AN UNSIGNED Malvern rock band has been tipped for breakthrough success in the music scene after narrowly missing out on winning Firestone’s Battle of the Bands competition.
Nuns of the Tundra beat 300 other acts to get to the final three of the nationwide talent search, playing to an online audience of 50,000 people when the final was screened live on Firestone’s Facebook page.
The group was a runner-up to eventual winners Fire Fences – from Cardiff – with Ipswich hip-hop EL-Emcee artist also impressing.
The final, at the British and Irish Modern Music Institute (BIMM) in Birmingham on December 14, featured a five-strong judging panel from Orange, Professional Music Technology, BIMM, Arena Birmingham and Firestone, all of whom had the unenviable task of choosing the overall winner.
Troy Tittley (guitar and vocals), Arran Davies (guitar and vocals), Jim Smith (bass) and Melos Moody (drums) have been together for three years and hopes that their journey with Firestone will open some doors in the future.
Troy said: “Since being shortlisted as a ‘final six’ act the reaction has been incredible.
“We never know what people will say about us or what they think of our music, but the feedback has been really uplifting.
“To receive so many votes to get to the final and to then get this feedback from the judges has been great.
“It wasn’t easy agreeing on the two tracks to play at the final, but they complemented each other really well.
“One was a funky, psychedelic song and the other much heavier. They worked together really nicely.”
The band said that they will remember 2017 as something of a breakthrough year, capped off with the Battle of the Bands final – their last gig of the year.
“We achieved all of the goals we set ourselves 12 months ago,” added Troy.
“This time last year we were only really playing in pubs and hadn’t released any songs.
“Now we know what our fan base is, have recorded eight tracks and are performing at bigger venues.
“Our plan for next year is to get on the festival circuit and play at Nonstock, Green Man and even Leeds and Reading.”
Firestone’s brand manager Stuart Attfield said: “We have been so impressed with the quality of entries and the decision was an extremely difficult one to make.
“Each act offered something completely different and Nuns of the Tundra was a name on the tip of our tongues.
“It was a very close call. We hope they can keep playing and use this experience as a stepping stone.
“They certainly have the talent and natural ability to go on from this and make a name for themselves.
“The competition underlines why Firestone is so committed to music and promoting grassroots talent.”
To watch Nuns of the Tundra’s final performance again visit https://www.facebook.com/firestone.UK/.
