Battle of the Bands at Civic Theatre calling for entries
By Mary Dennehy
TALLAGHT’s younger generation is being invited to enter a unique Battle of the Bands competition, which will culminate in a musical showcase in the Civic Theatre on February 3.
Organised by Jobstown lad James Lumumba, who is well-known across the community for his fundraising efforts, the Battle of the Bands competition is open to all musical acts, both groups and solo artists, under the age of 21 – who live in Dublin 24.
The competition, which strives to create a stage for local talent, was officially launched last week by Tallaght rock band Bipolar Empire and singer/songwriter, Luke Clerkin – who are supporting the search for Tallaght’s newest sound.
Interested acts are encouraged to send a demo into the competition, with an independent judging panel shortlisting ten acts to compete in The Civic theatre at the grand final on February 3.
To fill us in on the competition, which is now open, James took five to speak with The Echo.
You’re well known for your volunteering efforts across the community and have done a lot of fundraising events for a lot of different charities. How much do you reckon you’ve raised?
By the end of 2016 I will have raised around €100,000 for different charities and organisations over the years. However, it’s not about what is raised, it’s about giving hope and helping those in need and I have been lucky enough to meet people who want share this value, which is important to me.
Last year, you established Peacock Events, which is running the Battle of the Bands, tell us a little about this business?
I create team building events for corporate clients as well as Graphic Design. The CUBE team building is the event I have ran so far, I’m also looking to start running Casino Nights. Battle of the Bands is a competition that I feel young artists need and I can give them that opportunity while challenging them to get their name out there into the public arena and perform.
Why did you decide to organise a battle of the bands?
There is nothing like this in the Dublin 24 area, and I thought it would be an interesting way to highlight new, local and up-and-coming bands.
Who is it for?
The competition is for any new Tallaght bands between the ages of 15 and 21. It covers all genres and formats – and is open to bands and solo acts too.
What opportunities will it give to bands?
This competition has been created to give bands that have musical talent, and wish to express and promote that talent, a platform. It is also an opportunity for them to perform live in front of their family and friends on a bigger stage like the Civic Theatre.
Luke Clerkin and Bipolar Empire have helped to launch the competition; do you believe Tallaght has a strong tradition in music?
Tallaght has always be a hub of vibrant talented musical people and credit to Luke Clerkin and Bipolar Empire for offering their support to the night to make it a success.
How important do you believe it is to tap into that local talent and create a stage for young bands to perform on?
I believe there’s a lot of young, talented people in our area who are looking for ways to get on stage and I believe that an event like this will give them the opportunity to explore their talent even more and showcase what they’ve got.
There will be an independent judging panel, what will they be looking for?
The panel will consist of four judges and they’ll be looking for acts that could potentially become recording artists and also acts which are entertaining. To be an artist you have to be able to entertain and perform.
How do bands make it to the Civic?
After the deadline date, a judging panel will listen to all of the single demos received and shortlist ten acts to go forward to the final in the Civic Theatre on February 3 – which alongside being the final of the competition, will also be a great night of local music.
The Civic Theatre and Rua Red have supported the competition. Do you believe that we’re lucky here in Tallaght to have resources like these on our doorstep?
Absolutely we have these great places on our doorstep that are available to people of all ages and interests and living in local communities. I also think that the Battle of the Band will be a chance to show these awesome venues off to a wider audience.
How do people enter?
Each band which wishes to take part in the competition will be required to submit a single they have previously recorded. The demos will then be judged, and not all acts which submit an entry song will be guaranteed a slot in the main show. The registration fee for each band is only €25.
What if a band doesn’t have a demo?
If a band wants to enter but doesn’t have a recorded single but is serious about participating, they can contact me and I will organise a studio for them to record a song.
What does the winning act receive?
The winners will receive a Recording Studio Package which includes a day of recording their music in one of Dublin’s best recording studio. They’ll also get an exclusive band photoshoot, video and newspaper interview with The Echo Newspaper as well as a radio interview with FM104.
Alongside being a competition, do you think the final in the Civic Theatre will be a positive showcase of local talent?
Totally, it will be a great way to showcase new, local, talent in a great, local, venue.
When you were growing up what music were you into?
I always listened to all types of music depending on my mood, I can’t remember the first album I bought but I still think I have the cassette.
For further details call James on 087 4135537 or email jameslumumba@hotmail.com.
The closing date for all entries is December 25th 2016.
