It was lucky number 13 for the annual Aandklas Battle of Bands as this year’s edition attracted more entries than the previous 12, according to Arnold van der Walt, the entertainment manager for Aandklas, Bohemia, Punk, Dorp and Daisy Jones Bar.
The battle kicked off with its first round on 5 August, and will continue every Wednesday evening until the final round on Saturday 29 August, said Van der Walt.
The band, Morangutang, performs live for the first time at round one of the Battle of the Bands event. The band, despite only playing together for only seven months, is made up of seasoned musicians with over 15 years of experience performing, according to lead singer and guitarist Justin Moser. PHOTO: Brigid Taylor
The crowd headbanged through all three sets of the first round, as Undercard, Morangutang and Livestock took to the stage in turn. The judges deliberated at length before sending Undercard and Morangutang through to the next round.
The five main categories considered by the judges were originality, crowd interaction, stage performance, musicianship and professionalism, according to Van der Walt.
For its 13th edition, Battle of the Bands included the addition of free studio space for the finalist’s rehearsals, and bigger prizes up for grabs, said Van der Walt.
Podium finishers will receive vouchers from the Stellenbosch branch of Bothners, a musical instrument store, according to Van der Walt.
Third place receives a R5 000 voucher, second place R13 000 and first place R20 000. The winners will also receive R15 000 worth of studio time and a three-hour band photoshoot, said Van der Walt.
Members of the crowd show their appreciation during Livestock’s set at Battle of the Bands. PHOTO:Brigid Taylor
“A lot of bands actually save their debut for our event,” said Van der Walt. The second band to debut at this year’s event will be Kobus en die Bomskokbende, who will perform on 15 August.
“We wanted to do [Battle of the Bands] because we know a lot of bands don’t know how to step foot into the industry, and it can be quite daunting. We know all of these things, and we love to provide as much knowledge as we can,” said Van der Walt.
“It’s an awesome event. I love it. The sound engineer is brilliant, the whole thing’s organised really well,” said Justin Moser, lead singer and guitarist of Morangutang.
The bassist for Undercard, Marceline Moolman (left), and her friend celebrate her band moving into the next round of Battle of the Bands by keeping the dancefloor alive long after the first battle concludes. PHOTO: Brigid Taylor
“Aandklas is the type of place where everyone is welcome, whether you play rock, punk, indie, or whatever you want,” said Marceline Moolman, the bassist for Undercard.
“We just like live music. We love it. Seeing bands perform on a stage, that’s our whole life. I’m privileged enough to call my favourite thing in the world work,” said Van der Walt.