In this section you will find some of the most frequently asked questions we get asked from bands. Please read through both these and our Terms before submitting an application. If we don't answer your specific question, please drop us a line through the contact page.
So, what do you have to do to get on-board the BritBus?
It's really quite simple, read through our Terms & Conditions (sorry, we need to have them!) and hit submit! We don't charge a penny for applications, unlike some of the other, more dubious so-called band searches. We also keep the application process open all year round and review applications on a weekly basis. Please note, we do however have a date set each year by which you need to submit your application to ensure your are guaranteed to be reviewed for the UK Showcases. If you don't meet this deadline, don't panic, you will still be considered for future events and tours in the following year.
What happens to my submission after I apply?
Firstly, we at the BritBus promise to listen to each and every application received. We know how hard you all work on making your band a success and deserve full and fair consideration. The selection process we have is based on talent and a careful and considered A&R process - this is not some 'battle of the bands' process. We hate that too!
Every six months we send the latest list of applications to our International student panels around the world - they are currently based in Australia, India, UK and USA. We will soon have new panels in Japan and China. These panels consist of 3rd year university music business students who, as part of their course work, review and assess each and every application. We do this to ensure we can match different styles and genres of music with different tastes around the world...and it also ensures we are kept abreast of currents tastes and trends.We really believe that the music consumer, (i.e. your peer group!), know more about what you like, than some fat-cat, balding industry exec who rarely goes to a gig!
Once we receive these views back from our International student panels, we will compare these with our own shortlists. This is done with our own internal A&R panel, which consists of music managers, label managers, publishers, agents and other carefully selected industry folk who work at the sharp-end of getting music into the public domain.
After this process, all going well and to plan, we will have a shortlist of bands for a UK showcase tour! We will then write to you and let you know that you have been shortlisted.
Where are the UK Showcase Tours held?
The UK Showcase Tour is currently held once a year at the following cities:
* London
* Brighton
* Bristol
* Cardiff
* Birmingham
* Manchester
* Liverpool
* Sheffield
* Leeds
* Newcastle
* Edinburgh
* Glasgow
What happens at the Showcase Tour gigs?
If you are selected for a Showcase you will be asked to join us for the entire day - but don't worry it will be lots of fun! We always bring our double-decker BritBus and organise a series of city centre media events to promote the BritBus and your bands. The gig will take place in the evening and typically there will be a total of 5 bands performing. More details will be provided once you have been shortlisted for the Showcase gigs.
When will I know if I have been selected for the International Tours?
How many bands will be selected for the tours?
As this process is NOT a competition, we don't have a set number of bands that will be selected from the Showcase Tour - it will be based on talent and talent alone. Some year there may be more, others there may be less. We do typically take 2 bands per tour, as a guide, so there are plenty of opportunities to get onto a tour. Just because you were not successful on the first selection round, does not mean you won't be at a later date. We want to create as many opportunities as possible!
Can I see the touring or recording contracts before I apply?
I am afraid we don't send out any contracts on request. If you are selected for the UK Showcase Tour, you will be fully briefed on the legal aspect of the business and receive drafts of all touring contracts. We also ensure all bands have independent legal advice. But don't worry, applying for a tour does not committ you to anything.
