Bendigo band Trash Lily have its eyes focused to the Groovin the Moo stage after winning the state final of the FReeZA Push Start Battle of the Bands.
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Lead guitarist Austen Leidle and frontman Bryn McCormack formed the group with their schoolmates Ollie Wiles (bass) and Declan Rochford (drums) three years ago but only began playing gigs 12 months ago.
They feel the win is small breakout for the band who has big plans.
“I knew there was a chance (we could win) but all the other bands were incredible,” Austen said.
“After set all gave ourselves a bit of doubt. I don't think it was our best set so we put ourselves down a bit.”
Bryn said he was disappointed with his performance until he saw a clip later in the afternoon.
“I thought I’d stuffed it up and that our one chance was gone. Later saw recording and it wasn’t that bad. So We were stoked and frozen right after it was announced.”
Bryn’s interest in music developed when he saw a clip of Silverchair’s break out song Tomorrow.
Silverchair’s early years are somewhat emulated by Trash Lily. Both bands were formed in high school and won a battle of the bands competition shortly after.
“Back in year 8 I hated music class until my teacher showed that clip,” he said.
“When he told me they were 13 when they wrote Tomorrow, I thought it was awesome.”
From there Bryn and Austen began writing music and learning songs in their bedrooms.
“The first two years was just us forming as a band and not doing too much. About a year ago we stated gigging and writing good music,” Austen said.
“When I was five I saw music video of AC/DC and Angus Young blew me away. By 10 I had my first guitar.”
Trash Lily has put itself forward for Groovin the Moo through Triple J Unearthed where three of their demos have been upload and received about 1000 plays each.
A set at the regional music festival would be the band’s next major step and a chance to share the stage with rockers Violent Soho and The Smith Street Band who are influences on Trash Lily.
“They are massive influences for us but our challenge is trying to pioneer our own sound,” Bryn said.
“We don’t want to rip those guys off but we have so much love for them and what they done for Australian music. They have no idea of the impact they have had on musicians.”
As well as GTM, Trash Lily have plans to get into a recording studio and put together an EP.
“We didn't expect that (response on Triple J). Nearly 1000 listens is crazy,” Austen said.
“Groovin is the next target but the recordings on Unearthed are rushed demos and not the best quality. We are hoping to record soon in a proper studio to get a good quality EP out there.”
Trash Lily’s next Bendigo gig will be at MusicSlam on March 10-12 at the MusicMan Megastore. The event sees nearly 70 acts playing over three days.