Last Thursday, on a beautiful spring-like day, hundreds of students flooded the outside of the sophomore residential building, Nagel Hall, for DUPB’s annual Battle of the Bands.
The event started at 5 p.m., and for three and a half hours, students were serenaded with all kinds of music. During the event, hosted by the DU Programming Board (DUPB), nine bands competed for the opportunity to open at DU’s MusicFest. The winner was determined by voters who attended the concert.
DUPB Co-Chair of Mainstage Events Grace Hudson organized the event for this year. They began planning in January, preparing contracts with food vendors, discussing logistics with DU’s radio station KXDU and calling for performers in December through a ‘first come first serve’ sign up.
The event was immediately popular, with over two hundred students checked in during the first hour. These students got to watch the opening band, Rose Cold.
Created in November 2023, Rose Cold performed for their second time at Battle of the Bands. While they did not take home any accolades, their folk-rock songs set a fun tone for the rest of the night.
While every band brought a new energy and an impressive performance, three bands stood out to voters the most.
2% a band created during the beginning of the winter quarter, took third place. This was their first time competing and performing in any live show.
“We all love playing music and performing and thought Battle of the Bands would be a good way to get our name out there. We are excited to have a performance under our belt so we can keep competing,” said Lead Singer Julianna Crowely.
Musician and Songwriter Talitha won second place. Her performance shifted the energy of the event to a calmer, more intimate mood. Her beautiful voice resonated with a majority of the listeners.
First place was taken by As of Today. This was their first time competing in the Battle of the Bands. After watching the 2024 Battle of the Bands and seeing the winners Judith Hindle open for MusicFest, they thought that was an impressive opportunity, which inspired them to compete.
Lead Singers and Songwriters Macie Fogel and Larissa Olson felt empowered by the energy the audience brought.
“It really helps when people bring the energy and our friends are up there mouthing the words and singing along,” said Fogel.
Drummer Maanasi Gowda of the indie band The Valley Men, another performer at Battle of the Bands, said “All these bands are amazing, and it’s really fun to listen to them. It feels less competitive and more like one big band hangout.”
While the date for MusicFest has yet to be announced, it will be exciting to see As of Today return to their element of performing.
