Fryer wins Battle of the Bands

Published on 30 August 2023

Mount Alexander Shire Council is excited to announce the winner of Battle of the Bands 2023, Fryer.

More than 200 people attended Battle of the Bands last Friday night at Castlemaine’s Theatre Royal to watch 6 young bands and solo artists battle it out for winning title.

Punk rock band Fryer won the $500 first prize, and their performance had everyone in the theatre up and dancing.

Battle of the Bands gives young musicians aged 12-21 an opportunity to perform in a supportive and safe environment.

Tom Barker, a member of Fryer, has wanted to win Battle of the Bands since his first one.

“It’s awesome to have won as part of such a great group,” said Tom, “especially as it was our first time competing.”

“The highlight of the night was the crowd – it was electric!”

“At our first note the crowd was right there with us and it hung on till the end of the set. So much love and energy.”

“Battle of the bands is such a great thing to do – such a supportive space to play. Get with some mates and play your heart out.”

Congratulations to the winners of Battle of the Bands 2023:

First prize: Fryer
Second prize: Lenses
Third prize: Iodine

Council would like to thank Theatre Royal and their staff for supporting the event, Sound Technician Daniel Rogers, and Judges Fionn Kennedy, Tom Foster, Brodie Rogers and Nic Tadpole.

The competition was organised by Council’s FReeZA Committee, Eight Metre Speaker. FReeZA is a Victorian Government funded program that supports music and cultural events run by, and for, young people aged 12-25 years. All events are fully supervised, accessible, and alcohol, drug and smoke free.