Breakthrough Artist of the Year
The Breakthrough Artist Competition is a battle of the bands aimed at newer artists in the Madison area. Bands compete in front of a panel of music industry veterans for fantastic prizes – including the chance to play on the main stage at the MAMA Awards Show!
The next Breakthrough Artist competition is tentatively planned for Spring 2025.
View winners (accordion list in progress) >
Position Yourself For Success
The judging criteria is geared toward addressing all aspects of working and performing in the music industry. We look for simple items such as showing up on time, social media use, and having merchandise to sell – all the little things that when combined can help artists become and stay successful.
Prize packages for this competition are meant to aid participating musicians in their path to success. This includes items such as marketing assistance, professional recording/studio time, recording equipment, music licensing packages, and an opportunity to play to a large audience on a grand stage. We thank our sponsors who help us provide everything a new artist could need to present their music in a professional manner.
Eligibility
- Must be a registered band through the Madison Area Music Association (MAMA) and meet standard band submission requirements. Not a member? Sign up here (pending) > themamas.org/youth-programs
- Must provide thorough contact information including contact full name, phone number, and an active email address. Musicians should be able to respond to event coordinators within 48 hours of significant planning dates.
- As of submission date, the artist has been established for 3 years or less and must have played in a public or private venue during the past year.
- Must be 18+ to enter.
- Must provide merchandise for sale during the event. Merch is a vital part of an artist’s ability to promote themselves and a visible indicator of fan support. Judges will provide feedback on their voting sheets regarding merchandise.
- Musicians must submit and perform original music. *No covers.*
- Must demonstrate a local following on social media. Must have a minimum of 300 followers on social media (This includes Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter).
- Must be able to commit to performing live at the MAMA Breakthrough Artist competition.
- Must be able to commit to performing live at the MAMA Awards show should the band win the contest.
- Winning band will coordinate with the MAMA Awards’ Music Director for the appearance at the awards show and will be required to sign the Performance Contract for that event.
- **MADISON AREA MUSIC ASSOCIATION RETAINS FULL RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES TO DENY PERFORMANCE OF ANY ARTIST BASED ON THE PERFORMANCE GUIDELINES OF THE AWARD SHOW**
Important 2025 Dates
- Registration for eligible musicians begins on (TBD)
- Registration ends on (TBD)
- The eight musicians/bands will be notified on (TBD) that they are eligible to participate in the battle. Two alternates may become eligible to perform if any of the top seven are unable to compete.
- The competition will be held on (TBD)
- The 2025 MAMA Awards show date is (TBD).
Registration
The Competition
- Location: TBD
- FOR BANDS – Load-in is from 3 to 5 p.m. (tentative)
- FOR FANS/ATTENDEES – Doors open at 6., the battle starts at 7. Event ends at 10 p.m. (tentative)
- All ages welcome, suggested $10 admission. (tentative)
- Each musician/band will be allowed to perform up to 3 songs, with a time limit of 15 minutes.
- Each musician/band will be presented with all judging criteria and point values prior to the day of the competition. It is the musician/band’s responsibility to understand the rules and follow them. No exceptions will be made on any of the items.
- A panel of independent judges from various areas of the music industry will evaluate the musicians/bands on a predetermined set of criteria.
- 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners are announced directly following the competition.
Judges
Past judges have included Roy Elkins (Broadjam, Inc. and MAMA board chair), Teri Barr (Max Ink), Michael Alexander (artist and entertainment director), Darwin Sampson (owner, The Frequency), and Maggie Denman (talent buyer, Frank Productions).
Prizes
Keep watching, because the prize baskets only get better. With every additional sponsor, we add to the already amazing packages.
Past prizes have included:
- Slot to perform at the MAMA Awards Show, Finalist Announcement Party, Between the Waves Conference & Festival, or Wurst Times Festival
- Featured slot at Ragged Roots Music Festival
- Two tickets for each band member and crew to see a show at the Crystal Grand
- Passes to the Between The Waves Conference & Festival
- A feature in Max Ink by Teri Barr
- Branded Image – 25% off first order, no set up fees, no screen or digitization fees
- $200 certificate from Paradyme Productions for recording/mixing
- Axis Recording – One free mixing session of one song up to 5 hours, value $300
- Sennheiser E935 microphone from Full Compass
- Shure SM58, cable, and stand
- $100 Heid Music gift certificate
- Guitar Center gift card
2025 First Prize
- TBD
2025 Second Prize
- TBD
2025 Third Prize
- TBD
Thank You to our Sponsors of the Breakthrough Artist Competition
High Noon Saloon
Broadjam, Inc.