City of Bath College students rocked their way to success by winning a live battle of the bands competition.
The five-piece band called ‘With What Remains’ impressed judges such as Ultravox front man and Live Aid co-founder Midge Ure in Bath’s Rock the House competition.
The next stage of the Parliamentary competition, which aims to support unsigned up-and-coming musicians, will see ‘With What Remains’ going head-to-head with hundreds of bands in the national final on the Terrace of the House of Commons.
Bath MP Don Foster, who organised the event and was one of the judges, praised the student band for their energetic performance of ‘melodic post hardcore metal.’
Mr Foster described the band as “absolutely fantastic” and said he expected them to “blow away the cobwebs” at the House of Commons.
‘With What Remains’ is made up of Cian Langelaan, James North, Jack Camp, Jay Cook and Lucas Hiley. The band only got together in January, but has already released its debut EP called Burn.
Cian said: “It was really fun to perform in the competition, we really enjoyed ourselves.
“We entered at the last minute, more for experience than anything else, we didn’t expect to win.
“We still can’t believe it, we were absolutely astounded when we heard our name. Now we have to get ready for the national competition, it’s a big deal for us.”
Before performing the music students told the crowd of about 50 at City of Bath College’s MAPA (Music And Performing Arts) Theatre they were thankful the College course had “brought them together” and they praised their lecturers for giving them “plenty of helpful input.”
City of Bath College was also represented on stage at Rock The House by ‘Too Much Lipstick’ performing in the Under 19 band category.
The five-piece band, who all wore matching red checked shirts, describe themselves as an acoustic band offering something a little different. Ben Norris, Pete Mooney, Joe Sgroi, Louis Regler and Taylor Irvin formed in September last year and are already well-known on Bath’s gigging circuit.
The judges said it was a “thoroughly enjoyable” and “very vibey” performance and also praised them for engaging with the crowd and encouraging the audience to join in.
The compere for the night was former College music student and singer-songwriter Georgie Vale.
As well as ‘With What Remains’ winning Bath’s Best Band, three-piece girl band ‘Stevie Jo-Dooley’ won Bath’s Best Under-19 Band category and former soldier Xander Rawlins was named Bath’s Best Soloist. The award for Bath’s Best Small Venue went to joint winners The Bell and Moles.
The third judge on the panel was Ali Smith, CEO of Superact, who gave the winners additional prizes including festival tickets, mentoring and gig opportunities.
Mr Foster said he was fully aware of the important role live music plays in Bath calling the city “a hotbed of musical talent.”
He said: “Great live music has long been a feature of Bath life. We need to do what we can to support live music and up and coming groups.”
Clive Stocker, Curriculum Co-ordinator for Music Performance at City of Bath College, said he was pleased with the ‘With What Remains’ win.
He said: “The standard of the competition was very high indeed and the level of musicianship was professional across the board.
“Midge Ure, Ali Smith and Don Foster gave brilliant industry advice and the experience was valuable for everyone involved. We wish all the bands luck with the next national stage of the competition and look forward to holding the Rock the House competition heats next year for Bath.”
