The Current's March Music Madness 2016

Who will take home the title of The Current's 2016 March Music Madness bracket?MPR

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March 18, 2016

Two years ago at college basketball tournament time, The Current tried an experiment: We invited our listeners to vote on their favorite artists to choose who would advance in a tournament-style bracket. The results? Never mind who won (okay, it was the Beatles and David Bowie) – you were really into it. So, of course, we knew we had to do it again!

Just like the NCAA bracket, we have 64 contestants. Unlike past years where we've selected a range of different artists — past and present — that we play on The Current, this year has a new twist: — all 64 teams are artists from the 21st century. The shot clock is ticking. Who makes the three-point jump for your love? The White Stripes or the Strokes? St. Vincent or Santigold? Alabama Shakes or My Morning Jacket?

Here's how The Current's March Music Madness works: from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 15-18, 2016 we're open a new match online every 30 minutes for you and other listeners to vote on. As each round ends, a new one begins. And in case you need a refresher, you can hear back-to-back songs by the artists going head-to-head at the top of each hour and half hour on The Current.

Register

Note: Registration is only needed once. Once you're registered, you're good to vote in every matchup.

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How to Participate in The Current's March Music Madness

Here's everything you need to know to make the most of The Current's March Music Madness.

• Download a PDF of the bracket, print it off and pencil in your picks. Before the teams tip off, we want to see your predictions.

• Share a photo of your predictions on Twitter and Instagram using the #MarchMusicMadness. We'll archive 'em here on the site so you can prove later that your perfect bracket beat the odds of 1 in 9.2 quintillion.

• While you're on Twitter, follow along and to connect with other listeners. The reaction GIFs that emerge after an upset are priceless.

• Register using the form above. We'll send you a friendly reminder to vote plus a rundown of the previous day's results as voted by listeners of The Current.

• Starting Tuesday, March 15 at 9 a.m. CT, vote for your favorite band or artist every half hour from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through March 18, 2016. Pro tip: Leave the voting page open, set an alarm for the top of every hour and half hour, refresh and vote.

• Text "bracket" to 677677 to receive push notifications on your phone. We'll let you know when the The Current's Sweet 16, Elite Eight, etc. polls open.

Vote

Note: Multiple votes from the same IP address are automatically disqualified, so please don't induce unwarranted carpal tunnel syndrome.