Athlone has never been shy regarding the music scene, and that still hasn’t changed, but what has changed is the accessibility of it all.
Now it’s become easier to hear great local music in and around the town with the introduction of Band Battles, a competition created by Joseph Kerrigan. A local of Athlone, he hopes this is the first of many more competitions to come as he aims to help local up-and-coming acts get the chance to be noticed on the Irish music scene.
The gig will be held at the Genesis nightclub on February 11 and is open to any acts looking to showcase their sound, with the first prize being a lucrative weekend away at the Lakeland Studios to record with producer Mike O’Dowd, along with the second placed band being offered a paid gig in The Tack Room on the Dublin Road.
It certainly makes for an exciting night, made even more exciting with Heirs To Nothing headlining it. This Birr-based band of five, who have been nominated for a Meteor Award, face tough competition from the likes of JP13, who draw their influence from bands such as Misfits, Elvis and, Guns’N’Roses to name a few.
Judging the band will be Mark White and Ruth Kennington, both singer songwriters, with the latter appearing in the band The Zelots.
Other acts appearing on the night include TV After Midnight and The 48 Hour Project. Admission into the Genesis is free and starts at 9.30.pm
