Local bands will battle for $10,000+ in prizes

As many as 50 bands may head to South Padre Island in the coming weeks to battle for more than $10,000 of prizes.

The opening shots will be fired this weekend. Mooncusser’s will become a battle ground as the first groups wage war. The second throw downs will be held the following weekend, with a third round to follow the weekend after that. All shows will be hosted by Mooncusser’s.

On the weekend of Aug. 1, the bands left standing will compete for first prize, which includes $2,500 cash and an incredible opportunity. The winning band will receive a full album produced by a professional and studio time valued at $9,000.

Anyone can attend and even influence the outcome. Bands will advance based on audience written ballot. The band who gets the most votes advances. The final round will be judge half by the audience and half by a panel of judges.

The fighting begins Friday, July 17, at Mooncusser’s. Entrance costs $5.

MOONCUSSERS' BATTLE OF THE BANDS

WHEN: Friday, July 17 and Saturday, July 18
WHERE: Mooncusser’s, 205 W. Palm St., South Padre Island
COST: $5

THE WARRIORS SO FAR

Love is Stronger than Death
FROM: McAllen
GENRE: Melodic indie rock
FOR FANS OF: The Cure, The Smiths, Joy Division
CHANCES OF WINNING: Could be a surprise winner. Their MySpace music sounds really good. If that translates well live, they should have a shot.

Immortal Guardian
FROM: Harlingen
GENRE: Metal/progressive rock
FOR FANS OF: Judas Priest and Motorhead
CHANCES OF WINNING: It depends on the crowd that shows up. If enough metal heads come, they could pull it off. They have searing riffs.

Fed of Me
FROM: Mission
GENRE: Metal/hardcore
FOR FANS OF: Primus and Meshuggah
CHANCES OF WINNING: Again, depends on the crowd. This group’s music isn’t exactly accessible. Then again, if enough hardcore kids come out, they could win in a landslide.

My Sky Your City
FROM: McAllen
GENRE: Electro/screamo
FOR FANS OF: Attack Attack and Genghis Tron
CHANCES OF WINNING: If they go all out on their live show, they have a pretty good chance. The blending of screamo and electronic music might win over an indecisive crowd.

Driver 23
FROM: McAllen
GENRE: Metal and hard rock
FOR FANS OF: Judas Priest and Motorhead
CHANCES OF WINNING: Of all the metal bands announced for the first weekend, Driver 23 could be the most veteran and polished. If a metal crowd comes, they could take it.

More bands to come! See next week’s Festiva for updates on the line up.

WANT TO COMPETE?
Mooncusser’s is still searching for guitar gladiators for the later rounds. Interested? There is $2,500 hanging in the balance.

BAND REGESTRATION: $50
DEADLINE: Wednesday, July 22
WHO: Any aspiring original band
HOW: Send a demo or even a basic recording to Mooncusser’s or e-mail alex@mooncusserspi.com.
CALL: Alex (956) 371-7817

Zack Quaintance covers local music for Festiva. You can reach him at (956) 683-4447 or zquaintance@themonitor.com.