Wanna win a 3 year recording contract?

Wanna go on a tour?

Wanna get a pro video of your world-changing hit song?

Wanna have incredible pro pictures to put on your website?

Wanna play a show in front of 1,000 screaming fans on top-of-the-line gear?

Wanna have your music heard and critiqued by multi-platinum Producers, Engineers, and Songwriters?

Wanna help improve the lives of kids who are victims of their parents' substance abuse??

OF COURSE YOU DO!

If you want the chance to make all this ... and a lot more ... happen for you or your band, then enter the Metro Music Playoffs 2010 by filing out the form below and submitting it.

Please read the "Rules, Regulations, and Restrictions before you fill it out.  Or you can call us at: 314-397-4644 and we'll answer all your questions.

Or, you can download the PDF file by right clicking here.

##  If you have a recording of your act that is less than one year old and recorded at a commercial recording studio by someone other than a band member, you may submit no less than 3 and no more than 5 songs from that recording as your entry.

 If you chose to do this, the entry fee is only $500, which will cover the costs of researching your session logs and conducting interviews of each band member and the studio staff, as well as the submissions of material to the Umpires.  It also gives you 10 hours of studio time at 12 Bar anytime within six months of the end of the contest.   If you wish to enter the contest this way, make a note of that  in the large note section above and we will make arrangements for the interviews.

Metro Music Playoffs 2010 Rules, Regulations, and Restrictions

1. How to Enter:

You must register yourself or your band with 12 Bar Productions, LLC anytime between 10:00 AM April 19, 2010 and 6:00 PM August 31, 2010.  Registration can be handled in two ways:  a) fill out the “CONTEST” form on the 12 Bar Productions website at http://www.12barproductions.com , or b) call 12 Bar Productions at 314-397-4644.  You must agree to, and pay for, A)  the recording of a fully produced, recorded, mixed and mastered five song Extended - play album of your music at a cost of $2,000, which is at least a $1,000 discount from the normal rate, or B) agree to the submission of no less than three and no more than five songs you have previously recorded at a professional/commercial recording studio, the submission of a $500 entry fee, and the submission of all logs and worksheets from those sessions, as well as interviews of all personnel associated with the recording of the material. 

2. Judging Criteria:

All contestants will be judged by a panel of independent judges who have significant experience in performing and/or substantial knowledge of and/or experience in the music industry. Among the Judges are such notables as Billy DeCampli (Guitar player for Steve Miller Band and Eddy Money, and Producer at Warner, Sony , and Atlantic, with "Blues Traveler: and "Hootie and the Blowfish" as just two of his credits); Michael "Supe" Granda (Ozark Mountain Daredevils bassist and Nashville Producer); and Skip Saylor (Producer/Engineer for a who's who of "A" List of Platinum artists).  Judging will be based on the judges' personal interpretation of the following criteria: (1) overall performance; (2) originality; (3) technique; (4) style; (5) attitude; and (6) authenticity. Each judge will assign each contestant a score between 1 and 10 in each category and a total score of between 7 and 70. By participating in the Contest, all contestants agree that the decision of the judges is binding and final.

3. The Process:

This Contest is designed to coincide with significant events within Major League Baseball.  Registration runs from April 19, 2010 until August 31, 2010.  Recording schedules begin on June 1, 2010 and end on or about September 27, 2010.  Editing and mixing will begin on or about July 8, 2010 and end on or about October 1, 2010.  Judging will begin the day the act enters the studio.  The judges will be informed of the punctuality, preparedness, and attitude of the act.  As rough mixes are created, they will be submitted to the judges for initial analysis.  Final mixes will be submitted as they are completed and the judges will evaluate all 25 submissions. The top ten acts – “The Starting Lineup” - will be announced by the judges in the weeks following baseball’s “All Star Game”.  The top five acts - “The All Star Team”- will be announced by the judges after the “Playoffs”.  The top act – “The MVP” (Most Valued Performers) - will be announced shortly after baseball’s World Series.

 4.  Notification:

Notification to all winners at each level shall be in person at the conclusion of each segment of competition. Notification to any Runners Up shall consist of a telephone call to the telephone number listed on the Runner Up's Registration Form. By entering this contest, you agree that the notification methods stated herein are sufficient to give you notice in the event that you are a winner at any level.  IF ANY WINNER FAILS TO RESPOND BY AGREEING IN PERSON OR BY TELEPHONE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE NEXT LEVEL OF COMPETITION WITHIN TWO (2) DAYS OF NOTIFICATION OR DOES NOT APPEAR AT THE NEXT LEVEL OF COMPETITION, THEN THAT WINNER FORFEITS HIS OR HER RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE FURTHER IN THIS CONTEST. Any Runners-Up will be notified within two (2) business days of the day that any winner fails to respond or declines the invitation to compete in the next level of competition.

5. Eligibility:

To enter this Contest you must be at least eighteen (18) years of age and a lawful permanent resident of any of the forty-eight (48) contiguous United States or the District of Columbia and must physically reside therein at the time of entry. The Contest is void in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, U.S. territories and possessions and where restricted or prohibited by law. The Contest and any web site pages and advertisements relating thereto are intended for viewing only within the United States. Employees or contracted affiliates of M.A.S.A.S.A., 12 Bar Productions, LLC or any of its divisions; or any sponsoring organization; or any of their immediate families and members of their households, are not eligible to participate in this Contest

Any artist who has recorded a commercially acceptable Extended-play or Full-length album of more than 5 songs or 20 minutes at 12 Bar Sound Studios after January 1, 2008, as a signed artist to any record label, is not eligible.  Demo recordings are not considered “commercially acceptable” for purposes of this contest.  You must not be a party to any endorsement contract that, in the Sponsor's sole determination, conflicts with or competes with one of the Contest Entities or Prize Givers.  Prior to participation in the any round of the Contest, all Contestants agree to provide a list of all endorsement agreements, both formal and informal, at Sponsor's request. If, in Sponsor's sole reasonable determination, any such endorsement conflicts with or competes with a Contest Entity or Prize Giver ("Conflicting Endorsement"), Contestants with Conflicting Endorsements shall be disqualified. All contestants must complete and sign a Registration Form, a Contestant Profile, and an Affidavit of Eligibility, Liability Release and Publicity Release ("Affidavit/Release") in order to enter this Contest, to compete in the Contest, and to qualify for any prize.

6. Travel:

All contestants are responsible for their own travel during the contest, including:  travel to recording, mixing and any other studio sessions that their presence is needed; travel to publicity and community events that promote the event.  In the recording and mixing phase of the contest, the only travel will, typically, be to the recording studio.  Once the top 10 have been chosen, they will attend a special event, to be held in St. Louis, where the “Starting Line-up” will be introduced.  When the top 5 are chosen, they will attend a special press event, to be held in St. Louis, to announce “The All-Stars”, and they will perform at a benefit concert in St. Louis, to be held the last week of September, 2010;  When the top act is chosen, the “MVP” will attend a press event in St. Louis, several on-air interviews on radio and television, interviews for print media, and will return to 12 Bar Sound Studios to complete their full-length album.  They will also travel to St. Louis for their professional “in studio” photo shoots and to perform for their music video, based on the schedules they arrange with the photographer and videographer. 

7. Prizes:

The Prizes for the Contest are as follows:

Every act that records: Subject to the conditions set forth in Paragraph 7, each act that enters the MMP:2010 contest will receive: (1) an immediate $1,000 discount on the cost of recording at 12 Bar Productions, LLC (the base value of an EP is no less than $3,000 and the guaranteed price for an EP to contestants is $2,000), (2) a professional photo shoot of their recording sessions, sized and suitable for websites and social networking sites, (3) a $20 gift card for each band member from Guitar Center (e.g.:  5 members = $100 of gift cards), (4) VIP seating at the Metro Music Playoffs: 2010 concert, (5) invitations to the MMP:2010 concert "after-party".

The Starting Line-up: Subject to the conditions set forth in Paragraph 7, each “Starting Line-up” act will receive the following prizes, in addition to the prizes listed in the previous paragraph: (1) 12 Bar Productions, LLC T-Shirts for each member of the act (ERV: $10/ea),  (2) 10 copies of the MMP-2010 Compilation CD, which will feature the best song from their sessions, as well as the best of each of the other nine “Starting Line-up” winners (ERV: $150, (3) a 25% discount voucher for Angie Knost Photography, for a professional photo portfolio for websites and promotional material (ERV: $100 to $300), (4) a 25% discount from Q Films (a Rick Dilly company) on a fully produced music video of the best song on their EP (ERV:  $300 to $1,000).

The All-Star Team: Subject to the conditions set forth in Paragraph 7, each District “All-Star Team”, in addition to the prizes won upon entry and at “The Starting Line-up” levels, will receive: (1) a $750 Guitar Center shopping spree (to be divided equally amongst the band members), (2) an additional 25% discount voucher from Angie Knost Photography, which can be combined with the “Starting Line-Up” award for a 50% discount, (3) an additional 25% discount from Q Films (a Rick Dilly company)  on a fully produced music video of the best song on their EP, which can be combined with the “Starting Line-up” voucher for a 50% discount.

MVP: Subject to the conditions set forth in Paragraph 7, the “MVP” (Most Valued Performer) Winner will receive the following prizes: (1) a $2,000 Guitar Center shopping spree (to be divided equally amongst the band members), (2) the production, recording, mixing and mastering of five more songs to help complete a full-length album at 12 Bar Sound Studios; (3) a Three year recording contract with N-X-211 Records (ERV: up to $50,000); (4) a professionally produced music video of the “best” song on the album, provided by Q Films (a Rick Dilly company) (ERV: $5,000);  (5) professional in-studio and on-location photography sessions from Angie Knost Photography, including live shots, head shots, and group photos suitable for website and social networking sites and hi-res for promotional use (ERV: $1500); (6) a three month, Midwest Fall tour in 2011, which will include an equipment truck, food, lodging, and gasoline from various tour sponsors. (ERV: N/A).  

Other prizes may be added, as new sponsors choose to participate.  All contestants will be notified immediately upon any changes to the prizes to be awarded.  However, at no time will the  prizes be less than what are stated herein.

8. Terms And Conditions:

 Contestants acknowledge by entering the contest that they are committing the Sponsors and facilitators to specific schedules and, therefore, agree that 50% of the payment for the E-P recording, or $1,000, is to be considered a non-refundable deposit.  In the event that a contestant cannot fulfill their commitment to record, or to complete the contest, due to any reason, including those that follow, the deposit amount is forfeited by contestant.  If any “Winner” (each of which is merely a "Potential Prize Winner" until all terms and conditions for receiving the prizes set forth in these Official Rules have been satisfied) does not comply with the Official Rules, is ineligible, fails to sign all required documents and/or fails to return all such documents by the date and/or time required, then the Potential Winner will be disqualified from further participation in the Contest and from winning any prize and the contestant with the next highest score in the last phase of this Contest that the disqualified Potential Winner won shall take his or her place with respect to both participation and any additional prizes. Each Potential Prize Winner must provide his or her Social Security Number in order to receive any prize. All Prizes are subject to availability. No cash redemption or prize substitution allowed, except by Sponsor, who reserves the right in its sole discretion to substitute cash value or another prize it believes is of equal or greater value. Prizes are non-transferable and non-refundable. Winners may not divide any of the individual prizes. All Prizes claimed will be awarded. Except where prohibited by law, entry in this Contest constitutes permission for the Contest Entities to use contestant's name, photograph, image, likeness, statement, testimonial, biographical information, voice, music, performance, prize information, personal exposition, city and state addresses, in all forms of media, including on the internet and in film, videotapes, photographs and/or recordings (and/or edited versions thereof) on a worldwide basis, in perpetuity, without further compensation or notification.

9. Taxes And Costs Related To The Prizes:

All applicable taxes, including all federal, state, local and other taxes and any license, destination and delivery charges, fees, or costs, are the sole responsibility of each winner. All expenses and incidentals not specifically mentioned herein are not included and are solely the responsibility of each winner. Winners (or Winner's Guardians, as applicable) may be issued a 1099 tax form for the approximate retail value of their prizes.

10. Prize Givers:

Guitar Center, McDonald's Restaurants, U-Haul Truck Rentals, 12 Bar Productions, LLC; N-X-211 Records; Angie Knost Photography; Q Films (a Rick Dilly company);  (Additional sponsors may be added at any time during this contest, as represented in Paragraph 6. Prizes.)

11. Disputes And Damages Waiver:

As a condition of entering, entrants agree (and agree to confirm in writing): (1) any and all disputes, claims, and causes of action arising out of or in connection with this Contest, or any prizes awarded, shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, and any judicial proceeding shall take place in a federal or state court within the State of Missouri; (2) any and all claims, judgments, and awards shall be limited to actual out-of-pocket costs incurred, if any, but in no event attorneys' fees; and (3) under no circumstances will contestant be permitted to obtain any award for, and contestant hereby waives all rights to claim, punitive, incidental, and consequential damages, and any other damages, other than for actual out-of-pocket costs incurred, if any, but in no event attorneys' fees, and contestant hereby further waives any and all rights to have damages multiplied or otherwise increased. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, or the rights and obligations of contestants, Prize Givers (as defined in Paragraph 12) and Sponsor in connection with this Contest shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Missouri, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules or provisions (whether of the State of Missouri or any other jurisdiction), that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than those of the State of Missouri.

12. Contest Conditions:

This Contest is subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations. By participating, contestants agree to be bound by these Official Rules and the decisions of Sponsor and Judges and waive any right to claim ambiguity in the Contest or these Official Rules. Sponsor reserves the right to make changes or additions to these rules and/or change the dates of the Contest at any time.

13. Limitation Of Liability Of Sponsor And Prize Givers:

As consideration for participation in the Contest, Contestants agree that Sponsor and Prize Givers and their respective parents, subsidiaries and affiliated companies (collectively "Released Parties") maintain no control over the personnel, equipment, or operation of any air, water or surface carrier, ship line, bus or limousine company, transportation company, hotel, restaurant, or other person or entity furnishing services, products, or accommodations supplied by others as a part of the Contest. They are merely, as applicable, Sponsor of the Contest and independent suppliers of certain Contest prizes and are not in any way related to the other suppliers. As consideration for participation in this Contest, Contestants agree that Released Parties shall not be liable for any injury, damage, loss, expense, accident, delay, inconvenience, or other irregularity that may be caused or contributed to (i) by any wrongful, negligent, or unauthorized act or omission on the part of any other suppliers or any of their agents, servants, employees, or independent contractors (collectively, "Suppliers"); (ii) by any defect in or failure of any vehicle, equipment, accessories, instrumentality, service, product, or accommodation that is owned, operated, furnished, or used by any of those Suppliers; (iii) by the wrongful, negligent, or unauthorized act or omission on the part of any other person or entity not employed by that Released Parties; or (iv) by any cause, condition, or event whatsoever beyond the control of that Released Party. As consideration for participation in the Contest, each contestant agrees to waive and to release and discharge each Released Party from and against any claims, damages or liability, even if caused by the negligence of the Released Party, for any injury, damage, loss, expense, accident, delay, inconvenience, or irregularity arising out of or relating to any person (including death) or property of any kind resulting in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from participation in this Contest or in any Contest-related activity or from acceptance, possession, use or misuse of any prize. All prizes are awarded "AS IS" and WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, express or implied (including, without limitation, any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose).

14. Rules/Winners' List:

To receive a Winners' list or an additional copy of these Official Rules, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: 12 Bar Productions, LLC, 20 Worthington Access Drive, Maryland Heights, MO  63043 on or before November 15, 2010. Please specify "Rules" or "Winners' List". You may also view the rules and Winners' List on-line at www.12barproductions.com or www.metromusicplayoffs.com .

15. Sponsor: 12 Bar Productions, LLC, 20 Worthington Access Drive, Maryland Heights, MO  63043.

16. Contest Administrator: M.A.S.A.D.A. (Musicians, Athletes, and Students Against Drug Abuse), 636 Meramec View Drive, Eureka, MO  63025

17. Sponsor: 12 Bar Productions, LLC, 20 Worthington Access Drive, Maryland Heights, MO  63043.

18. Contest Administrator: M.A.S.A.D.A. (Musicians, Athletes, and Students Against Drug Abuse), 636 Meramec View Drive, Eureka, MO  63025