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Muse Music to Host Battle of the Bands

November 6, 2007

BYU student bands will compete for cash and studio time at Muse Music's 13th semi-annual Battle of the Bands this week.

The battle, which began on Monday night and runs throughout the week, features four bands nightly. One band wins each night, then those winning bands go on to compete on Saturday.

The Elizabethan Report, including BYU students Tony Anderson and Spencer Fennell, won Monday night's battle and will return for the final round.

Muse Music owner Jake Haws, a BYU student majoring in advertising and sound recording, said he hopes this competition will expose some of the lesser-known bands in Provo.

"I tried to pick bands that I thought were really good but not necessarily as well-known," Haws said. "There are a lot of really amazing bands in Provo. I've been really impressed, so we want to highlight the bands that haven't had as much exposure."

Some of those bands include the Maple Grove and The Kid You Naughts, he said.

"We [have] 20 bands playing this time, and a couple are electronica style, some are acoustic rock and some are more experimental," Haws said. "They each kind of have their own flavor that they bring. There is a pretty good variety."

Audience members vote for the best out of the four featured bands by clapping and cheering. The top band of the night will be invited back to play for judges in the final battle.

Judges for the final event include Tyler Glen, a member of Neon Trees, a past battle-winning band and one of the owners of Provo Podcast, a show promoting local music.

"I tried to pick judges that are people who are really into the scene but don't really have any biases," Haws said.

Winners from each night will compete for a grand prize of $150 and 10 hours of studio time. Second and third place winners will also be awarded varying amounts of money and studio time.

"This started as a side project for all of us," said Joey Jackson, a Middle Eastern studies major at BYU and drummer for Less Yes. "But this show is an opportunity for us to strengthen our band bonds."

Doors open at 7:30 p.m., shows begin at 8 p.m. Admission is $5 each night, $8 for two days, or $10 for the week. Visit www.musemusiconline.com for more information.

Source: BYU NewsNet

http://newsnet.byu.edu/story.cfm/66169