SASKATOON - Lara Taillon earned top honours at The Roxy’s recent Band Wars in Saskatoon.
A former Estevan resident, Taillon and her band earned their way to the third and final round of competition on April 20. Taillon’s original tunes and high energy stage performance beat out the other seven finalists, netting a three-song professional demo, a $1,000 cash prize, and the headline spot at The Roxy’s Nickelback concert after party on June 22.
“It was such an honour to be chosen by judges I admire. Ralph James with APA, agent to Nickelback, Billy Talent, etc., who I have long been a fan of; Jason Furman of Paquin Artists Agency, agent to Big Wreck and others; and Darren Minisofer, The Roxy's owner, are legends in the music business, so this is the best compliment I could ever get for them to like my work,” Taillon says of her experience.
“The audience at The Roxy was so supportive and performing for them for the three rounds of competition was something I loved and won't forget.”
Taking the stage with Taillon were Graham Tilsley on bass, Kyle Krysa on drums and Jeremy Brigham on guitar.
“Our set for the finals were four original songs. In total, we performed five in the opening rounds. Some I penned a long time ago, and some are newer pieces, and I was excited to debut them all at the Band Wars competition,” Taillon says. “It’s a great feeling to be able to share original works and see the crowd respond with such heart and enthusiasm.”
The Roxy, host of the Band Wars, held three rounds of competition open to 80 bands over the course of March and April, and whittled that down to a final offering of eight bands in the final.
“I’m excited to get into the studio and share my work with a broader audience,” Taillon says. “I can’t thank everyone at the Roxy, the judging panel, and the fans enough for this amazing experience. I encourage bands to take part in the competition next year; it’s an incredible experience.”
