It’s Sound Off! season once again, and this past Saturday the 12 semifinalists for the 2018 showdown were announced on KEXP 90.3 FM’s Variety Mix and Audioasis. We’ll be learning more about each semifinalist with interviews and videos soon, but for now here’s what you need to know to be in the know about Sound Off! 2018.

What is Sound Off!?

Sound Off! is the Pacific Northwest’s premier 21-and-under battle of the bands, which takes place at MoPOP each winter. Twelve bands compete over three weeks for a shot at making it to the finals. Winners get a bunch of cool prizes and the opportunity to perform at Bumbershoot, one of North America’s largest music festivals.

Each show is judged by industry professionals including artists, producers, bookers, radio DJs, and others. The finals will take place on March 3, 2018 and will be broadcast live on KEXP’s Audioasis.

Do I know anyone who’s played?

Probably! MoPOP’s been lucky enough to have some really talented people come through this competition. Some past competitors include The Lonely Forest, Dyme Def, Sol, Kithkin, Schoolyard Heroes, Dave B, Manatee Commune, Tomten, Brite Futures, COSMOS, and members of Beat Connection, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, and La Luz. Sound Off! bands have gone one to perform a Timber!, Upstream Music Fest + Summit, Capitol Hill Block Party, and Sasquatch! Music Festival.

Sound Off! 2017 winner Jason McCue

Who’s Playing?

I’m thrilled for this year’s semifinalist’s lineup, which features bands from all over the PNW playing a diverse set of genres. We’ll be featuring each band on the blog in the coming months, so make sure to check back in the coming weeks to learn more about each of these talented musicians.

Friday, February 9 | SEMIFINALS #1

Dreadlight - Oregon City, OR (Alternative, Hard Rock)

Jawzilla - Tacoma, WA (Hip-Hop)

Strawberry Mountain - Seattle, WA (Indie, Electro-Pop)

Maiah Wynne - Gresham, OR (Indie, Folk)

Friday, February 16 | SEMIFINALS #2

Sam Foster - Issaquah, WA (Blues, Soul)

NËSTRÄ - Lynnwood, WA (R&B)

Micaiah Sawyer - Olympia, WA (Folk, Blues)

Step Dads - Bellingham, WA (Psychedelic, Garage)

Friday, February 23 | SEMIFINALS #3

Beyond the Woods - Everett, WA (Metal, Progressive)

EyezOthelo - SeaTac, WA (Hip-Hop)

Claudine Magbag - Marysville, WA (Pop, Singer/Songwriter)

Misundvrstood - Seattle, WA (Hip-Hop, R&B)

If you're looking for more Sound Off! goodness, check out our archives and YouTube for more! And don't forget to get your tickets for the semifinals!