Bands from Starkville and surrounding areas drew their axes and battled it out at the 2011 Battle of the Bands put on by Campus Activities Board and hosted by Rick’s Cafe. This year’s battle spanned Wednesday and Thursday nights, proving that local music is alive and well. From jam-band to hard rock, the groups fought to win Starkville’s ears, and for the opportunity to open for Robert Randolph and the Family Band headlining the Old Main Music Festival.
First act The Mooring Line set the bar high with its unique pirate rock sound, exciting performance and an unexpected shower of rose petals over the enthusiastic crowd. Squirlock Holmes used its funk and blues jamming talents to preserve the energetic atmosphere and lively guitar-driven rock group Ann Legend finished the night’s entertainment on a definite high note.
Local presence Poacher began the festivities with a spirited rock performance, which set the tone for the second night of the event. Poacher has been like a big brother band, helping and influential, to the next group on the lineup, The Jarheads. The Jarheads kept it exciting with its new punk sound and unyielding charisma. Ledet & The Bears had toes tapping during its jam session, and The Motions wrapped up the battle with a unique rock ‘n’ roll sound and memorable performance.
The bands were evaluated by four judges in the categories of stage presence, originality, crowd response and musicianship. President of CAB Lacey Johnson, SA President Thomas Sellers, Haley Alexander of Music Makers Productions and Jason Miller of Crossin Dixon certainly had a tough decision scoring each of the bands.
Apparently, the lineup saved the best for last as it was The Motions who reigned victorious. The Motions, indie rock ‘n’ rollers who sported black suits and ties, definitely had stage presence and got the crowd involved. The Motions is made up of Toby Hartleroad on guitar and vocals, Miles Jordan on bass and backup vocals, Harrison Bennett on guitar and keyboard, Max Hartleroad on drums and backup vocals and Miles Smith on guitar.
Toby Hartleroad said the battle greatly improved his hope for the Starkville music scene. Though the group practiced extensively and felt ready, they said they were still very surprised to win and are grateful for the honor. The Motions have played at the music festival South by Southwest, completed two tours and produced one record under Sam Jones of Hackberry Records in Tuscaloosa. The group is hoping to keep this momentum going and expand, especially with the help of opening at Old Main.
            The 2011 Battle of the Bands showcased some serious local talent and was a large step forward for growing Starkville music. Hopefully this is just one of many shows that will continue to embrace and support Starkville’s gifted musicians and performers.