Gig Reviews

Sutherland Shire’s Battle of the Bands Competition

Wed Mar 15 2006

The event was not only an energetic celebration of youth and youth culture, it was also a taste of the emerging youth music scene that spans a wide continuum from melodic alternative pop to hardcore death metal.

This is no amateur scene, many of the bands have already recorded their own EPs, been featured on community radio station 2SSR, and play regularly to live crowds. They are serious about pursuing the possibility of a career in live music. Alexi Collins, the vibrant pixie-like lead singer of Handle with Care, said: “We really enjoy playing live. We’d be stoked if we could do it as a career.”

And despite the competitive air there was still a strong show of appreciation and respect for all bands in the line-up, with some band members even urging their friends to check out other competitors. This sense of unbiased admiration provided a highlight of the night when a sea of black-clad punk and metal lovers, including members of competing bands, rushed to the stage in appreciation Cloud 9’s Hayley Warner’s soaring vocals during their final song, despite the significant contrast between their predominantly pop feel and the heavier sounds of other competitors. Dane Robson, drummer and back-up vocalist for Drone Pilot, is similarly passionate about showing respect to other bands in the competition. “I hate those bands that are headlining a show and turn up late after some of the earlier bands have already played. You have to show respect”.

But it isn’t only the youth that are supportive. Interspersed throughout the crowd are a few older faces representing the parents of competing band members. For many, the support of their children’s musical talent starts early. Jacqueline Smith, whose sons comprise two-thirds of emo punk band Devil’s Disciple, has been supporting the boys since her eldest son began guitar lessons at age seven. While admitting that such support requires a lot of time, energy and money, she is proud to encourage the natural talent of her sons. “Daniel [lead vocals] was born to be on a stage and is a prolific songwriter, while James has been winning awards for drumming since he was nine”. More than that, she adds, it is good to see them living the dream they are obviously passionate about. “I just like to see them do something they enjoy”.

And they are enjoying it. Backstage, grins can’t be contained as band members share the excitement of competing, still feeling the buzz of playing just moments before to an adoring crowd of more than 300 music lovers. When Drone Pilot were asked whether playing to Friday night’s crowd made them more passionate about playing live, Robson could hardly contain himself. “Just that. That was FUN. I don’t want to practice. I just want to do that.” And with the announcement that Drone Pilot, along with punk rockers Star Phonley and Bleeding Acquisition, will be playing in the competition’s final at Engadine Community Hall on Friday 24 March, Robson will get the opportunity to do it all over again.

‘Battle of the Bands’ is a drug and alcohol free initiative of Council’s PLAY (Public Life and Access for Youth) Committee and proudly supported by Indent NSW.