Humber Battle of the Bands- as published March 8, 2007 in the Humber EtCetera

By Valerie Maloney

The finale of the battle of the bands is this Tuesday at CAPS, showcasing six of the finest bands that Humber College has to offer.

There have been bands competing monthly since September for a spot in the final show. The band that wins they go home with $750 and a chance to play again at the regional competition, said Rishi Gupta, programming coordinator for the Humber Students’ Federation.

“It’s a great opportunity for them,” said Gupta “for bands that practice in their garages or basements it gives them an audience and a chance to get exposure.”

The band that wins at the regional level goes on to play at the Organization of Campus Activities Conference in Niagara Falls, Ont., this summer. A chance to play for student governments from across Canada and music agents who will be in attendance, said Gupta.

The last band to be added to the finale roster is Subconscious Mind, which won the competition at Lakeshore’s campus pm Feb. 26.

All bands entered in the battle must have one full-time Humber student, and for Subconscious Mind that is Eddie Ruiter, 19, studying in the bachelor of contemporary music program.

“It was the toughest decision yet,” Gupta said of deciding the winner in the last competition. “I am proud of Subconscious Mind though, I thought they deserved to win.”

Ruiter said he was surprised and caught off guard when he learned his band had won.

“We didn’t expect to win,” he said “we just wanted to play.”

The finale is at 9 p.m. Tuesday, from North campus the bands competing are The Drop Dead Pin-ups, Avenue Road, Lacerda, and Jack D and the Non-Alcoholics. From Lakeshore it is The Knockouts and Subconscious Mind.

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