The first winner of Battle of the Bands in half a decade was announced last Saturday night at the Woolstore Brewery.
Nangwarry rock band STAMINA took out the coveted title with a “fantastic cover set”, runner up was Jess Matthews and school band The Short Sleeves claimed third while Rewind won the encouragement award supported by former Dale Cleves Music manager Andy Allison.
“The Short Sleeves blew me away. They were really proficient musicians,” Battle of the Bands co-organiser Stephen Esnouf said.
“Jess did a phenomenal job, her back up tracks were glitching and she sang right through it which I think actually got her that second place spot because she showed a lot of gumption singing through some technical issues which was really nice to see.
“She just got on with the performance and really blew everyone away.
“We wanted to make sure (the encouragement award) went to one of the younger acts because they all turned up on time and they were all incredibly professional.
“(Rewind) were the first ones in the door on the day with all their stuff and they were just excited to be there and their conduct just blew me away.”
Other local performers on the day included Awoken, B’s Music, Denis O’Carroll, Esketamine, GERNZ, Greasy Rhysy and Menacydol.
The event was judged by Bianca Hendy, Fiona Unger, Josh Lynagh and Kyra Sykes and hosted by drag artist Ophelia Butt and Battle of the Bands co-organiser Bronte Ellard.
Mr Esnouf said more than 250 people went through the door on the day which was unprecedented.
“We did not know what to expect really because it was our first time running it and so I think all of our organisation really paid off and everyone understood the assignment. They really pulled out all the stops,” he said.
“We had such a huge team helping out as well. There was someone in every corner. Everyone really kind of knew what was going on.
“My takeaway is they all conducted themselves incredibly well backstage.
“I think one of the big things is just the attitude of all the performers on the day. Everybody really did so well and respected everyone’s time and respected the space and I know the venue is pretty happy with it as well.
“We had a great range of genres. Music-wise I think they all absolutely killed it.”
Mr Esnouf said there is a big buzz in town about live music at the moment.
“I do hope that it will send out a bit of a beacon for all the other venues in town,” he said.
“With our event and Tones and I really making the weekend huge, hopefully that’s something that other venues can see and want a piece of.
“I am excited to have meetings within the next couple of weeks just to see where people are at.”
Mr Ensouf said he wanted to extend his gratitude to Philtronics Audio and Visual who provided the winners with trophies and gift vouchers and the Woolstore Brewery for hosting the event.
