VIDEO: ACM Records Battle of the Bands Preview

A competition that started with about 100 entrants for Fair Lawn-based ACM Records has been narrowed down to four college and three high school bands, who will hit the stage this week in the final phase of "Battle of the Bands–Giving Students a Chance."

Admission to the "Final Battle," to be held 6:30 p.m. Friday, is $15 per person at School of Rock in South Hackensack. The first phase took place last month at Ramapo College, where ACM President Al Cohen teaches music recording and production. Fifty percent of the funds participating bands raise during the competition are going to their schools' music departments.

The seven bands in the final round include Ideal Drive (William Paterson University), Subject to Failure (Rutgers University, Philadelphia Art Institute), The 45's (Rutgers), Skyline (New Milford High School), Studio 19 (Ridgefield Park Junior-Senior High School, Leonia High School), Creeptones (Toms River East High School, Rowan University), and Something Else (Wallkill Senior High School).

One grand prize winner will be chosen from each division, high school and college. The prize will include a record deal with ACM, and more.

In the video above, watch Patch's preview of Friday's showdown, including interviews with Cohen and ACM engineer Tim Kelly, who earned a BA is music business from Ramapo and was in charge of artist relations for Battle of the Bands.