The lineup for Movin’ On’s Battle of the Bands 2013 has been confirmed! Below you will find a list of artists and bands who have been selected to perform Saturday, March 23rd in Alumni Hall. For those of you who don’t know, each year Movin’ On holds a Battle Of The Bands to select two local openers for their festival in the spring. This year, the winners will get the chance to open up for MGMT, Brand New, Gloriana, Big Boi, and Kids These Days. To be eligible, at least one band member must attend Penn State at any campus or grad school and then the Movin’ On CORE committee read through each application and picked the best twelve to battle it out. Check out the Facebook event here and make sure to click attending and support all twelve of these awesome bands: http://www.facebook.com/events/557890667574089/
The 2013 Movin’ On Battle Line Up Includes:
Chester Berks
Dr. Alan Grant
Pantomime Dame
The Wondershop Showdown
Jesse Baker Band
Automatic Habit
Flashback Forward
Keegan Tawa
Hybrid Sessions
Wide Eyes
LoveStain
Dark Tower
Congratulations to all the bands selected to perform at this year’s Movin’ On Battle Of The Bands! This is a huge honor, and we’re so excited to have you! For any State In The Real readers who may not have heard of these bands, below you can read about each one as well as get a taste of their music (if they have accessible links). Click the band names to go to the Facebook page!
Chester Berks (Rapper)
A soulful hip-hop artist from Reading, PA. He mixes hip-hop, soul, and good vibes. He is influenced by Mos Def, Blu, Kanye West, The Roots, Miles Davis, John Coltrane. Chester Berks has been writing and recording music for over a decade.
Dr. Alan Grant (Folk/Alternative)
A folk, alternative, electronica band. Influenced by Dr. Dog, The Avett Brothers, The Shins, and the Naked and Famous. They have a very unique, diverse sound and have played the bar scene in West Chester and Jersey Shore towns.
Pantomime Dame (Glam Rock/Punk)
A loud garage rock, glam rock, indie band influenced by David Bowie, Of Montreal, and The Strokes. Often described as “punk rock David Bowie”, they are described as unique but accessible. Following the semester, they will be going on a tour of the Northeast.
The Wondershop Showdown (Ska Band)
A 10-piece ska band of Penn State students that infuses elements of rock, funk, and alternative into their ever-evolving sound. They have performed at THON and many other shows, and have been featured on local radio shows. The band plans on releasing their first full length album, A Night at the Movies soon.
Jesse Baker Band (Alternative)
An alternative rock band influenced by Foo Fighters, Black Keys, and Switchfoot. They have performed throughout the region where they have earned a reputation as an authentic live rock band.
Automatic Habit (Pop Rock/Pop Punk/Alternative)
A five-piece pop-rock band based out of Philadelphia, where they have been taking the music scene by storm. The guys love to bring a lot of fun and band chemistry to the stage. Their influences include Fall Out Boy, Hit the Lights, Paramore, and many more.
Flashback Forward (Alternative)
A four piece rock band influenced by U2, Colpplay, John Mayer, and “everything that is the opposite of the sounds Nicki Minaj makes.” Often you can find them playing at local bars and venues.
Keegan Tawa (EDM)
Keegan is a live performance Electronic Musician. He produced original pieces with live performance elements such as saxophone, electronic saxophone, piano and vocals. He previously was a solo act but is intending on incorporating Myles Billard, a local rapper, and Annaliese Gaus, a local vocalist.
Hybrid Sessions (Alternative/Fussion)
A nice alternative rock band from Wilkes -Barre with a kickin’ horn section. They are influenced by The Dave Matthews Band, Incubus, Reel Big Fish, and The Mighty Mighty Bosstones.
Wide Eyes (Indie)
An indie/alternative duo influenced by Young the Giant, Imagine Dragons, the Killers, and Coldplay. Most recently, Wide Eye’s performed at Songwritiers’ Club Benefit Concert. They like to provide a new, unique sound to every audience they perform for.
LoveStain (Alternative)
An alternative rock band consisting of three seniors and one junior. They perform every Saturday night at the Brewery, and at other bars in town as well. They just recently finished up their first EP.
Dark Tower (Metal)
A five piece metal band from State College, including an award winning jazz drummer from State High. The band is influenced by Metallica, Slayer, Iron Maiden, and Megadeth. They are most known for turning non-metalheads into fans.