Build the band. Build the machine around it.
Music City Make-A-Thon is a six-day song-to-stage sprint where teams of up to 10 combine creatives and builders. Every team can work in Humans or Hybrids mode, remotely or in person, from first idea through fan voting and live performance.
The Short Version
How Teams Work
- Build a team of up to 10 people
- Combine Creatives (the band) and Hackers (the builders)
- Choose Humans or Hybrids rules for how your team works
- Work remote, in person, or across both
What You're Chasing
- Write, record, and stream an original song during March 23-28
- Rally fans to vote for your release
- Win your track and artist level to perform live
- Build with partner tools, custom hardware, or your own stack
TEAM BLUEPRINT
Creatives
Songwriters, artists, producers, engineers, and musicians making the track.
Hackers
Builders shaping the tools, hardware, visuals, outfits, and workflows around the band.
Partner ecosystem optional
Use our stack, bring your own, or start from zero. See the partner stack.
The Week at a Glance
Six days. Three phases. One song-to-stage sprint.
Song-to-Stage Sprint
Teams form, write, build, record, and ship a release-ready song with their creative and technical crew.
Voting and Selection
Audience momentum matters. Fan response helps determine who rises out of each track and artist level.
Final Four Concert
Winning teams perform the song they built during the week and compete for top honors.
Finalists must be in Nashville by 9:00 AM on Saturday, March 28, 2026 for soundcheck and live championship performances. Plan travel accordingly if your team builds remotely during the week.
Two Roles. One Team.
Every team can combine the band and the builders. The difference between Humans and Hybrids is how each side chooses to work.
Creatives
The BandHumans and Hybrids
WHO
Artists, singer-songwriters, audio engineers, mastering engineers, musicians, and producers.
WHAT
Create a song, record it, stream it, and get fans to vote. If you win your track and artist level, you perform it live.
WHEN
March 23-28
WHERE
Remote and/or in-person
Humans
Create your song without using generative AI music tools or platforms.
Hybrids
Create your song any way you want, but screen-record your process if you use Suno. One-shot or dice-roll generated submissions are not eligible for the grand prize if they advance to the final four concert competition.
Hackers
The BuildersHumans and Hybrids
WHO
Music technologists, AI tinkerers, devs, coders, instrument and pedal creators, clothiers, seamstresses, tailors, and AV innovators who love TouchDesigner.
WHAT
Utilize our partner ecosystem, build from scratch, or bring your own tech and hardware to superpower the band's song-to-stage sprint.
WHEN
March 23-28
WHERE
Remote and/or in-person
Humans
Build or customize anything and everything you can without using generative AI.
Hybrids
Build or customize anything and everything you can to superpower the band's song-to-stage sprint.
Want details on partner technologies and what builders can tap into? Visit the Partners Showcase.
HUMANS
Build and create without generative AI. Traditional craft, custom tooling, and human-led execution.
HYBRIDS
Use AI, partner technologies, and custom systems as part of the team's workflow.
ARTIST LEVELS
Your STRM Assessment still places you into the right artist level during registration.
Who Should Join?
MCM is built for full-stack bands: performers, producers, builders, stylists, and operators.
Singer-Songwriters
Bring the hooks, lyrics, and point of view that the whole team can rally around.
Either LaneProducers and Engineers
Shape the record, own the sonics, and get the song across the finish line.
Either LaneInstrumentalists
Session players, multi-instrumentalists, and performers who bring the track to life.
Either LaneDevelopers and Technologists
Build software, automations, and systems that expand what the band can do.
Hybrid-FriendlyAV Innovators
TouchDesigner lovers and live-experience builders creating visuals and performance moments.
Hybrid-FriendlyStylists and Fabricators
Clothiers, seamstresses, and tailors who can outfit the band and extend the story.
Either LaneMusic Operators
Managers, marketers, and organizers who help the team stream, launch, and mobilize fans.
Either LaneDon't have a team?
Solo artists, builders, and partial crews are welcome. We'll help match you with bandmates and builders during registration and kickoff so you can assemble a team of up to 10 with the right mix of skills.
Register Solo or as a Small GroupPrizes and Recognition
Winners take home serious hardware. All finalists gain industry exposure.
Hybrid Track Champion
Partner Technology Prize Bundle
Value: $2,000+
A curated package of partner technology perks and tools, including NVIDIA resources, valued at over $2,000.
Humans Track Champion
Santa Cruz Guitar
Value: ~$3,000+
A handcrafted Santa Cruz acoustic guitar with world-class craftsmanship.
All Finalists
Industry Recognition
Value: Priceless
Exposure to Nashville's music industry and a global partner network.
Intellectual Property
You own what you create. Here's how it works.
Your Team Owns Your Song
- Your team keeps 100% ownership of what you create during MCM
- FirstRule, sponsors, and partners do not take ownership of your IP
- You're free to release, license, or commercialize your track after the event
Using Sponsor Tools
- You still own your project code, recordings, and creative work
- Use of sponsor APIs/SDKs is subject to their license terms. View participating partners.
- Check relevant terms if you plan to commercialize after the event
Team Agreements
By joining a team, participants agree that team members can use and present the shared project. If your team plans to continue after MCM, we strongly recommend agreeing in writing on ownership splits, licensing, and future use.
How to Register
Two ticket tiers. Pick what fits.
- Full event access + competition entry
- "In The Mix" VIP social Friday evening
- Early expo access Saturday (11am vs 12pm)
- Priority communications
Groups of 10+: $30/person
- Full event access + competition entry
- Compete in your assigned track
- Workshop and mentor access
- No VIP social or early access
Flat rate - no group discounts
Registration includes a short STRM Assessment to recommend your track and level. Your spot is confirmed once payment is complete, with no separate approval step.
Organized by
MCM is part of FirstRule's mission to position Nashville as a global hub for responsible AI in music.