UPDATE: NATIONAL FINAL APPROACHES:

The moment NZ music enthusiasts have been waiting for has finally arrived.  The WBOB National Final is just around the corner and the stakes are higher than Keith Richards on a bender.  After 9 weeks of searching all corners of the country the final eight bands to compete for the NZ title have been selected.  With less than two weeks to go bands are preparing for the chance of a lifetime.

Auckland’s iconic live music venue The Kings Arms is hosting the 2007 WBOB National Final. With eight of  New Zealand’s best upcoming bands and 2 guest bands Sonic Altar (2006 NZ Winners) and Slipping Tongue (kick arse NZ rock band) on the bill, it is going to be a night of epic proportions, definitely not one to miss.

Perhaps one of the most important events on the nz music calendar, the WBOB National Final will showcase the next generation of New Zealand’s music at its best, not only is it an opportunity for young bands to play to a large audience of new listeners and industry professionals, it is also a great opportunity for music enthusiasts to see some of the awesome bands about to hit the NZ music scene, and witness the birth of a NZ music legend.

Each of the bands competing this year have something new to offer the competition, which has been one of the highlights of the competition this year.  Each of the finalists bring to the stage their own unique sound combined with a high level of musical talent which means the judges this year will have a hard job ahead of them.  But there can be only one winner. 

The winning band will be flown to Singapore to compete against the best bands from around the globe for the world title and on top of that a prize package that will kick off their musical career, all thanks to this years sponsors and Intergalactic Records.

The bands are: Eqwanox, Porch, Mutangent, Lapser, Soulsion, Liquid Colours, Faster She Said and Suede Arcade.

• The World Battle of the Bands is the world's hottest international competition for unsigned bands.
• The aim is to seek out the best new live music around the world.
• World Battle of the Bands provides a platform for emerging bands to reach a wider audience domestically and internationally.
• Each country hosts a series of heats, semi-finals, regional finals and a national final. Throughout the event, judging and voting determines each nations' champion. There are some great prizes up for grabs for the NZ winner.
• The national champions compete in the international arena at the World Final.
• 2006 saw around 400 bands, performing in 30 venues, almost 200 shows, in eight countries.

Proudly brought to New Zealand in 2007 by:

Hell Pizza - Feeding musicians throughout Hell Holes all over the country
Southern Institute of Technology - Home to the Zero Fee Scheme
ALT TV - the official TV network who will be broadcasting the National Final live to air on Sky Channel 65, as well as regular interviews and giveaways.
KIWI FM - the official Radio partner for 2007 bringing regular news, updates and interviews. On Sky Digital channel 100 or 102.5FM CHCH, 102.2FM AK, 102.1FM Wgtn
NEW ZEALAND MUSICIAN - the official Print Media partner, and the voice to the New Zealand music industry, bringing in-depth coverage of the event

PRIZES

NZ winning band will receive a guaranteed single release in NZ including:

• Recording at AREA 51 Studios in Auckland
• Mastering at Sterling Studios in New York
• CD's Printing and Pressing by Stebbing.
• Video grant from NZ ON AIR
• NZ ON AIR Hit Disk placement of winners' radio single
• Nationwide release through Intergalactic Records
• Guaranteed single airplay & interviews on ALT TV and on Kiwi FM's I.A.N show with Fleur Jack

In addition:

• Flights and accommodation to the 2007 World final in Asia.
  (More prizes up for grabs at the World Final)
• Musical equipment from Musicworks
• Thousands of dollars worth of Advertising on Alt TV
• Microsoft Vista Ultimate operating systems
• Converse Chuck Taylor shoes

Open to all Genres
Heats will be held in all major centres and some smaller towns all around New Zealand
Keep an eye on the website for venues locations.

More info @ www.wbob.net