Folks at the EMP have extended the deadline for entries for Sound Off, the annual underage battle of the bands. All entries are now due December 1st, so if you’re in a band (every member must be 21 or under), get a demo together right quick and send get it to the EMP. Sound Off alumni include the Schoolyard Heroes, Idiot Pilot, Mon Frere, the Spit Licks, and the Gruff Mummies.

The press release is pasted below…

EMP's Sound Off! 2006
BATTLE OF THE UNDERAGE BANDS
CALL FOR ENTRIES

For the fifth year running, Experience Music Project is hosting Sound Off! If you're age 21 or under and play rock, hip-hop, electronic, pop, or any other kind of music, this is your chance to Sound Off! at EMP!

There's still time to enter in the Pacific Northwest's best Battle of the Bands Competition for young musicians! The deadline for Sound Off! entries has been extended to a final deadline of December 1, 2005.

The competition supports the local underage band scene by giving young musicians a once in a lifetime opportunity to play their original music at EMP in a great all-ages atmosphere.

Sound Off! has proven to launch musical careers of local young artists. Many of the bands that have performed at Sound Off! in years past are now staples performing in the local music scene. A couple of bands — Schoolyard Heroes and Idiot Pilot — are now signed to record labels after first getting recognized at Sound Off!

Bands selected to participate in Sound Off! will enjoy a multitude of press and recognition, plus the top few will be showered with music related prizes including performance gigs, recoding studio time, song production and more!  

The live performances for the next Sound Off! will take place each Saturday night in February 2006, culminating in a Sky Church show that will pit the winners from each semifinals night in a duel for the title of Sound Off! First Place Winner.

Bands are scored based on song composition and arrangement, creativity and originality, musicianship, and audience response.

To enter the Sound Off! competition, download and print out the application from www.emplive.org. Complete the application and send it, along with a non-returnable CD or tape of original music and brief band bio, to:

Experience Music Project
Attn: Sound Off
330 6th Ave N #100
Seattle, WA 98109

Applications are due by December 1, 2005. Please review the rules and regulations, available at emplive.org, prior to entry. If you have trouble downloading and printing the application, or have any questions concerning the competition, e-mail us at soundoff@emplive.org or call us at 206.770.2744.

More information at http://www.emplive.org/visit/special/soundOff.asp.

IMPORTANT NOTE: All participants must be 21 years of age or under.