Lake Fest and Bedem Fest, with support from the Organization for the Protection of Music Authors’ Rights of Montenegro – PAM CG, in partnership with the Nikšić Tourist Organization, the Nikšić 2030 Initiative Office, Trebjesa Brewery, and Radio Television Nikšić, are proud to announce a joint competition for young author bands titled “As a young person, I need a chance now.” This marks the first collaborative effort between the two festivals.

Initially launched last year by Bedem Fest in collaboration with the Youth Resource Center from Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), this initiative was part of the “We can do it together” project.

According to the joint statement, “The purpose of the competition is to foster the growth of the young domestic alternative and rock scene, which is unfortunately dwindling in the face of modern music industry trends. The competition aims to promote young alternative and rock artists from Montenegro and enhance the capabilities of the alternative cultural sector. The event will unfold in three phases.”

The first phase kicks off today, allowing young original bands to apply for participation within the next 15 days by submitting a brief biography to the email toniksic@t-com.me.

The registration deadline for bands is May 20th at midnight.

After this initial phase, organizers will announce the list of registered bands on May 22nd. Online voting will determine six bands, which will compete based on the total votes received by midnight on May 31st. The top six bands will then progress to the superfinal.

In the final, third phase of the competition, super-finalist bands will perform live over two evenings at the NK pub in Nikšić.

“On Wednesday, June 11, a three-member jury, along with the audience, will select the winner from three competing bands who will perform at this year’s Lake Fest. Similarly, the winner of the second night, scheduled for Thursday, June 12, will perform at Bedem Fest, following the same selection process. Our goal is to invigorate rock culture and alternative cultural spaces while promoting Nikšić’s bid for UNESCO City of Music, thereby boosting the international visibility of Nikšić ahead of the decision regarding the European Capital of Culture 2030. This timing is ideal for Lake Fest and Bedem Fest to provide a platform for emerging Montenegrin rock talent, which sadly faces decline. United in the mission to preserve the multi-generational heritage of rock and roll in Montenegro and the city under Trebjes, we aim to support young authors striving for recognition through this competition and performances at Lake Fest and Bedem Fest,” the press release states.

They emphasize that performances at Lake Fest and Bedem Fest represent crucial steps for young bands in advancing their careers. Media coverage will be provided by Radio-Television Nikšić, giving super-finalist bands the opportunity to present their work to a broader audience through six live shows.

News