"Emergenza is a annual musical showcase that claims to be searching for the best unsigned band in the world. They talk a big game and even look legit on face value. You submit a $70 fee to get in and they come back and supply you with strings and drum sticks. It's a showcase that is sponsored by Sony, Mapex, D'addario etc.. With bands competing in over 20 different nations for the "chance" to play in front of record label A&Rs

The problem a lot of bands had with the competition and I'm speaking on behalf of Severance, This Last Breath and Stereotipikal (all Detroit finalists) - Emergenza failed to live up to what it originally set out to do. First, they set ridiculous ticket prices, $15 a ticket. They kept all the money from ticket sales for themselves - not paying a single band for crowd they brought in or their performances. We're talking about pocketing a good $5000+ per show. Emergenza also did not promote the show in any way shape or form. Hell, bands had to even pay to get into the parking lot for their own show!

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The first rounds were a battle of the bands type scenerio where the winning band is dependant on how many people they bring in- as opposed to sending the most talented band to the next round. The finals was supposed to be half fans and half judges. There was supposed to be a judges panel who were made of musical composers and teachers. There were a number of categories they were allegedly grading bands on. Everything from individual performace, overall melody, stage presence, song structure, lyrics and originality. No judges were seen that night - not even in the wake of the final decision - and no score sheets were provided.

Everything seemed kind of shady. There was an awards ceremony after the last band performed.

Severance won two of the three awards.

Best Guitar Player- Mark Pilotto

Best Bass Player - Joe Pilotto

Best Drummer went to Hyperion

Remnant won best band and moved on to Chicago.


I would not recommend any self respecting band that has talent to get involved with Emergenza - period. Hiding under the guise that they are looking for the best unsigned band, then viewing the actual results and how they were based on Emergenza's money making agenda was disappointing. Even in the earlier rounds there were good bands that were eliminated because they didn't draw as much money as the others.

Everyone felt cheated that night, even the fans, out of thier $15."