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Battle of the Bands is ready to rock

There was once a time when Dubai was a haven for the underground music fanatic. Almost every weekend, it seemed, offered a live concert in a questionable location - the underground car park of the old University of Wollongong or right in the middle of the Wonderland theme park, for example - featuring a plethora of young bands with amazing talent and high hopes.

Alas, those times are gone. With regulations now tighter than ever on who is allowed to play where, it has become increasingly difficult for young, unknown bands to gain any real recognition at the local level, never mind on the international stage. Indeed, a recent review of the local music market suggested that there are dozens of hugely talented musicians who aren't getting the recognition they deserve, simply because they aren't being given the chance to perform.

Happily, though, this isn't the death of the local music scene as we know it, and there are plenty of organisers around looking to give these musicians the break that they deserve. It is in this vein that the Strongbow Battle of the Bands 2012 has been set up. Taking place on July 3, at the Music Room in the Majestic Hotel, the event will see 10 of Dubai's best live bands take to the stage for the title of Strongbow Band of the Year, along with Dh10,000 in prize money and a day of studio time to lay down an original track.

Carolyn Moorhouse, brand manager for Strongbow, said, "By hosting this event, we’re giving fans the opportunity to listen to a broad range of performers in one venue, over one night, all the while allowing the bands to prove their mettle against their peers."
Aside from the large cash prize, no doubt the prospect of free, professional studio time will be one of the biggest reasons for the bands to go all-out. While many bands are able to record demos in their own homes for a relatively low price, it is still highly expensive for an unknown band to lay down a properly produced single.

The studio time will be provided by Dubai’s BKP Studios, and the studio manager, Matt Faddy, who has worked with musicians such as Annie Lennox, Sting and Iron Maiden, will be one of the judges for the event. He said, “Home grown talent relies on a strong fan base, as well as the opportunities to showcase their musical capabilities in building their profile and popularity.

"The UAE needs more events like Strongbow's Battle of the Bands if it is to develop a vibrant and professional music scene rather than continue to import international talent. There are a number of bands present in the UAE that have grown out of this young scene, but more should be done to encourage this borderless language."

Whether more will be done in the coming years remains to be seen, but there is no doubting that the upcoming Battle of the Bands is a step in the right direction, and a great opportunity for many of the bands performing to claim the spotlight. For anyone looking to head on down, the event starts at 8pm, and tickets cost Dh50.

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