Battling for the win

Local band Sack of Flour at the 2023 Battle of the Bands (supplied).

Hard rock and pop punk band, Sack of Flour, has taken out the grand prize for the 2023 Battle of the Bands.

About 170 Macedon Ranges residents gathered at the Kyneton Town Hall in late July to see five local young acts perform live on stage and compete to win some great prizes.

A total of 15 acts, spanning from acoustic to heavy metal, applied to take part in the competition, with Sack of Flour taking out the top prize of a $500 recording studio voucher.

Guitarist and singer Ridley McNamara-Moyle joined fellow bandmates Max Jeffcoat-Holm and Andre Dambrosi at the competition, and said they were pretty surprised to take out the win.

“It was our first proper gig altogether … we were really excited when they read out our name [as the winners],” Ridley said.

“Backstage we were a bit nervous and jittery, but we were more excited than nervous … as we practised hard.

“[Max and I] played last year as a two piece in the competition and we wanted to play again this year as a redemption… and to showcase the newly formed band.”

Macedon Ranges council director community Maria Weiss said the event gives a platform to young musicians across the shire.

“Battle of the Bands is one of the signature events we’re proud to host,” Ms Weiss said. “From all accounts, the audience were thoroughly entertained by the energy and expertise shown by all of the acts.

“Congratulations to all of the participants, the eventual winners and the event organisers for all contributing to the great success of the event for another year.”

Elysium, won the People’s Choice award, and took home a $500 merchandise pack.