PERFORM AT MATI
Apply to play Music at the Intersection in 2027.
We're inviting St. Louis acts with mostly original music to apply. We select artists based on curatorial alignment, available slots and other festival needs. Applications are open November 9 to December 31, 2026, and there's no fee.
Artist Submission Guidelines
Who can apply?
You can apply if all of these are true.
You live here
You live in the Greater Saint Louis area. For a group, the bandleader and at least half of the performing members live here. Being from St. Louis and visiting home doesn't count.
Mostly original
At least 75% of your set is original music. Covers can fill up to 25%, about 11 to 15 minutes.
A 45 to 60 minute set
You can play a full set of 45 to 60 minutes.
A live band
You perform with a live band. A hip hop DJ and MC playing live turntables, a controller or a live mix also qualify. An artist performing alone to tracks isn't eligible.
You play out
At least 6 public shows in the last 12 months that we can verify by date, or a significant playing history or measurable contribution to the St. Louis music scene as an original act.
Rooted in St. Louis music
Jazz, Blues, Rock (indie leaning, not heavy metal or hardcore), Hip Hop (the four elements and traditional) or R&B.
A live video
Filmed in the last 18 months with your current lineup: at least two complete songs, with clear picture and sound.
Your own work
Tell us about any generative AI use. Music made entirely or mainly by AI isn't eligible.
What should I have ready?
- Your home ZIP code, and for a group, each performing member's name, role and home ZIP
- A mock set of your songs, with minutes for each, which ones are covers and a streaming link for each song
- Your public shows from the last 12 months, with a proof link for any you have (an event page, ticket link, flyer or dated social post), or a short note on your playing history
- A link to one live video, and where and when it was filmed
- A short note on your music and its St. Louis roots, and any use of generative AI
- Your streaming link and at least one website or social link
How long does the application take?
About 30 to 45 minutes
The application has five short steps. Having everything above ready makes it faster. You can save your progress and finish later.
Does it cost anything to apply?
No. There's no fee.
What are the key dates?
- Monday, November 9, 2026Applications open
- Thursday, December 31, 2026Applications close at 11:59 pm Central
- By Friday, January 29, 2027Every applicant hears from us
- July 15 to 18, 2027The festival
How do you choose artists?
We select artists based on curatorial alignment, available slots and other festival needs. We choose the time and stage for each set.
What happens after I apply?
Every applicant hears from us by Friday, January 29, 2027. If we select you, we'll ask for your rider, bio, photo and press kit then.
About 30 to 45 minutes. Five short steps.
- Quick check
- About you
- Your music
- Proof
- Confirm
Save and finish later
We'll email you a private link that opens your application where you left off. Anyone with the link can open your answers, so keep it to yourself.
Before you apply
By applying, you agree to these points.
- We select artists based on curatorial alignment, available slots and other festival needs, and we set the date, time and stage of each set.
- We give selected artists fair pay. The fee is set in your artist agreement. [per-set fee] Unless we say otherwise, you cover your own travel and expenses.
- We may check anything in your application. Inaccurate information can remove it from consideration.
- If you're selected, we may use your name, likeness and performance clips to promote the festival, and you help promote your performance on your own channels. You keep the rights to your music.
- If selected, you agree to promote your festival appearance via your existing marketing channels (social media, website, email, etc.) and participate in requested press opportunities. You keep the rights to your music.
Read the full terms
Music at the Intersection: Terms and Conditions for Artist Participation
By submitting your application, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to adhere to all the terms and conditions below. If selected, your submission serves as your acceptance of these rules and your commitment to uphold them throughout your participation.
- Eligibility. Applicants must live in the Greater Saint Louis area. For a group, at least half of the performing members, including the bandleader, must live here. Applicants must submit music they have the legal right to perform, and at least 75% of the set must be original. Covers may make up no more than 25%. Artists must perform with a live band; a hip hop MC performing with a DJ also qualifies. An artist performing alone to tracks is not eligible. Music produced entirely or mainly by generative AI is not eligible, and any use of generative AI must be disclosed.
- Application process. Complete the official application form with accurate and current information. Submission does not guarantee selection. We reserve the right to choose artists based on curatorial alignment, available slots and other festival needs.
- Performance details. We select artists based on curatorial alignment, available slots and other festival needs. We assign the date, time and location of each set. Sets run 45 to 60 minutes. The lineup you list is the lineup that performs, and any change needs our written approval. Selected artists submit a technical rider with stage plot and technical needs, including equipment and setup, when we ask.
- Verification. We may check any information in your application, including show dates, set contents and where you live. Finalists may be asked for supporting documents. We use them only to verify eligibility and delete them once selection ends. Inaccurate information can remove an application from consideration or end a booking.
- Compensation. We give selected artists fair pay. Payment details are set in individual artist agreements. Unless specified, artists cover their own travel, accommodation and other expenses.
- Conduct and responsibilities. Artists conduct themselves professionally and respect staff, attendees and fellow performers. Timely arrival for sound checks, performances and other scheduled activities is mandatory. Artists follow all festival policies, venue regulations and local laws.
- Promotion and media. Artists grant us permission to use their name, likeness and performance excerpts for promotion across media. If selected, you agree to promote your festival appearance via your existing marketing channels (social media, website, email, etc.) and participate in requested press opportunities. Merchandise may be sold on festival grounds only with prior approval and may be subject to venue rules.
- Indemnification. Artists agree to indemnify and hold harmless the festival, its organizers and partners from any claims arising from their participation.
- Intellectual property and recording rights. We may record and broadcast performances for promotion, including on social media and websites. Artists are told in advance if a performance is recorded for commercial purposes. Artists keep all rights to their original works, except the rights granted to us for promotion.
- Credentialing and accommodation. We are not responsible for credentialing or accommodating anyone outside the terms of the artist's contract. Artists align their team, assets and logistics to our requirements and pass all information we send to their team members.
Quick check
Four questions to make sure this opportunity fits before you spend time on it.
About you
Everything is required unless it says optional.
Your home, or the bandleader's. We look up the county from it.
Spotify, Apple Music, SoundCloud, Bandcamp or similar.
At least one. Put each link on its own line.
Your music
A live band is required. A hip hop MC with a DJ also qualifies.
Everyone who will be on stage. Solo artists list themselves. Mark the bandleader.
Describe your sound and name the artists, venues, scenes or traditions in St. Louis you draw from.
0 of 500 characters
0 of 300 characters
Proof
Your mock set, your shows from the last 12 months and one live video. The checks update as you type.
Mock set builder
We don't expect you to play this set. It shows us you have the material. Add a streaming link for each song so we can hear it: Spotify, Apple Music, SoundCloud, Bandcamp or similar.
Your set
Public shows from the last 12 months
January 1 to December 31, 2026. A proof link is optional: an event page, ticket link, flyer or dated social post. Private events don't count.
Your year of shows
Only needed if you have fewer than 6 public shows this year. Tell us about your playing history or your contribution to the St. Louis music scene as an original act, with links.
0 of 500 characters
Choose one continuous performance by the group that would play for us, with at least two complete songs, filmed in the last 18 months, with clear sound. YouTube or Vimeo.
Confirm and send
Access needs, dates you can't play, or special requests.
0 of 500 characters
This opportunity isn't the right fit right now
Review your application
Check everything before you submit. Use Edit to change a step.
We use your application to review and select artists. We delete supporting documents once selection ends.
Application submitted
Thank you for applying to Music at the Intersection. We have your application, and a confirmation email is on its way to your inbox.
We won't be able to answer emails asking for updates on your application, but by Friday, January 29, 2027, we'll let you know whether or not you were selected.
This application has not sent or saved your submission to a server.