The twelfth instalment of a music competition between local bands will crown a new champion on 30 August.
This is according to Arnold van der Walt, entertainment manager for Aandklas, Bohemia, Punk, Dorp, and Daisy Jones, which are all live music venues in Stellenbosch.
The finals of the Aandklas Battle of the Bands is set to take place on 30 August, where Blitz, Terroraze, The Unpopular Department, and Under Arrest will compete, according to a recent Instagram post by Aandklas.
For over a decade, the event has given young musicians a platform to hone their craft, showcase original music, and connect with new audiences, according to Tim Moolman, co-owner of Aandklas, Bohemia, Punk, Dorp, and Daisy Jones.
Arnold van der Walt (left), entertainment manager for Aandklas, Bohemia, Punk, Dorp, and Daisy Jones, which are live music venues in Stellenbosch, and Tim Moolman (right), co-owner of these music venues. PHOTO: Daniélle Schaafsma
‘It’s iconic’
The competition format has remained consistent: up-and-coming bands compete over several weeks, with audience response and judges’ feedback shaping who advances, said Van der Walt.
“You’ve got to cut your teeth in the music industry,” said Moolman. “No matter who you are, where you come from, you have to cut your teeth. With that, [the Aandklas Battle of the Bands] is one of the places everybody should play.”
Seth Lekas (left), bassist for Blitz, and Johan Verdoes (right), Blitz’s guitarist and vocalist, perform at the Battle of the Bands semi-finals on 20 August. SMF News was in attendance. Verdoes said that he “feels good” about their band having advanced to the finals. PHOTO: Daniélle Schaafsma
“I don’t feel like you’re a band if you haven’t played at Aandklas,” said Van der Walt.
“There’s a reason it’s iconic,” said Tré Hadingham, the lead guitarist of Threeohfive, the 2024 winner of the Aandklas Battle of the Bands. “Battle of the Bands really brings the community together, and it’s a good way to showcase your talents, express yourself, and really put yourself out there.”
Albert Kotzé, bassist and backup vocalist for Threeohfive, said that winning Battle of the Bands in 2024 was “next-level” because, at that moment, people with a lot of experience seemed to acknowledge their hard work and talent.
“It’s kinda like they let us in the door [of the industry],” said Kotzé.
Alec Foster, drummer for Blitz, plays in the Battle of the Bands semi-finals at Aandklas on 20 August 2025, where the band secured a spot in the finals. SMF News was in attendance. PHOTO: Daniélle Schaafsma
‘Just create’
“We went to see live shows [at Aandklas] and always joked about how we wanted to make our debut on Aandklas’ legendary stage,” said Alec Foster, drummer of Blitz, which has recently secured a spot in the 2025 finals of Battle of the Bands. “When we saw the [Battle of the Bands] sign-ups, we knew that was our ‘way in’.”
According to Foster, the Aandklas Battle of the Bands does a lot for the local band scene, and they are grateful that it gives up-and-coming bands the chance to perform and receive constructive feedback.
“It’s more important than ever for people just to make art,” said Van der Walt. “Even if you’re not good, just create.”
Johan Verdoes (left), guitarist and vocalist for Blitz, and Seth Lekas (right), bassist for Blitz, play at the semi-finals of Battle of the Bands at Aandklas on 20 August. SMF News was in attendance. PHOTO: Daniélle Schaafsma