Battle of the Bands is a competition we all know and love. It’s in movies, musicals and now our local pubs.
This November, the Mona Vale Hotel kicked off its first Battle of the Bands. Organiser and owner Ben Hanson says he wants to “bring back a great live music scene like I was part of in the 90s.” But Friday night at the Mona wasn’t a step back in time, it was a grapevine into the future of live music on the Beaches. Ben hopes this competition will “encourage young artists to get live music experience … to nurture and support the bands.”
120 bands entered the competition, and just 12 were chosen. I went to see the final 4 battle it out for the coveted prize of $10k, donated by the Mona Vale Hotel and 4 Pines Brewing Co.
Taking to the stage for the finals were: Selene & the Strange, a hypnotising indie synth rock group; Speaking of Which, an electric new wave rock band; Woodhill, an alternative rock band, inspired by every genre; and Bangalley, Sydney’s latest Indie Surf-Rock band.
Selene & the Strange were up first, the pressure was on to create the vibe. Luckily, they have an entire song devoted to line dancing, and the locals got stuck in. Although I think I may have grapevined left when I should have been going right. Fortunately, a panel of judges sat discreetly in the corner, watching the bands and not me.
Just like the movies, this $10k prize money could change a band’s future. Lydia, the lead singer of Selene & the Strange and manager Sam, says the money could help them record their debut album. But what really matters to them was friends and community, giving a shoutout to their band’s supporters, “It makes all the difference in how confident you feel.”
Ben says the judging criteria is based on “musicianship, technical ability, tightness, originality, song writing.”, adding that the “crowd response is very important also.” Speaking of Which nailed this, with Kye on keyboards and vocals, leaping off stage and dancing through the crowd. Every band connected, filling the room with music and a magnetic vibe that spilled off the stage.
However, as with all Battle of the Bands stories, ultimately one band must win. Stealing the crowd and judges with their captivating stage presence and talented musicianship, Speaking of Which became The Mona’s Battle of the Bands champions of 2025. As the oversized cheque was presented, Max the guitarist sealed the deal, backflipping off the stage.
From electrifying guitar solos to the warmth of mellow vocals, the intimate Mona stage has seen it all. The Mona has secured its place in the hearts of emerging artists, a buzzing venue with a constant itch to start up the amps.
This year’s Battle of the Bands became not just a competition but a celebration for local live music. But this is not where this movie ends, Ben says it will become “a regular on our calendar moving forward”. Make sure you stay tuned for next year.