eye of live music venue booking staff and record label representatives. Regularly performing at the same venues builds trust as a band that can consistently draw audiences, which can lead to offers to perform at festivals.

Organizing your own joint band events is one way to get closer to bigger stages. Instead of just waiting for organizers to contact you, planning and hosting events where you gather other bands to play with is also a way to get closer to bigger stages. If your planning and ability to attract an audience is recognized, it will be easier to negotiate appearances with other event organizers and live music venues based on that track record. In fact, there are cases where, after organizing a series of independent events, the organizers of a local music festival saw their success and contacted them.

Continuous posting on social media. As mentioned in the section on social media usage , consistently posting performance videos and live show announcements and cultivating relationships with followers is a crucial element that directly leads to being scouted by event organizers. It's not uncommon for label and event organizers to discover bands through social media and offer them performances directly.

Applying to events hosted by record companies and labels. Some events are showcase-style events where the label selects performers based on demo recordings and activity records, rather than using the formal "audition" format. Even if the word "audition" is not used in the application requirements, the selection process may be essentially the same as a music review, so it's a good idea to carefully check the wording of the application requirements.

3. Existing amateur and independent music festivals and contests

Here, we'll introduce some examples of music festivals and contests that amateur and independent bands can actually apply for. These are just examples, and application requirements change every year depending on the region and age group, so be sure to check the latest official information before considering applying.

Mynavi Senkou Riot produced by SCHOOL OF LOCK!

Senkou Riot is a music festival exclusively for teenage artists, organized by TOKYO FM's radio program "SCHOOL OF LOCK!" and record companies. According to Wikipedia , it was held seven times from 2008 to 2014, and then relaunched in 2023 after a nine-year hiatus. The festival is open to all genres of performers, including solo artists, rappers, and a cappella groups, and the process involves document screening (audio and video), studio auditions, and live performances at music venues before reaching the final stage. In the past, it has produced many artists who went on to have professional careers, such as Galileo Galilei, GLIM SPANKY, and Ryokuoushoku Shakai. A unique feature is the "Cover Band Stage," a section dedicated to cover bands, making it an accessible entry point for bands that are still in the early stages of creating original music.

Unidentified Festival (2015-2019)

Often discussed alongside Senkou Riot is the Mikakunin Festival , which ran from 2015 to 2019. This was also a music festival exclusively for teenagers, and under the slogan "Their talent remains unconfirmed," it followed a format where contestants advanced to the final stage after submitting demo recordings and videos, web-based judging, and live performances. Although it has now ceased operations, the culture of music festivals exclusively for teenage artists is a valuable part of its history, as it led to the relaunch of Senkou Riot in 2023 and beyond.

H, who has actually applied to this type of festival, recalls the atmosphere at the venue when he made it to the live audition: "The moment I met the other performers, whose faces I couldn't see at the application stage, for the first time at the audition venue, I was overwhelmed by the high level of the bands that had gathered from all over the country. Some bands overwhelmed with technique, while others were the type that just pushed through with sheer energy, and I was surprised that there was such a wide range of individuality even among people of the same age." Although he didn't make it to the finals, he says, "Receiving specific feedback on my performance from the judges gave me a chance to rethink my practice strategy afterward." It seems that the value of these kinds of festivals lies not only in whether or not you can stand on the final stage, but also in being able to directly experience the passion of your peers and receive specific feedback from the judges.

School festival band contest / local music festival

Besides national-level festivals, more accessible options include band contests held during university and vocational school festivals , and local music festivals organized by local governments and chambers of commerce. These are often managed by light music clubs or local music agencies, and recruitment information is typically announced on school bulletin boards, club social media accounts, local newsletters, and event information websites. The competition is less intense compared to national-level festivals, making them suitable for those who want to experience a festival-style stage for the first time. If you're interested in a particular university or local band contest, it's a good idea to first check past events and the social media accounts of participating bands to get a sense of the application requirements and deadlines.

Here are some examples of bands that have actually experienced local music festivals. Band D, a group of working adults in their second year of formation, applied to a music festival organized by their local shopping district on a first-come, first-served basis and were able to perform without a lottery. "We felt that nationwide auditions were too difficult, but we were able to apply to a local event without feeling intimidated. When we actually performed, we found that there was the same tension as national festivals, such as strictly adhering to the timetable and handing over equipment, regardless of whether there was a judging process or not, and it was a good experience," they reflected. Other bands also often say that even if it's a local event, the essential lessons learned from the experience of performing at a festival remain the same.

How to find information about festivals and contests

Finding festivals and contests that are right for you is an often overlooked point. Nationwide festivals are generally announced on the official websites and social media accounts of the organizing radio stations and record companies, and information is often released several months before applications open, so following the official accounts of festivals you're interested in early will help you avoid missing deadlines. Regional music festivals and school band contests are scattered across local government newsletters, chamber of commerce websites, and music event information sites, so it's recommended to regularly search using keywords such as the name of your area of activity and "music festival" or "band contest." Bands that regularly post on social media often find that this kind of information naturally flows to them from their followers and other bands.

4. Application and Entry Process | Demo Audio, Application Form, and Video Screening

Once you've decided which festival you want to perform at, the next hurdle is the application process. Many audition-based festivals follow these steps:

1. Filling out the entry form : Fill in the band name, member lineup, formation date, activity history, and reasons for wanting to perform. This is the first information the judges will see, so it is important to write it concisely and specifically.
2. Submission of Demo Tracks : A demo track (demo tape) is a recording of music in progress, intended to convey your skills and individuality to the judges. It can range from a simple recording of a studio practice session to a fully mixed recording made at home; please prepare it after confirming the quality requirements outlined in the application guidelines.
3. Responding to video submissions : More and more applicants are being asked to submit performance videos filmed on their smartphones. Since adjusting the framing, sound quality, and lighting can significantly improve how the judges perceive your performance, it's advisable to conduct a rehearsal shoot beforehand to identify areas for improvement.

Specific points for preparing for video submission reviews

Since video submissions are the quickest way for judges to receive information, simply following a few basics can make a big difference in the impression you make. First, regarding the camera angle, if possible, use two cameras to capture both a wide shot that includes the entire band and a close-up shot that highlights the vocals or guitar solos, to avoid a monotonous impression. As for sound quality, many bands are now using methods that involve recording audio directly from a studio mixer and then matching the performance video to that (not lip-syncing, but actually replacing the audio with live performance audio), rather than relying solely on the smartphone's built-in microphone. For lighting, using multiple lights from different directions in the room, rather than just one, can prevent harsh shadows on the face and hands. After filming, it's crucial to watch the video through once to check not only for any performance errors but also whether it looks appealing to someone seeing it for the first time.

In the "Reasons for wanting to perform" section of the entry form, it's more important to write specifically about "what aspects of this festival resonate with you" and "how your musical style fits this event" rather than just stating an abstract reason like "I want to perform on a big stage." This will greatly influence the judges' impression. If you're a band that has practiced creating original songs , adding the background story behind those songs to your entry form will increase the amount of information you convey to the judges.

How high should the quality of the demo recordings be?

Demo recordings don't necessarily need to be professional-level recordings. Many application requirements explicitly state that "recordings from studio practice sessions are acceptable." What's more important is whether the performance conveys a sense of unity and the band's individuality. Rather than focusing on the perfection of the mix, we recommend having a third party listen to the demo before submitting it to check basic quality such as whether the tempo is consistent and whether the vocal volume and balance are right.

Points that make a difference in your application form

Judges review dozens, sometimes hundreds, of entry sheets. Among them, the sheets that leave a lasting impression share several common characteristics. First, they present their activity history and live performance record with concrete numbers (years since formation, number of solo appearances, etc.). Second, they prepare a catchy slogan that can describe the band's musical style in one sentence. And in the section on motivation for applying, they add not only "what they hope to gain from performing at this festival" but also "what value they can offer to this festival." Entry sheets that not only express enthusiasm for performing but also consider the benefits for the organizers are more likely to catch the judges' attention.

5. Tips for passing the selection process | Conveying your performance within a limited time

Once you've passed the audio and video screenings and are ready to move on to the live or studio auditions, the next crucial factor is "how to perform within the limited time allotted." Judging time at festivals and contests is often very short, typically limited to one song, or even just two or three.

How to structure a setlist

When creating a setlist within a short time limit, the basic rule is to "put the song you want to convey the most at the beginning." The judges' and audience's attention is highest in the first few seconds, and whether you can make an impression with your individuality during that time greatly influences your evaluation. Songs with intros that are too long, or songs whose appeal doesn't come across until the middle or later, are unsuitable for short judging sessions. The idea of "a song with a short intro and a quick transition to the chorus," which is introduced in the section on how to choose the first song , can be directly applied to song selection for festival appearances as well.

What kind of performance resonates with the judges?

When judges observe a short performance, they're not just looking for technical skill. They also consider aspects like facial expressions on stage, eye contact between band members, and their demeanor towards the audience—all crucial points of evaluation to determine if the band is comfortable performing in front of an audience. Bands that regularly perform solo at live music venues tend to have this "public speaking" quality ingrained naturally. If you're aiming to perform at festivals, gaining experience at local live music venues first, rather than jumping straight into auditions for big stages, may seem like a roundabout way, but it's actually the quickest route.

How to cope with anxiety

Under the unique pressure of a short judging period, many performers end up unable to fully demonstrate their abilities. One way to prepare beforehand is to repeatedly rehearse with the same time limit and song order as the actual performance, allowing the sense of timing to become ingrained in your body. Also, it's often said that thoroughly refining the opening of the first song makes it easier to return to your usual playing style from there onward.

Student band E, who faced a studio audition for the first time, recalled: "During our usual studio practice, we were always goofing around, but the moment we stood in front of the judges, we all got so nervous that our sound became stiff. For our second attempt, we decided to have friends act as 'judges' a week before the actual audition and practiced our songs through with them watching. Just getting used to being watched in front of others significantly eased the stiffness on the day." It seems that getting used to the situation of "being watched," in addition to technical practice, is also effective in overcoming short auditions.

6. Preparations leading up to the performance: Equipment delivery, rehearsal, and staging

Once your appearance is confirmed, practical preparations for the day begin. The following three points are specific to festival appearances and should be kept in mind:

Checking the rules for bringing in equipment

In festival and contest-style events, multiple bands share the same stage, so it's common for the organizers to provide the "backline" of drum sets, amplifiers, and other major equipment, while performers only bring their own personal accessories like sticks, pedals, and cables. The scope of equipment that can be brought is specified in detail in the application guidelines and timetable briefing, so be sure to check beforehand. It's a common occurrence for festival performers to assume they can bring their own equipment and then panic on the day of the event.

Time allocation for rehearsal (sound check)

While a solo performance might allow for nearly an hour of rehearsal time, a festival format compresses this to just a few minutes depending on the number of bands performing. As mentioned in the basics of band sound and PA , to create the best possible sound within the limited sound check time, it's crucial to decide in advance which parts to have played first and what areas to focus on. Any fine-tuning that couldn't be checked within the allotted time requires flexibility to make adjustments during the actual performance.

A key to making the most of a few minutes of sound check time is to write down the order in which you will check things beforehand. Many bands check in the following order: first the drum volume balance, then the amount of overlap between the bass and kick drum, then the amount of distortion in the guitar, and finally the volume of the vocal monitor. By deciding on this order in advance, you can give precise instructions to the PA staff within the limited time, reducing the chances of not being able to check things due to lack of time. Bands that have performed at many festivals tend to be more adept at streamlining these procedures.

Stage practice

To make a lasting impression on the audience within a limited time, it's essential to practice not only the performance itself, but also the "stage presence," including positioning, movement, and how to incorporate MC segments. Because the set time is shorter than at a typical live music venue, many bands focus on eliminating unnecessary MC segments and creating a performance that captivates with the music itself.

The importance of strictly adhering to the timetable

The most important thing when performing at a festival is strictly adhering to the timetable. If one band's set-up or performance time runs over, it affects the schedules of all subsequent performers. Finishing equipment setup within the set-up time and ending the performance exactly on time is a point that is highly valued by the organizers, just as much as the performance itself. Building trust that leads to future bookings is built on these basic adherences to time.

Packing Checklist

To avoid forgetting anything on the day of the festival, make a list of items specific to festival appearances, such as the following:

At events featuring multiple bands, if you forget something, there's often no one nearby to borrow it from immediately, so more self-sufficient preparation is required than for solo performances.

7. What to do on the day | Transition time, PA system rehearsal, interaction with other bands

On the day of the event, how you use the transition time is just as important as the performance itself. At festivals where multiple bands share the same stage, you need to simultaneously handle the previous band's dismantling and your own preparations. Bands that decide on roles in advance and divide tasks such as adjusting the drum set, connecting amplifiers, and checking the monitor speaker positions will be able to shorten the transition time.

How to proceed with PA rehearsal

It's important to organize in advance what you need to communicate to the PA staff during a short sound check. Bands that can concisely communicate specific requests, such as "I want the vocals to be a little more prominent" or "I want to lower the guitar volume," are more likely to achieve a sound close to their desired one, even with limited time. Having a grasp of the basic knowledge introduced in the PA beginner's guide beforehand will make communication on the day much smoother.

Interacting with other performing bands and building connections.

Another major value of performing at festivals is the opportunity to meet other bands sharing the stage. It's not uncommon for performers who meet backstage or in the lobby to later collaborate on joint shows or reunite in different bands after member changes. For those looking to meet new members through Membo , festival appearances offer a valuable opportunity to showcase their musical skills. Actively watching other bands perform and sharing impressions—these small interactions build up over time, broadening the scope of future musical activities.

Preparation for equipment problems

In environments where multiple bands share equipment, minor problems such as broken cables or tuning issues are more likely to occur. If an unexpected situation arises during a performance, such as a broken string or a malfunctioning amplifier, it's important to remain calm, use MCing to fill the time, and calmly follow pre-determined procedures (changing to spare strings, signaling the PA staff, etc.). Handling these problems can give the audience the impression that you are a band experienced on stage, and your composed demeanor itself becomes valuable experience.

8. Utilizing performances after festival appearances: promotion, archiving, and future bookings

Performing at a festival isn't just about the day itself. The value of that experience largely depends on how you utilize it afterward.

As explained in our guide on how bands can effectively use social media , posting on social media is a very effective way to continuously cultivate relationships with your followers. Photos and videos of festival appearances, which capture "moments that can only be seen here," tend to receive a higher response rate than posts about daily studio practice. Also, as explained in our guide on increasing live show attendance , festival appearances become a valuable "achievement" that can be directly used in announcements for your next solo live show. Simply adding the phrase "Appeared at XX Festival" makes your message more persuasive to people who are discovering your band for the first time.

Let me also mention video archiving. Performances at festivals aren't always as satisfying as they could be due to equipment problems or nervousness, but they're still worth keeping as a record. They can be used as documentation to show your progress when you try again for the next audition, and they can also be used to appeal to people when aiming for a solo performance at a live music venue .

One example of how festival appearances can lead to expanded activities is the case of band F, who performed at a local music festival. "The booking manager at a live music venue saw us perform at the festival and contacted us directly afterward, inviting us to our first solo joint performance event. Since we started viewing festival appearances not as the 'goal' but as 'the gateway to the next opportunity to perform,' our approach after the performance has changed," they said. Having the perspective of how to utilize the connections made at a festival after finishing one stage is key to expanding the scope of your activities.

9. From a student band's perspective | Differences between a light music club and a school festival live performance

Many student bands start their musical activities through light music clubs or extracurricular activities. It's important to understand that there are several clear differences between performing at school festivals and appearing at external music festivals.

It's a very natural career path for a band to gain confidence on the school festival stage and then move on to challenging themselves at external music festivals and contests. After laying the foundation as outlined in the roadmap for the first month from the first band practice , gaining experience on the "insider stage" of the school festival, and then moving on to the "stage where they face an unfamiliar audience" of an external festival—being aware of these stages makes it clear what they are trying to gain at each stage.

When student bands aim to perform at festivals, they need to be mindful of balancing it with their studies. Entry periods, audition dates, and performance dates often overlap with exam periods and assignment deadlines. It's recommended to check the schedule against the academic calendar as soon as the application guidelines are released. For students in their final year of school who are preparing for job hunting, this information will also be helpful in considering how to handle situations where band members need to temporarily leave activities .

Applications can be submitted by the light music club/circle or by an individual.

When student bands apply to perform at music festivals, there are two main approaches: applying as an "organization" such as a light music club or circle, or applying as an individual band formed separately from club activities. Applying as a club offers more flexibility in terms of practice spaces and equipment, but may require coordinating performance slots within the club. On the other hand, applying as an individual band offers greater freedom in member selection and scheduling, but requires the band to arrange practice spaces and studio fees themselves. In either case, it's common to hear that setting festival performance as a goal creates a new sense of purpose in their regular club or circle activities.

10. From the perspective of a working adult band: Balancing taking paid leave and holding concerts on weekdays

For bands comprised of working professionals who continue their musical activities while holding down a full-time job, performing at festivals presents even greater scheduling challenges than for student bands. Auditions, including studio and live performances, are often scheduled on weekdays, meaning there's a good chance the actual performance day will clash with a workday.

As explained in the Complete Guide to Balancing Band Activities and Your Main Job , checking out systems likethe planned annual paid leave system provided by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare will make it easier to take time off for festival appearances. If the selection schedule is released at the entry stage, planning your paid leave application at that time will help you avoid last-minute panic.

Furthermore, taking weekdays off to perform at festivals may require more explanation to those around you than a one-off gig at a live music venue. A specific reason like "to audition for a music festival" is more likely to gain understanding from your workplace as a challenge rather than just an extension of a hobby. Referring to how to start a band as a working adult , as well as firsthand accounts from people who have been in bands for over 40 years, can provide hints on how to balance your main job with achieving a goal like performing at a festival.

For bands comprised of working adults, performing at a festival isn't just a small challenge that's an extension of their daily lives; it's a challenge that requires consciously making time for it, involving taking time off and explaining their plans to those around them. That's why the sense of accomplishment they feel the moment their appearance is confirmed, and the exhilaration they experience on stage, carries a different weight than what they felt during their student days.

G, a company employee and band member, reflects on his experience of using paid leave to attend a studio audition held on a weekday: "I honestly told my boss that I was going to audition for a music festival. I wasn't asking for special treatment; I just wrote down the same reason I usually give for paid leave. But I had supportive colleagues, and I was able to take the leave without feeling as stressed as I had expected. I didn't advance to the next round of auditions, but the fact that I was able to honestly explain the reason gave me the confidence to continue my activities afterward." This attitude of not hiding his goal of performing at a festival and communicating it to those around him seems to be a foundation for continuing to balance his main job with his music career.

Directly to the work site after finishing work on the same day

Many bands comprised of working adults find themselves unable to take paid leave, often heading straight to the venue after work. In such cases, "planning for the day" is more crucial than preparing for the performance itself. Completing the following four points in advance can significantly reduce the rush on the day of the performance.

• Allowing for travel time : In addition to the time required to travel from work to the venue, set a buffer time to allow for unforeseen circumstances such as traffic congestion or train delays. Since failing to make it in time for the transition period will result in being unable to perform, schedule the event assuming there is no room for error in terms of lateness.
• Equipment transport arrangements : Pack personal items such as drumsticks and cables into your bag before coming to work. If it's difficult to bring large equipment such as guitars and basses into the workplace, decide in advance who will take care of the equipment and who will be able to arrive at the venue first.
• Timing of costume changes : Since it's often not possible to perform in a suit or uniform, incorporate time for changing in the venue's dressing room or restroom into the transition time. Having your stage costume in a bag so you can change immediately upon arriving at the venue will prevent wasting time before rehearsal.
• Prior communication with colleagues and superiors : On days when leaving work on time is expected, complete any work adjustments and handovers in advance. Since overtime on the day of the festival could jeopardize the performance itself, be mindful of task allocation around the festival day to minimize the need for overtime.

These kinds of arrangements are things that are not really necessary for student bands, but are unique to bands of working adults. Conversely, you could say that the process of clearing each practical preparation step by step and finally getting to the stage is part of the thrill of performing at a festival for bands of working adults.

11. The Music Festival Market as Seen Through Statistics and Data

Let's examine the scale of the music festival market itself within Japan. According to the 2024 final figures published by Pia Research Institute, a research arm of Pia Corporation, the domestic music festival market size expanded to 43.4 billion yen, a 11.5% increase from the previous year. Attendance was also reported to be 3.6 million (a 5.4% increase from the previous year), and the average ticket price rose from 11,175 yen in 2019 to 12,062 yen. The same survey cites the stable popularity of large-scale festivals, as well as the increasing trend of local festivals that utilize the unique characteristics of their respective regions, as factors supporting market growth.

These figures show that the music festival scene itself is not shrinking, but rather continuing to expand while diversifying at the regional and scale levels. The trend of increasing local music festivals, in addition to large-scale national festivals, means that the options for performing at festivals are expanding for amateur and indie bands aiming to play at festivals. There is the path of challenging national-level auditions, and there is the path of gaining experience at local music festivals that are developing in the area—the expansion of the market also means that there are a variety of entry points.

Of course, these attendance and market size figures are compiled primarily from the performance records of large-scale festivals featuring professional and well-known artists, and do not directly reflect the scale of judged festivals, contests, or local music festivals featuring amateur and indie bands. Nevertheless, the growing interest in and demand for music festivals as a culture can be seen as indirectly providing a tailwind for expanding the base of festivals for amateur and indie artists. The increase in audience attendance means that more and more people want to enjoy music at a festival, and this enthusiasm motivates organizers to plan new performance slots and new festivals.

12. Frequently Asked Questions about Festival Appearances

What is the pass rate and competition ratio for the auditions?

While it varies greatly depending on the festival or contest, there are some examples that can serve as a reference. According tothe actual figures released by the organizers of Senkou Riot , out of a total of 1,174 groups that applied in 2023, only 39 groups advanced to the third round of live auditions after document and audio screening, and only 8 groups advanced to the final stage. Counting from the application stage, this means it's a very competitive process, with less than 1 in 100 groups making it. It's a good idea to keep in mind that nationwide audition-style festivals have a similar level of competition. Many amateur auditions are generally known to have a highly competitive process, with dozens or even hundreds of applicants being narrowed down to just a few groups during the document screening stage. On the other hand, the lottery-based and first-come-first-served regional music festivals introduced in Chapter 2 do not have such fierce competition, as the timing of application is more important than skill. A more realistic approach is to start by trying out regional music festivals to test your skills, gain experience, and then challenge nationwide auditions.

Is it okay to apply to a festival even if I've never performed at a live music venue before?

As long as you meet the application requirements, there's no problem. However, as mentioned in Chapters 5 and 6, experience in putting together a performance within a limited time and familiarity with the stage will affect your evaluation when performing at a festival. If possible, gaining experience performing solo at a live music venue beforehand will make it easier to approach the unique environment of a festival with composure.

I don't have a single original song yet. Can I still perform even if I only play cover songs?

It varies depending on the festival. Some festivals, like Senkou Riot, have dedicated slots for cover bands, while others require original songs to be performed. A realistic approach is to start by learning how to begin a cover band , then practice writing original songs , and finally choose a festival with a performance format that suits you.

I failed the screening. Should I try again?

Many festivals welcome repeat attempts in subsequent years. As mentioned in Chapter 8, incorporating feedback received during the judging process into your next performance and visualizing your growth by comparing it with your video archives will be a great support for those who want to try again. You don't have to give up on your musical career altogether based on the results of just one attempt.

If we perform cover songs at a festival, how are copyright issues handled?

Cover performances at live music venues and festivals are subject to copyright rules. While this is a separate topic from festival appearances, it's essential knowledge for continuing your activities, so we've explained it in detail in "Is that cover performance legally okay?" , which you should also check out.

Is it okay to register for multiple festivals at the same time?

Generally, there's no problem. As mentioned in Chapter 2, it's not uncommon to pursue multiple routes simultaneously, and many bands do so. However, some festivals have rules in their application guidelines that prohibit overlapping appearances at other events, so be sure to check the application guidelines before applying.

The schedules of all the members don't match up, so would it be alright if we performed with support members?

Many festivals allow support members to participate as long as they meet the application requirements. The ideas introduced in the section on how to write a self-introduction when joining a band can also be applied to self-introductions when participating as a support member. However, if the lineup of members at the time of selection changes significantly from the lineup on the day of the performance, you may need to notify the organizers in advance, so it is recommended that you carefully check the rules.

13. Summary | Let's create a roadmap to appearing on the show

This article has covered a wide range of topics related to performing at music festivals, from the differences between music festivals and solo live house performances, to the differences in performance formats such as audition-based and lottery-based entry, to introductions to actual amateur and indie festivals, the practical aspects of entry, tips for passing the selection process, preparation leading up to the performance, how to handle the day itself, how to utilize the experience afterward, and perspectives from both students and working adults.

Performing at a festival is an experience that brings a different kind of tension and sense of accomplishment than a solo live show. Capturing the hearts of an audience hearing your music for the first time within a limited time frame—overcoming that challenge will bring a different kind of confidence than you would from a solo performance at a live music venue. Why not start by gaining experience at local music festivals or school festivals, and then, with the confidence you gain there, step up to auditions for bigger stages?

Even the experience of being rejected can be valuable experience for reaching the next stage. Even if there are times when you apply multiple times but don't get any results, that doesn't negate the value of your musical activities themselves. As mentioned in the section on how to handle situations when a member temporarily leaves the group , it's natural for activities to have ups and downs. Viewing the goal of performing at a festival as just one stepping stone, and having a long-term perspective on engaging with music, will ultimately be the shortest path to reaching your full potential.

If you wait until you're perfectly prepared before applying, you might never take that first step. Instead, it's often more effective to apply to a local event with an approaching deadline, and then use the feedback and lessons learned to improve your next application. This cycle can help you reach your goal of performing at a festival much faster.

If you haven't yet found bandmates to pursue festival-related goals with, try using Membo to find bandmates who share your aspirations. Membo's recruitment list includes information on bands aiming to perform at festivals or enter contests. You can also refer to our guides on how to start a band as a working adult , how to balance band activities with your main job , and a map of the Japanese band scene to get a clearer overall picture of the activities needed to achieve your festival-related goal. If you're unsure how to use it, be sure to check out Membo's help page , user guide , app usage page , announcements page , and writers page. Let's take it one step at a time on the roadmap until you stand on that big stage.