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Teens from across the island are preparing to rock out this weekend in a fierce battle to be crowned Jersey's top band. From an all-girl "dad rock" group to an Ozzy Osbourne-inspired troupe, Express got the lowdown on those taking to the stage...
After a successful inaugural event last year, and with almost double the acts, the Jersey Music Association's under-18s Battle of the Bands is returning to the Watersplash this Saturday 13 July between 13:00 and 18:00.
The free event was established by Jess Donoghue in 2023 to provide a platform for up and coming young music talent, and some have gone on to perform at large Jersey events and venues.
Last year's winners, prog-rock metal group 'Jim's House' were lucky enough to get a slot at Weekender 2023's 'Made in Jersey' stage, and have also performed at Chambers as well as The Blue Note.
Like in 2023, shortlisted bands this year will receive a ‘Youth Band Starter Kit’, including free photography, videography, and rehearsal space.
Pictured: Lennon, Caleb, Charlie and Millie make up Aardvark.
Aardvark say their musical inspirations come from a range of places, but family were certainly a strong influence.
Drummer Lennon credits the Arctic Monkeys and his musician father. Bassist Charlie says his dad was also an influence, having introduced him to Paul Simon, Geezer Butler and Cliff Burton. The band's guitarist, Caleb, was inspired by his uncle, Tom Morello and Dave Mustaine, while lead singer Millie got the bug from her grandad, local singing teacher Hannah Campbell, and Hozier.
Ellie-Mai, Ben, Delilah, Ollie, Oliver make up the band, whose musical influences are connected to.... musicals.
In fact, the band features the 'Elle' duo from Jersey Youth Arts' production of 'Legally Blonde'.
Pretty in Pink dub the type of music they play and their influences as "white girl music".
Jeans on the Floor describe themselves as an all-girl "dad rock" or "indie rock" band influenced by Gorillaz, The Fratellis, and The Arctic Monkeys.
Since performing at BOTB 2023, they've been building a name for themselves in the local scene gigging at The Blue Note, The Jersey Corn Riots Festival 2023, and opening-up the Weekender Made In Jersey stage.
Milo, Alex, Louis and Finn make up Kilroy.
Featuring a brother duo, KILROY are a rock band influenced by the Foo Fighters, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Deftones, and Title Fight.
Pictured: TAB (Isla, Aspen, Winnie, Molly and Rosie)
TAB are a girl-band who perform 90s alternative rock, along with other genres.
In the past, they’ve covered music from bands like Mansun, Longpigs, The Pixies, Elastica and Hole.
They all have their own musical influences, but when it comes to original music, mainly take inspiration from The Llama Farmers, Mansun and King Adora.
Nenja are a rock band of schoolmates from Le Roquier, and their influences include Green Day, Radiohead, and Oasis.
Pictured: Laura, Filip, Isabella, Rafaela and Daniela.
Heartbeatz are a pop-rock band featuring a brother-sister duo and members of last year's entrant 'Out of the Shadows'.
Erin, Joshua and Thomas make up this rock band.
The group say they owe their musical style to Fleetwood Mac, Royal Blood, Muse, Green Day and the Foo Fighters.
Chloe, Ruby, Ollie and Ashton make up Midnight Fusion, which only formed this year.
They play a variety of musical styles, but mainly rock. The band members have an array of influences including the Arctic Monkeys, Foo Fighters, Aerosmith and Ozzy Osbourne.
Pictured: Fin, Senan, Ethan, Jake, Hannah and Owen of The Salute.
The Salute formed through school and play a mixture of crowd pleasers and indie songs.
Winners of the ‘Stage Presence’ award at BOTB 2023, they aim to get some feet tapping.
This year, the JMA has teamed up with Rat City Promo to continue the event into the evening with an under-18s afterparty (ages 14-18) from 19:00 until 23:00.
They will be treated to performances from acid-jazz/funk band Dodgy Jammers, as well as Jersey's indie-rockers Intermission, and Guernsey pop-punk band Bloomfield.
Organisers said they would like to thank local supporters, Island Music, Music Managed, Lab-6, Madhatter, Youth Arts Jersey and Creative Island Partnership for enabling the event to grow.
Tickets for the under-18s after-party cost £5 and can be purchased online HERE or on the door. The ticket price includes unlimited soft drinks.
You can find out more about this year's under-18s Battle of the Bands HERE.
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