'Battle of the Bands' Grand Final 2015
Battle of the Bands has been a tradition for as long as I can remember, with many great bands and artists passing through the competition over the years.
Now, in 2015, the legend lives on and with the grand final just around the corner, we caught up with current host Jilly St John, who, herself is no stranger to the music scene as front woman of Wyldling, to talk about the current crop of acts and the legend that is ‘Battle of the Bands’.
How long has BOTB been running?
I’ve personally been involved with Battle Of The Bands for the last 4-5 years. When I first became involved it was ran by Les and The Bound For Boston, who unfortunately closed their doors earlier in 2014. It was Billy at Masons Bar who contacted me in order to continue the legacy.
Battle Of The Bands has been running for longer than I’ve been involved and has always been a go to starting point for new, local and young acts seeking experience, exposure and funding. Given that Derry/Londonderry has more talent per square metre than any other place in NI it is rightfully a part of the fabric here.
Have you seen a change of style in participants, and do you feel there has been a progression in the music scene since the Bound for Boston BOTB events?
In my opinion Derry has always been home to a diverse scene, it has it’s ebbs and flows in terms of popular genres much like anything. For example BOTB’s used to be predominately a metal scene, but I’ve watched it move through indie and this year in particular a VERY strong singer/songwriter interest, but never short of variety. The main noticeable progression for me is the standard. Since I began gigging in the city there were always very apparent stand outs. As each year has passed it’s becoming more and more difficult to pick out winners. The bar is always being raised. Which is obviously amazing to see!
How would you rate the standard of the current music scene within Derry at the minute?
For a time I personally felt it was quiet but this years competition has shown me that we are at the beginning of a very exciting time for local music. Considering how young some of our brightest talents are, the sky is the limit for Derry!
What is the standard of this years competition?
I think the standard is the biggest selling point of this years competition. I’m not sure if you’ve gotten that from me given how many times I’ve mentioned it in this short interview (laughs Jilly). Our Grand Finale is more like a gig or showcase than a competition. Our line up this year is comprised of BBC worthy performers such as Jessica Doherty and Hannah Richardson as Riot Upstairs, as well as musicians from Hofesh Schecter and last years winners Foreign Owl and much, much more. It really is a night not to be missed!!
What local well known bands/artists have been part of BOTB in the past?
Well we have working artist Susie Blue who is carving a name for herself in recent years touring Ireland and releasing to a captivated fanbase. I also believe SOAK has passed through prior to my involvement and she’s quickly becoming an international star! Follow My Lead are another huge one with tens of thousands of fans worldwide. We’ve also had Seneron, Proxist, Hybris, The Rays and sooo many more! I couldn’t name them all!
What is the overall prize for the winner?
This year instead of a winner takes all scenario we have two separate prizes for two categories.
First prize for Singer/Songwriter is £250 cash, and first prize for Bands is £300 cash.
The winners then have the option to up the value of their prize by exchanging £150 of their prize money for a full day in the fully new and improved Nerve Centre Studios to record, this part of the prize worth £500 plus, bearing in mind each winner will also receive a paid gig the next day as an opener to the much acclaimed Derry Jazz Festival. Meaning the overall prize worth in excess of £1500!! Generous I think.
>>This years finalist include: Singer/Songwriters, Megan McClean, Jessica Doherty & Eoghan Donegan with bands Riot Upstairs, Arctic Crescent & Ghost Origin. So, this Thursday, April 30th at Masons... it’s one for the diary!
