Battle of the Bands

Battle of the Bands Poster

For the past two months, Sheffield’s unsigned young bands and artists have been working hard to compose and record a song about HIV and AIDS which could win them a gig at Sheffield O2 Academy on World Aids Day.

The shortlisted finalists performed at The Harley on Saturday 21st November to battle for a coveted support spot at the WADstock gig on World Aids Day, Tuesday 1st December.

The five finalists AFS, Flares From Far Away, Living For Today, MAX and Patrick Lord took to the stage to perform three songs each, one of which was their specially composed World Aids Day track.

The tremendous effort made by all the finalists was clear to see and the judges had a very tough decision to make when it came to picking a winner.

The competition was judged by Iain Hodgson (host of BBC Radio Sheffield’s Raw Talent show), David Dunn (Sheffield Star music reporter) and John K and Jono How from local band The Violet May.

After some serious deliberation, the judges unanimously crowned Flares From Far Away as champions for their stripped back acoustic indie and beautiful harmonies.

John K from The Violet May was so impressed by their efforts that he offered to record a free demo at his studio for the aspiring artists to help them on their way to stardom.

Thank you to everyone who took part in the competition and supported the World Aids Day battle of the bands!

All the entrants used the video below to get their inspiration:

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  • Click here to view the special Battle of the Bands video
  • Click here to download the special Battle of the Bands video (FLV Format 9mb)
  • Click here to download the special Battle of the Bands video (WMV Format 8mb)

If you have any questions about the competition please contact Katie Steels at diva creative, the event organisers, on 0114 221 0378 or email katie@divacreative.com.

Competition Rules:

  • Entries must be submitted by CD/DVD and posted to: diva creative ltd, Workstation, 15 Paternoster Row, Sheffield, S1 2BX.
  • All entrants must be open to publicity and photography.
  • All entrants must be available to attend the World AIDS Day gig on December 1st if selected.
  • Entrants under 16 years of age will need to provide guardian consent at the time of submitting their entry
  • All submitted entries must be received by 6th November 2009.
  • The shortlisted finalists will be selected by a panel of judges and notified by 9th November 2009.
  • Information provided by the winner may be used for publicity purposes. Entrants’ details will not be passed on to any third party.
  • Relatives of the organisers are NOT allowed to enter the competition.
  • diva creative ltd and Centre for HIV and Sexual Health will not be liable for any damage, loss or injury suffered by any person taking part in the competition.
  • Entries, which are rude, abusive or deemed otherwise unsuitable will be excluded from the competition.
  • We will keep personal details for a reasonable time in order to send any prizes, verify competition rules have been complied with, and accounting purposes.
  • Entry to the competition implies acceptance of the above competition rules.