Brennan’s Pub became unrecognizable as groups of music-loving students crowded into the makeshift concert venue to support the candidates for this year’s Battle of the Bands.
The competition can be fierce, as the winner of the final battle plays the opening set at SpringFest, an annual outdoor concert organized by the UVM Program Board. Previous headliners include Remi Wolf, MGMT, Peach Pit and Playboy Carti.
While the coveted SpringFest slot is a driving force behind many bands’ desire to enter, others have personal goals attached to their participation. The members of the alternative rock band Hissy Fit shared their reasons for participating in the UVM tradition.
“I think we saw it as a challenge in a way, to write some original music, get our words out there, get our own ideas out there. And we’re all graduating too, so it’s perfect timing,” said senior member Ashna Hille.
Members of the band Swampy Tonk emphasized their larger goal of bringing a new country sound to the UVM music scene.
“Even if it isn’t what first comes to mind when you think of Burlington music, I hope that we not only can do justice to the genre but also make some swingin’ sounds that, fans or not, anybody can enjoy,” said the band’s sophomore vocalist, Jonny Hugh.
Hugh, like many other performers, emphasized the sense of camaraderie and collaboration fostered by the event.
“[Battle of the Bands is] a chance to show off what we’ve been working on for the past year or so with a bunch of other bands. [It] really shows how much talent we have going for us here at UVM,” he said.
Though only four bands made it through to the finals, many groups remarked on the exposure that participating in the competition can bring.
Mister Jane frontman, senior Quinn Hogan, humbly downplayed the new band’s growing following.
“Oh, we got two new Instagram followers already,” he said.
Following preliminary rounds, the four finalists were announced as Neato, Skrom, Soundhound and Swampy Tonk.
The competition has allowed bands to showcase their creativity, style and individual persona, such as Skrom. Their audience interaction has also allowed them to develop their stage presence.
“We play in three different tunings. And it takes time on stage. Just silence kills the energy. So, like, we need something to fill [the spot]. It’s also just fun to engage with the audience like that,” said vocalist Tate Hod.
After votes from the final round were tallied, Skrom was announced as the winner of this year’s Battle of the Bands competition.
As with many student bands, Skrom prefers not to limit their music to any specific genre.
“We’re not a rock band,” said junior bass player Evan Solnik.
The non-rock band used their sets to showcase their original songs, including “Back of My Head” and “Trust.”
Skrom will be opening SpringFest 2025 for headliner A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, whose performance will include fellow artist CupcakKe. SpringFest will take place on Saturday, April 26, on Fleming Green.
