In its fourth year at The Barwon Club, singer Sam Hanson became the first solo artist to take home the title of KRock’s The Band.
KROCK’s 6 week promotion, ‘The Band’, saw over 50 local, unsigned acts showcased on their website and on air with the top 10 selected to perform across two heats, with the top 4 through to the Final.
Capella and Dangerous Curves were the first two acts through from Round 1 while a dead heat in the second heat saw three acts through, including Hanson. Hanson was only selected for Heat Two after another band withdrew from the competition.
The judges across the three weeks included former The Voice Contestant Imogen Brough, singer songwriter Evangeline, KRock MD Stampsy, PD Leigh Kuhlmann and last year’s winner Will from Famous Will.
Sam took out the competition receiving $5k worth of airtime, support of upcoming EP’s and the title for the next year.
Sam said:
“Just making the heat to the band this year was unreal. Seeing my name up against the 9 other quality bands was exciting enough. Actually winning it….well that’s something completely different. The feeling of winning the band will be something I will never forget, it’s given me more confidence than I could have imagined. It secures in my mind that maybe just maybe I can excite a crowd with my original tunes. Onwards and upwards for me in 2016. A massive thank you must go to KRock for the opportunity and the exposure. A massive thanks to KRock and the team for the opportunity. The support and chances you guys give to the local music scene and locals artists is unreal!!! Thank you!!”
KRock Music Director Lee “Stampsy” Stamps said:
“I’m humbled and excited by the home grown talent we have in Geelong and the Surf Coast. We were overwhelmed again by incredible acts and the heats were really tough to decide. I’m proud of the KRock Team for their professionalism and proud of this event as we showcase real talent. Sam is a worthy winner. Talented, humble, and a real gentleman on the local scene. I’ve seen him grow in the last year and he’s engaging to watch”.
The Band 2016 is already locked in and KROCK are ready to unearth more, new local, unsigned talent.
Take a listen to KROCK’s The Band Winner, Sam Hanson below: