Spring Music Festival 2013

Now in its 11th year, the Spring Music Festival is a celebration of music that showcases 100 of the hottest 'buzz acts' from Canada, the US and Europe. It will take place in May, 2013 at more than 12 live music venues in the city of Hamilton, Ontario.

Spring Music Festival has selected over 110 Sonicbids artists in the past 6 years, with more than 90 bands performing in 2012. There are a minimum of 20 slots available for 2013, and only Sonicbids artists will be considered. In 2012 we featured such major artists as Gilby Clarke of Guns and Roses, Big Wreck, Neverending White Lights, MENEW, USS (Ubiquoutious Synergy Seeker), Kevin Hearn (of the Barenaked Ladies) and Before the Curtain (signed to the 3 Days Grace label).

Selected artists will be compensated for their performances. Artists from outside the region will receive lodging and a minimum of $50 to offset travel costs. For artists with larger draws, larger financial compensations will be offered. Festival management will work with each artist to ensure maximum media coverage.

The festival will bring in headlining and touring bands. All selected artists will be considered for support at these concerts. Also, your band can be chosen for a showcase spotlight as part of the Songwriters Showcase.

All genres of contemporary music are accepted with a focus on rock, heavy music/new metal, reggae/ska, and hip-hop/R&B. All bands are eligible.

Past performers include: Sweet Thing, Die Mannequin, Three Days Grace, Ron Sexsmith, Kevin Hearn (Barenaked Ladies), Danko Jones, The Trews, The Tea Party, IllScarlet, Neverending White Lights, SNOW, Tomi Swick, Gentlemen Husbands, STEMM, Threat Signal, Jack DeKeyser, Bleeker Ridge, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, Cancer Bats, Jonas & The Massive Attraction, The Marble Index, Junkhouse, Ryan Malcolm/Low Level Flight, Grady, Cursed, Social Code, Robin Black and many more.

As an added bonus, all artists who submit will be eligible to participate in the Rock And Roll Challenge, presented by Y108 FM, where one band will win $5,000 in cash and a development prize worth $30,000. This is not mandatory, but an option for those who wish to participate. Details about the Rock and Roll Challenge will be announced soon.

Here's what some previous performers have said:

"Spring Music Festival is a well run event that showcases a wide range of talent across many genres. We manage Dean Lickyer, who were voted 'Best in Fest' at the 2008 Festival. The prize package the band won has helped them immensely and the studio time at Mastermind Studios was used to record the cd the band is touring behind right now. All in all, it has been a fantastic experience".

-- Chris Case, RCD Music. Manager, Dean Lickyer

"Made some good connects with the radio and some new fans, show was awesome stage and sound was incredible... well done!!...Thanks for putting us on two great shows for your festival, we had a hell of a time and felt we had two great shows, with great sound and lights."

-- MicLordz & Sauce Funky

The Spring Music Festival is one of the most valuable networking channels for both established, and up-and-coming artists. As performers in the 2007 SMF, littleSUNDAY was exposed to a variety of useful industry contacts including, radio and media, as well as being exposed to new opportunities, fans and much more.. We highly endorse the festival, and look forward to the many more years to come!"

-- Rick Farrell, littleSUNDAY

"Our performance at SMF 2007 helped us gain a serious amount of exposure during our trip to Canada, which culminated in us getting our album into the Top 5 on Hamilton's C101.5FM Mohawk College Radio chart. We can't recommend this festival enough!"

-- Rod Smith, Vesta Varro

"We had an amazing time last night. Great show and a great crowd. Lo