Big Gig: Battle of the Bands.

The battle lines have been drawn for the annual Battle Of The Bands competition, which will see musicians and artists from across Lincolnshire taking part in two months of fierce competition.

Almost 40 bands and artists will fight it out for a place in the final, taking place on Saturday, March 27.

This year, the acts are fighting to win a grand prize of £500.

Second place will receive two days’ recording and one day of mixing at Lincoln’s Brick Beat Studios, along with practice time at Playing Aloud studios.

Heat one takes place this weekend, at the Duke of Wellington in Lincoln, and features a line-up including Bootleg Sunday, Bruce Tality, Reasons For Rumours, An Ocean Apart, Lipz and Prisms.

“The calibre of the bands is higher than ever before,” says competition organiser Dawn Stephenson.

“The competition is great for the bands, and shows everyone in the local music scene working together. I’m really looking forward to it.”

An Ocean Apart are one of the bands hoping to move on to the next round of the competition this weekend.

Formed six months ago, An Ocean Apart have a hardcore-metal style, drawing on influences including Converge, Parkway Drive, Born Of Osiris, and Suicide Silence.

Three of the band’s members met at college, while another two members played together in a previous band. They decided to form An Ocean Apart after a fateful, drunken night and haven’t looked back since.

The band are currently recording a five-track EP and are preparing for a self-promoted tour to take place later in the year.

Three songs are currently available on their MySpace page, including The Heath Ledger Ho-Down and Princess Diana’s Minefield.

Drummer Pete Coppin says they are excited to be a part of the competition, which showcases the best of the local music scene.

“We’ve been in this Battle Of The Bands competition before and are very excited to be a part of it again,” said Pete.

“It always packs out and the judging has always been fair.

“There’ll be lots of people dancing and having a good time, and a great atmosphere.

“Anyone thinking about going along should expect lots of good, loud music – especially from us. We’re the only metal band in this heat.

“People should expect quite a loud atmosphere when we play.

“I’ve heard all of the bands we’re up against and they’re all really good. But I think we stand a good chance of going through to the semi-finals.”

In the summer, the band will join Silver Medal Massacre and Vision Armada on the JS Records Tour, which will see them return to the Duke Of Wellington on June 2.

For more information on the band, or to preview some of their songs, visit their website at www.myspace.com/

In the know.
where: The Duke of Wellington, Broadgate, Lincoln.
when: Heat one takes place on Saturday, from 7pm.
tickets: £3 on the door before 7.30pm with a valid student card, or £5 otherwise.
booking: On the door.