A look into the competitors of tonight’s Battle of the Bands
San Luis Obispo’s very own Shabang Music Festival is right around the corner, and several local bands across the coast of California are hoping to get added to the lineup and play alongside headliners Men I Trust and Hippocampus. With so much talent across California college towns, Battle of the Bands is set for Thursday at 8 p.m. at the Fremont Theater.
Five bands from San Luis Obispo, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Berkeley and Santa Cruz have all been selected to compete in their own respective battles. The winner from each will win a slot in Shabang’s lineup in addition to $1,000.
The local artists from San Luis Obispo that have been selected are White Jagg, The Sandspits, Honeyboys, Couch Dog and Cate Armstrong. KCPR was lucky enough to sit down with each of the artists this week to hear their last words before the event.
In their own words, White Jagg is a psychedelic art-rock band with influences from postpunk and new wave. They are most excited to participate in a “big event for small bands.” For those planning on being at the show, they’d advise you to be “ready to be moved, to dance, and to have fun.” They recommend bringing earplugs.
The second SLO-grown band on the lineup is The Sandspits. They described their style of music as being a mix of “surf rock and indie rock with a bit of reggae.” They’re most excited to play at a venue like the Fremont and for the chance to share the bill with this year’s Shabang headliners.
The Honeyboys described their style as being “anything from jazz, to rock, to funk.” They’re looking forward to sharing the stage with the rest of the local bands. Most of all, they’re excited to “dance with you all” and are “thankful for everyone’s support.”
Couch Dog’s style of music could be described as “punchy surf rock,” but they prefer “not to box themselves in, as they do a little bit of everything.” They played Shabang last year and had a blast, and are stoked to get the opportunity to play there again.
Last but not least on the bill is Cate Armstrong, the only solo act on the lineup from SLO. She is “a singer-songwriter at heart but was born on rock and roll,” she said. She loves “meshing her meaningful lyrics in pop, rock and folk styles.” She is excited for her “months of hard work to come to fruition.”
The winner will be determined “via a mix of crowd vote and a judges panel,” according to the Fremont. Tickets and more information can be found here.
