Sound Off! is great.

I’m always impressed by some of the young talent that has popped up in Sound Off’s final rounds over the years. A lot of great bands have won (and even lost) past competitions, including Schoolyard Heroes, Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head, Idiot Pilot, the Lonely Forest, Mon Frere, and Dyme Def.

EMP also focuses on including a lot of genres (rap, punk, rock, pop, indie, electronic, singer/songwriter) and the shows are always well-attended with fun and supportive audiences. It’s a great chance for young musicians to get some exposure and experience in a positive way.

Plus, if you win, you get a shitload of prizes.

In 2008, EMP|SFM will present the seventh annual Sound Off!, the Northwest’s largest underage battle of the bands competition. If you are 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|SFM!

Past participants include Schoolyard Heroes, The Lonely H, Capitol Basement and Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head, to name a few. With a judging staff comprised of movers and shakers of the Seattle music scene, this competition is a great chance for local, young bands to kick-start their music careers!

To enter Sound Off!, download and print out the application from empsfm.org. Complete the application and send it, along with a non-returnable CD of original music to:

EMP|SFM
Attn: Sound Off!
330 6th Avenue North, Suite 200
Seattle, WA 98109

Applications are due by Thursday, November 15, 2007. Please review the rules and regulations online prior to entry. If you have trouble downloading and printing the application, or have questions concerning the competition, e-mail soundoff@empsfm.org or call 206.770.2744.

More info at: http://www.empsfm.org/programs/index.asp?categoryID=27

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/empsoundoff

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