By Sahana Jayaraman
Before he got up on stage, Alex Asifo wasn’t sure he’d be able to perform.
He’d been feeling sick all weekend, and well into Monday afternoon. It made him question whether he’d be able to rap for music group 10issues in the final round of Student Entertainment Events’ Battle of the Bands .
However, after doing some meditation, the senior broadcast journalism major was ready to give it his best shot.
The stakes, after all, were relatively high; the winner of this year’s Battle of the Bands would be offered the opportunity to open for SEE’s 36th annual Art Attack concert. Major recording artists Vince Staples and Lil Yachty headlined last year’s concert.
Each band received 30 minutes to perform.
Asifo’s initial jitters about the competition faded by the time the 10issues set ended.
“After we got off stage…I just [had] to leave it to the universe,” Asifo said. “I stopped thinking about everything, just enjoyed the time, had fun with friends.”
Funk group Day of Leisure immediately followed 10issues. Rhythm guitarist and vocalist Toby Lynch kicked off the band’s lively set with a “What’s up UMD?’
In addition to playing covers of songs by artists Queen and John Mayer, Lynch and his bandmates performed several original pieces. Their upbeat, vaguely psychedelic rock sound featured bountiful drum and guitar work.
As the third and final act, rapper RMS closed out the show, rapping speedily over his signature hazy, self-produced tunes. The final strains of his last song faded out into a room fraught with tension.
Members from all three bands crowded together near the stage as the judges tallied up their scorecards. They conversed quietly, the sense of camaraderie between them palpable to the few spectators remaining.
Finally, Battle of the Bands judge and SEE’s Musical Arts Director Jay Raje stood and took the stage. Band members turned to face him with bated breath.
After congratulating all participants for their hard work, Raje announced the winners of this year’s Battle of the bands and the opening act of Art Attack: 10issues.
Band members cheered and hugged each other, celebrating as they broke down their equipment and carted it off the stage.
An elated Asifo said he hopes that Art Attack would only represent the beginning of the band’s success.
“Every chance to play is…huge for us,” Asifo said. “But I don’t think [it’ll] put a cap on [us]. I feel like we’re meant for big things, but we definitely appreciate the opportunity.”
10issues will open for A$AP Ferg, Jessie Reyez and THEY. May 3 at Xfinity Center. Tickets can be purchased at umdtickets.com.