BEYOND THE NOTES
Photo by Tara Radmard
Photo by Ashlyn Ablao
February 10, 2026 | Ingrid Gruber
On Friday, January 30th, four of UCLA’s most talented bands performed one song each on the famed Bruin Plaza stage, vying for two spots at Cherry Pop’s Battle of the Bands.
The Battle of the Bands auditions, hosted by Cherry Pop Records and sponsored by Marshall, featured Dugout, South of Sober, The Sunset Wrecks, and The 529s. With a photobooth on display and headphone giveaways between sets, audience members had the opportunity to watch talented musicians perform and grab some merchandise.
Dugout, a band of six, kicked off the auditions performing an exceptional rendition of the Eagles’ “Hotel California.” The song, apt for California’s hallmark hot and sunny weather, featured the lead singer’s raspy, powerhouse voice and a meticulous guitar solo to close the band out. The performance immediately caught the attention of those on Bruin Walk and gathered a crowd that, by their resounding applause, thoroughly enjoyed the show.
Country band South of Sober was up next, performing a touching tribute to a friend with a performance of “Drowning” by the Red Clay Strays. The band of five’s acoustic performance felt like a testimonial, full of emotion, heart, and depth. The combination of multiple guitars, bass, and drums made for a simple yet effective rendition, and onlookers agreed.
The Sunset Wrecks were third on the setlist, performing the first original of the day, “Coming Home.” The four-man band had a palpable, enthusiastic vibe, bringing joy and excitement to the stage. The boy band’s tasteful harmonies entranced audience members, and the crisp, energetic melody and pace compelled onlookers to dance along.
The 529s closed out the auditions with their original song, “Flight to Boston.” The song, which began with a slow introduction of each instrument and featured monologue-like verses with a melodic chorus, offered a cohesive auditory experience. Both the piano and saxophone were spotlighted by entrancing solos, and the subtle harmonies throughout the piece kept audiences engaged.
Judging from the enthusiasm of onlookers and the excitement of the musicians, the auditions for Battle of the Bands were a resounding success. The winners, The Sunset Wrecks and The 529s, were chosen by voters and will compete against bands from USC and CSUN in April, where viewers can look forward to nine bands, numerous performances, friendly competition, and plenty of entertainment.