By ANEEKA SIMONIS
THE hype is building for the Yarra Ranges FReeZA Push Start Battle of the Bands grand final on Friday 29 August.
The regional music competition showcases the elite talents of five different bands that have nailed preliminary heats in the lead-up to the final at Mooroolbark Community Centre.
The Bean Project from Upwey, a band which describes itself as having an acoustic, brass groove is one of five music groups due to take the stage.
Ben Langdon, 19, guitarist and singer/songwriter said he and fellow band member Brice Turcato, 21, were excited to go head on for the regional finals held later in the year.
“We are super-keen to play. We mostly play around Olinda and Belgrave, so we are working our way up.
“I find that playing when we play regionally, people are more excited and keen to listen because it’s less saturated,” Ben said.
Despite only forming six months ago, the Upwey duo has already made waves with their music after taking out the Upper Yarra Arts Centre competition earlier this month.
Ben said the Battle of the Bands competition prize, a full production recording session for a demo or EP would help get their music out to audiences.
“We have around 15 original songs but haven’t formally recorded anything. It would be beneficial to be able to start recording the songs we are proud of and as of yet haven’t made it to people’s ears,” Ben said.
The Bean Project will face other local contenders including Small Talk from Ferntree Gully, Valerie Avenue and Calloused Fingertips from Mooroolbark, Balter Vada from Bayswater and Waiting For Pat from the Basin.
Pop punk favourites Forever Ends Here will headline the Yarra Ranges final which invites people of all ages to enjoy in the musical talent of the local area. Tickets are $15 on the door.
For information, visit http://www.freeza.vic.gov.au/.
