YMCA KTUB's One Song, One Chance competition starts Saturday

The Ninth Step band members Jonny Koch, Zach Burrill, Ben Guyer and Michael Honn is just one band that will compete against other teens in One Song, One Chance for an opportunity to win a development package and grand prize from Guitar Center.

“It’s a good opportunity to get our name out in the Kirkland community,” Koch said.

The Ninth Step finished recording in July and have popular songs on Spotify.

One Song, One Chance is the Kirkland Teen Union Building’s second band and artist competition that will take place over the span of two shows on Oct. 6 and 13 and one final contest Oct. 27.

Twenty-two bands comprised of teenagers 13 to 19 years old will compete for one grand prize and five development packages that include studio time, the opportunity to record their first CD, time with mentors and workshops for improvement.

But teen coordinator Emily Smith said, “this is more than music, it’s youth development at its finest” because band members learn music business and how to market their music in multiple ways.

“The people here are awesome,” said Alex Menne, band member of As It Starts, who played last year. “There’s always something going on.”

One Song, One Chance engages other YMCA teens by bringing in those who are involved with the cafe, art and technology programs KTUB provides. Teens who work in the cafe are trained to earn their food handlers permit so they can serve drinks and refreshments during KTUB events, while teens interested in technology can work on taking photos and shooting live footage of band performances. And merchandise and posters are created by teens to promote the event and spread the music.

“It’s framed by staff but the kids are the vehicle for what they want to see,” Smith said.

Smith said their goal to sell out every night is definitely attainable. KTUB has a capacity of 305 seats and she said they are in the process of figuring out additional seating.

Last year 175 guests attended the first show.

Patrick May with Katherine’s Broadcast said the key to being successful in the competition is to accrue a lot of fans.

“Sell tickets! Call everybody, call your grandma,” May said.

Katherine’s Broadcast was one of six bands that made it to the final competition last year.

Each band sells their own tickets at a discounted price before the show and tickets are available at the door as well.

Five or six local judges base their decision from the crowds’ response, the quality of how the bands performed and the number of tickets they’ve sold if it comes down to a tie.

This year five winners will get to partake in a development package that provides 35 hours of recording time or five songs, image development, a mentor, and graphics and tools to make shirts.

“It’s to set them up for success,” said music coordinator Matt Bacnis.

The grand prize includes strings, picks, drumsticks, a guitar tuner pedal and a $100 gift card courtesy of Guitar Center.

All band members who participate receive a $5 gift card to Guitar Center.

For more information, visit ktub.org.

 

Contact Kirkland Reporter Reporter Raechel Dawson at rdawson@kirklandreporter.com or 425-822-9166 X5052.

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