By Jai-Leen James
Four local music acts were chosen Friday to open for the still unannounced headliner for Towson University’s annual Spring Tigerfest concert.
The four acts were picked from a pool of seven performers who auditioned for Tigerfest during the Bring the Noise “battle of the bands” competition hosted by the Campus Activities Board.
The winners included Hunter Hooligan, Matt GHolden, 3PM and HNE.
The contestants performed in front of a crowd of about 40 people on campus at Towson University’s student lounge, Paws. The judges included faculty and staff with a background in music. In total, the performances lasted about two hours.
“For Tigerfest this year, we are looking to make it bigger and better than ever,” said Jared Weiner, the programming chair for the activities board who is helping to organize the event and production of Tigerfest. “Typically we only have two winners of this Bring the Noise competition. We usually have a band and then a rapper or DJ.”
Unlike previous years, the winners included a singer/songwriter, a band, a rap group and a DJ.
Each of this year’s performers has an extensive resume. Punk band 3PM performed with Towson natives All Time Low at Warped Tour this past summer.
During the judges’ deliberation, the audience was surprised with an encore performance from rapper KO and 20NVR, last year’s Bring the Noise winners. KO/20NVR opened for EDM DJ Steve Aoki.
“The best part of performing last year at Tigerfest was that I was able to do it with some of my closest friends,” said rapper Kassim Okusaga (a.k.a. KO), who is also a junior finance major at Towson. “I just felt so alive, especially seeing the crowd.”
DJ Matt GHolden celebrated his big win and birthday the same night that left him feeling “amazed” and “speechless.” He described his sound as “upbeat” adding that it “makes you want to dance and party.” He attributes his own music style to artists like Daft Punk, Armin van Buuren and deadmau5.
To compete in Bring the Noise, artists must submit a press kit containing a biography of the act, music samples and a list of previous experience. Okusaga encourages all those with an interest in music to pursue their dreams.
“The best advice I have for up and coming artists is to take the time to be yourself,” Okusaga said. “If you love something, go for it but it’s going to take time.”
Tigerfest has taken place on Burdick Field and SECU Arena, but this year’s venue has not been released yet. “After seeing all the performers tonight that are going to open up, I have really high expectations for Tigerfest,” said Breana Guarnera, a freshmen at TU.