While the 15th of August is conventionally associated with
Independence Day and all that conventionally comes with it, Keith Fernandes and
his venture Slipdisc Advertising
and Events will once again present the Battle Series of events, a head
to head platform for musicians, DJs, singers and dancers.
Pointing out the aim of the event, Keith says, “We (Slipdisc) have
always been associated with the youth of Goa. We have strived to organise
events that bring the youth together and showcase their talents and skills on a
wider platform. That is why we started The Battle of the Bands in 2002 – a contest
to determine the best rock band in Goa.”
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The first ever Battle
was an instantaneous success. As people came out in ever increasing numbers to
celebrate their music, the event grew and is now a benchmark for Goan rock performances.
From 2003 to 2006, bands emerged from Goa, Pune, Bangalore and Mumbai, all
vying for the title. Within a few years, an ever growing wave of DJs and dancers
emerging in Goa led the organisers to open up two more categories – The Battle
of the DJs and The Battle of the Dancefloor.
This facilitated Fernandes to host one single event where the performers,
right from bands to singers, DJs or dancers, could be in their element under
one roof. This was done with a view that the performers would be able to be as
edgy and as creative as they wanted to be. Eventually, a decision was taken to
also add The Battle of the Stars to the mix, in order to encourage the vocal
talent of young budding singers.
Reminiscing about the
nascent stages of the competition, Keith says, “The last 12 years have been
phenomenal for us. We have had tremendous growth, which is largely down to our
sponsors, an ever supportive crowd and loyal fans that have turned up to this
event year after year. At The Battle Events you can feel the excitement and
enthusiasm. This year, our aim is to up the ante a little, so we are looking at
getting people across the board involved. Whether they are performers that are
just starting out or whether they are over the age of 40, we want them to
compete for the grand prize!”
Explaining the concept that surrounds the iconic
competition, Keith Fernandes, Founder of Slipdisc Entertainment, explains the
rules for this edition of the competition. “This year there will be one round
of selection. The winners will be decided at the judges’ discretion. These will
in turn be awarded cash prizes in addition to a trophy/shield,” he says.
Whatever your calling may be, if there is a hidden performer
in you, the Battle is the place to showcase it.
