Unsigned bands from around the country will have a chance to have their demo tapes heard by top performers during the annual “Best Unsigned Band” contest sponsored by MUSICIAN Magazine.

MUSICIAN, along with Warner Bros. Records, is inviting artists and bands to submit their tapes to be heard and judged by top performers like Lou Reed, Robbie Robertson, Vernon Reid, Lyle Lovett and Branford Marsalis.

The top 12 finalists will record a song for a compact disc called “Best of the BUBs.” The CD will be delivered to several music industry professionals, radio program directors and record companies.

Other prizes include a Tascam home recording studio, a Seck mixing board, JBL studio monitors and Shure microphones as well as other sound reinforcement equipment.

There is a $10 processing fee to enter the contest, but it is not in vain. Last year’s winners, the Subdudes, released their debut album on Atlantic records this fall. Other past entries in the BUB include Edie Brickell and New Bohemians and Velvet Elvis.

Sandy Masou, BUB coordinator, said that college campuses produce and support “some of the finest unsigned talent.”

The deadline for entering the contest is Dec. 15, 1989. More information is available in MUSICIAN magazine.