By Grace Ann Brew
This Sunday don’t forget to catch the last night of the preliminary round for Jammin’ Java’s biannual Battle of the Bands. Throughout July and August local bands will compete in front of judges such as music producer Jim Ebert and Stephanie Williams, managing editor of DC Music Download. Prizes include $2,500 cash, the opportunity to record a single with Jim Ebert and a spot headlining Jammin’ Java.
While the competitors hail from all over D.C., Maryland and Virginia, we spoke with NoVA band Timberbrooke about their beginnings in music, their sound and the upcoming competition. Cheer on your local artists this summer by purchasing tickets here.
Members: Devon Kraus (lead vocals), Alex Iglesias (guitar, vocals)
Hometown: Ashburn
Who we spoke with: Alex Iglesias
Their sound: We started out, as funny and cheesy as it sounds, with the intention of being Disney-style pop rock. As time went on, there was a creative difference between Devon and me and some of our other members. Devon and I started losing that innocent pop rock sound, and we’re starting to go for a harder alternative rock sound. Now we’re even toying with the idea of pushing on post-hardcore.
Their start: Our original guitarist, Alex, was working at Wendy’s. Our old drummer, Ryan, met him there, and they started talking because Ryan was wearing a shirt with a band on it that Alex liked. So they started writing music, and then they found our lead singer, Devon, on Youtube. After that they found me, and I found our original bassist.
Their singularity: I think the thing that has always made our band stand out is the mix of Devon’s really clean-cut, pretty pop star singing voice and my more raspy, rock-oriented voice. That mixed with the fact that I really put everything that I can into the guitar work makes our music stand out from a technical standpoint.
Their shot: We played in Empire’s Battle of the Bands last year, and we took the first round by storm. In the second round the judges were saying that there was nothing wrong with our set, we were just playing with bands who were obviously older and more experienced. In terms of our placing for this battle, I think we’ll do just fine.
The Battle at Jammin’ Java
227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna
Timberbooke performs July 12 at 7:30 p.m.
$10
