British math-rock band Black Midi don’t take the easy or obvious path. Ahead of the release of Cavalcade, their second album, in May they went out of their way to have it disqualified from the charts.

They streamed it in full on YouTube two days before release and included a golden ticket in vinyl copies that had assorted prizes (including having the band play at a function of your choosing) that they thought would break chart-eligibility rules. Despite all their best efforts, not every format was discounted and it entered the UK album chart at number 60. It was a strange victory of sorts.

Now ahead of their UK tour in late August and early September, they are taking a whole new approach to booking support acts.

On their Instagram account they posted details of an open mic process for local acts with a twist. Hopeful entrants send in a demo tape and the name of the city they are auditioning to support Black Midi at.

There will be multiple support acts at each show and the audience’s favourite each night will win a (modest) prize.

“Our tour support for the upcoming UK Tour is an open mic competition – the audience’s favourite entry on the night wins £100,” said the band in their post.

But, in a further twist, none of the entrants can play any instruments live.

“Talents of all varieties are welcomed!” they say. “The only parameters will be – your performance must not be over 3 minutes and musical instruments are not allowed (backing tracks are permissible). Stand up, magic tricks, story telling, singing, juggling, what ever you believe will entertain the crowd and guide you to ultimate glory is welcomed.”

It reminds us of the Pixies reunion shows when their support act was… their own drummer, David Lovering. He was doing magic tricks and science experiments. He was really good, by the way.