Big things for VU band despite competition loss

Five-piece VU band Party On My Darling have a bright future in the music industry after representing Victoria in the national finals of the National Campus Band Comp at Northcote Social Club last night.

Vocalists Aidan Rolfe and Kate Beckwith, Jeremy Carew (guitar), Jeremy Xuereb (bass) and Jack Shiels (drums) put on an impressive set for the audience but lost to ACT band Moaning Lisa.

"It was such a privilege to get this far in the comp and have the opportunity to play at such an amazing venue", says Kate Beckwith.

"We've gained so much in the process.

"We are really thankful for all the support and to everyone who came out on Wednesday night."

“The scores were really close”, says competition organiser Shane Lawtey from Tertiary Access Group (TAG).

“It was great to see VU had such a strong local fan base.”

Bands were judged by three music industry professionals on the basis of their originality, musicianship, stage presentation, recording viability and audience response.

“I wish we could have given them all the top prize, because frankly, they were all that good”, says judge Karen Conrad from Karen Conrad Publicity.

"Party On My Darling impressed us with their unique band formation - two terrific lead singers! - their musicianship and original compositions, their sense of drama and their energetic, warm delivery.

“I’ll be watching out for these 24 hour party people and expecting big things to come.”

Bands who are interested in entering next year’s National Campus Band Competition can register their interest via [email protected] .

At least one member must be enrolled next year at VU.

Party On My Darling will next play Saturday 15 October at Bar Open as part of the Soul Cave Collective.