Hit artists easily find their way onto the radio and on stage time and time again, but even the hits have to start somewhere.  With Southeastern’s KSLU 90.9 FM radio hosting a Battle of the Bands, local Hammond groups will receive the shot at getting their music out to the public.
“Support local music. Battle of the Bands allows local artists to display their hard work while providing a fun atmosphere for students to come together on a Thursday night and maybe find some new music,” said Monique Gregoire, underwriting/development representative for KSLU.  “With a mix of rock, blues, indie alternative, pop and punk, it is sure to be a great mix of genres.”
The live Battle of the Bands concert will be Thursday, Sept. 5 at Augustine’s in Downtown Hammond.  The doors will open at 8 p.m., and the concert will start at 9 p.m.
KSLU began accepting applications for the Battle of the Bands in July.  Bands submitted two original songs to be played at a listening party on August 15.
The listening party was based purely on skill alone.  KSLU staff from a range of ages joined together to listen to music without knowing anything about the band.  From there they picked five bands to play at Augustine’s.
After careful selection, the five bands chosen by the staff to compete are Will Vance and the Kin Folk, Firefox, Better By Design, Chet the Swan and Matt Young featuring Band Camp.
“I believe that Hammond has a great local music scene that should be embraced,” said Gregoire. “Most music lovers enjoy finding local bands that they can catch from time to time for a small cover charge.”
The concert will cost a five-dollar cover charge at the door.  
As Gregoire reminds us, though, “Five dollars for five bands is a great deal.”
“KSLU is not just a radio station that you turn on. We are in the community and on campus. We wanted to reach out and remind listeners that we are your radio station,” said Gregoire.  “KSLU is known for breaking new and original music before it hits commercial radio. We hope that this will be a way to launch local music in the Hammond area, provide an event that students look forward to each year.”
Randy Malbrough, who hosts Local Static on KSLU, will host the event.  Local Static highlights rising local bands and airs on Tuesdays at 7 p.m.  Tune in for an early taste of the Battle of Bands.