Astrovan Win 2024 Northern Composure Band Comp.
Councillor Miranda Korzy sent through this photo of Astrovan - who apparently took out the 2024 Northern Composure Band Competition on Saturday April 20.
Congratulations Astrovan!
Bands through to the Grand Final, held Saturday 20 April, 7pm, at PCYC Dee Why, were:
- Astrovan
- Bangalley
- Melaluka
- Overnight Lows
This year the grand finalists were supporting The Grogans as headline act - they're an Australian garage rock band from Melbourne. The trio consists of Quin Grunden, Angus Vasic and Jordan Lewis. Since forming in 2016, they have released four studio albums – most recently, Find Me A Cloud in 2023.
The highly anticipated and respected Northern Composure competition, now in its 21st year, offers 12–19-year-olds the rare chance of a live on-stage performance.
Congratulations to all 4 finalists, Astrovan, Bangalley, Melaluka and Overnight Lows, reaching the grand final after showing their skills to the 4 judges through online heats and semi-finals.
The judges selected the winning band through 5 criteria: musicianship, originality, stage presence, youth audience appeal and overall conduct.
Mayor Sue Heins said the calibre of performers in this year’s competition was impressive.
“We are proud to again showcase some incredibly talented musicians and help be a stepping stone to a potential career in the music industry.
“Forming the centrepiece of Youth Week, Council has supported Northern Composure unearth many success stories such as Dear Seattle, The Rions and Lime Cordiale,” said Mayor Heins.
The winning band took home $1,000 cash from Northern Beaches Council and a marketing and publicity package from Perfect Pitch valued at $1,100. Mall Music and BOSS provided a consultation with Rowland Product Specialist and a $400 retail Rowland equipment voucher.
The band also walks away with a full music production package from Jaminajar where they will record a single with renowned music producer Paul Najar at the Jaminajar studios with stereo and Dolby Atmos mixes.
Northern Composure Band Competition is proudly produced by Northern Beaches Council and generously supported by major sponsor Perfect Pitch and event partners – Jaminajar, Rocksalt Sound, Mall Music and Roland.
Platinum: Astrovan
Gold: Bangalley
Bronze: Melaluka
Emerging Artist: Overnight Lows
Astrovan released a new single called 'Whats Wrong With Olivia' in February. Their bio info states they're inspired by the best of Indie rock from the 2000’s and are a Mosman high school formed band a few years back. Cr. Korzy said they were spot on and incredibly tight live. The boys are focussed on composition and song writing - the bedrock of all great music.
Bangalley, named after a local Avalon/Whale Beach headland that itself was named for a tree, released 'For Molly' on March 17. Their Triple your Yays bio reads;- 'Indie Surf-Rock band, Bangalley, is comprised of 4 close mates that found their passion for crafting smooth, psychedelic, reggae tunes through their collective music taste. Inspired by their environments, experiences and each other; they look to reach their potential and create a strong relationship with their fans, one song at a time
Melaluka also have a brand new song out 'Already Done'; which is FULL ON!! and has a huge metal base. They too are a beaches outfit that play tight, fast and LOUD! REALLY LOUD!!!
The Overnight Lows are another local band, a trio and have a diverse music taste with influences from various genres including but not limited to Punk, Rock, Hip-Hop and Metal and are having a go in Unearthed High 2024. They are high energy outfit who ran 'Blanked Out' for the online voting part of the 2024 Band Comp - don't be fooled by the slow whimsical start to this piece, the lullaby soon turns into jump aroundness....
This year’s four finalists competed in an online heat, live semi finals shows and then the grand final, performing in front of a panel of industry experts and opening for this year’s headliner.
Competing bands were judged on five categories at the semi-finals and final:
- Musicianship – Technical ability for singers and musicians
- Originality – Even when playing covers, have you put your own brand into the song
- Stage Presence – How you interact with your audience and each other
- Youth Audience Appeal – Do you appeal to a wide audience of 12-24 year olds
- Overall Conduct – How you conduct yourselves as individuals and as a band
Congratulations Astrovan, Bangalley, Melaluka, Overnight Lows and ALL who had a go in this year's band comp - great stuff.