Sky Sphere, who won the battle of the bands contest.
MUSICYOUNG Island band Sky Sphere are on cloud nine after they won a battle of the bands competition to perform on the same bill as their heroes, Toploader.
Newport combo Sky Sphere won the honour to join established Island rockers, The Operators, supporting Toploader, who will play at Coburgs bar on Union Street, Ryde, next Friday, January 27.
Sky Sphere beat off competition from 11 other hopefuls, who battled it out at Coburgs for the prestigious slot. The battle of the bands was staged over last Thursday and Friday.
The band, whose high-energy style is a cocktail of blues, indie and rock, comprise Alex Vanblaere (vocals and bass guitar), 19, Dom Corcoran (lead guitar and backing vocals), 19, and Andy Barker (drums), 20.
They all met while studying for their music degrees at Newport-based independent music college, Platform One, and became firm friends — composing a raft of their own songs within weeks of getting together.
In winning over the judges, the trio performed a set of six self-penned songs, which included Smoke, Rioters, Bats and Let It Go.
Andy said: "We are so chuffed — it’s amazing as we’ve only been together for a couple of months. I can’t believe we’re on the same bill as Toploader. I love their songs.
"We hope off the back of this success we will get a few festival slots and we will be recording an album soon."
The Operators will be performing songs from their new album, Old School House — Step 2, at the concert.
Reporter: jonm@iwcpmail.co.uk