The winner of Battle of the Bands, which took place Sept. 13 and was sponsored by Music Maker Productions, is Bedon, University of Mississippi-based artist. 
Bedon will open at Bulldog Bash Sept. 28 for the headliner, The All-American Rejects. Both bands have great musical talent and an alternative style, which will make for a great show. This free, all-day event is sure to entertain many different backgrounds, and will be a great kickoff for an MSU football weekend.
Battle of the Bands consisted of four talents and three judges critiquing their musical ability, band chemistry and audience involvement. The artists included performers from Nashville and Memphis, Tennessee, Starkville and Oxford, Mississippi. Despite the varying ages of the band members, all of the bands had great potential and performed exceptionally well. The winner, Bedon, is a solo artist currently attending the University of Mississippi.
Bedon, the lead singer of Bedon, said he has worked on a solo project for two years. He released a single titled “Untitled” that is scheduled to be released on Spotify Sept. 14. 
“This is a dream come true to be able to perform unique, Motown-inspired music that gives the audience good vibes all around,” Bedon said.
The band he performed with played together very nicely, even though it was their first show performing together. The band includes the lead singer Bedon, and instrumental work from a bass guitar, guitar, drum, trumpet, trombone and saxophone. 
The band will perform not only original singles, but will also bring the house down with some alternative style covers like they did at Battle of the Bands.
“We will have a new set lined up for Bulldog Bash, and I hope we have longer slot,” said Bedon.
Garrett Caver, a Battle of the Bands judge and bass guitarist for Hood Baby and the Barnacles, said the judges came to the conclusion of picking Bedon due to their stage presence as a band.
“The band as a whole commanded the room, and the horn section commanded the stage,” Caver said.
Some factors the judges took into consideration while choosing the winner were musical chemistry between band members, and how the band connects with the audience. Bedon successfully fulfilled both requirements, making them the best candidate to open for Bulldog Bash.
Abbie Pruett, a junior at Mississippi State University and audience member at Battle of the Bands, said she and her friends were not surprised by Bedon winning, since they had the best performance overall.
“They put on a fantastic show and had the entire crowd smiling,” Pruett.
Pruett and many others who attended Battle of the Bands will be at Bulldog Bash to see yet another intriguing performance by Bedon and crew.
“I was excited to see a horn section be brought on stage, but once Bedon started to perform, I was hooked and knew they were obviously going to win,” Pruett said.