In January, The Brightside Music & Event Venue on East Third St. began hosting its 2023
rendition of its Battle of the Bands event. The series, sponsored by local businesses such as Sound Valley and Dayton937.com, was composed of six weeks of performances from Dayton acts. The bracket was divided into genre categories, including rock, R&B, and Americana.
Four to five acts competed each week, being evaluated by both judges and the audience. The
finale, taking place today, March 11, will be judged completely by the audience.
The Clarion spoke to Maxwell Souders, guitarist and singer of Wreck League, about the time
leading up to – and after – competing in the Battle of the Bands.
Souder’s stated that, alongside friend Kieran Harris, he has played numerous shows over the
past two to three years, including a previous one at The Brightside. He described such shows as
being “really bad” and acting as “public rehearsals” for the band.
However, on a positive note, Wreck League has benefitted from this competition. Not only has
it introduced their music to a larger audience, but the band also gets to share parts of
themselves that they may not otherwise.
“We have to actually be good,” said Souders, chuckling a bit.
The guitarist has lived and worked on the band’s music two and a half hours from Dayton,
something he said has given him the chance to “glue” himself to the songs and become more
emotionally invested in them.
Battle of the Bands has helped the band perfect their music and overall performance. Instead of
working on the music briefly before taking it to the stage, Souders said, they can ensure what
they’re putting out there is their best work.
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To Wreck League, competing in the Battle of the Bands has been “jarring,” but Souders
expressed a lot of gratitude for the opportunity. In fact, he described needing a few moments
to process the band’s winning of Week 1.
The band released its record “BREAK OF TIME” on Feb. 14. Souders said that preparing it,
combined with Battle of the Bands, has made for a busy time, but the music is something
they’re proud of.
“We like how it sounds,” remarked Souders, commenting on the “good production” of the
music.
The feedback on “BREAK OF TIME” has been surprising. Even songs that Wreck League did not
foresee being popular have been well-received.
“We’re so grateful to be where we are,” expressed Souders.
Wreck League will compete against Crabswithoutlegs, Josh Webb & The Home Sown Band, The
Luv Locz Experience, Sam King & The Suspects, and R3G.
Prizes for the winning band include an EP session at Dayton Sound Studios, a performance at
the Levitt Pavilion this summer, merchandise from Little Monster Printing, and $1,000 cash.
Doors for tonight’s event open at 6 p.m. with music beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are available
online and at the door.
You can find Wreck League on Instagram, Facebook, and Bandcamp.
Staff reporter
Carly Webster