Emi Gardner
– Staff Writer –
On Friday evening, April 30, the STLCC- Meramec Student Activities Council welcomed 10 local bands to the campus for the annual Battle of the Bands competition.
STLCC students, as well as members of the community, were encouraged to attend the event, enjoy live music, ranging from acoustic folk rock to heavy metal and cast votes for their three favorite performers.
The bands that competed for the title were The Traveling Agency, Save the Penguins, Axis Denied, Remnants of Gabriel, BLT, Sicfaist, Surtsey, Tioliet Water, Sack Lunch and Hourglass Instance.
An official tally midway through the second round of ten-minute performances dubbed BLT victorious, Axis Denied, second, and returning champions, Save the Penguins, third.
First, second, and third place winners were then awarded $700, $500, and $300 prizes, respectively.
Regardless of each ensemble’s preparation or lack there of, most musicians said they felt confident after their first set of songs and judged their effectiveness by the audience’s response.
Surtsey’s lead singer, guitarist, and harmonica player, Joseph Bassa said that in order to connect with the fans, the band has to consider their behavior and conduct.
“You have to pay attention to the crowd’s reaction to make some kind of connection, so it goes over better. It was cool tonight. I think their reaction was all right,” Bassa said.
BLT enjoyed their win and $700 earnings by treating themselves to pizza and dreams of Disney World.
Surtsey’s Joseph Bassa said, “I’m happy where we are right now.” Even without recognition or monetary reward, each band said they found reason to celebrate.
