Kedron State High School’s student band Dystopian has earned a place in the 2025 Battle of the Rock Bands (BOTRB) and is set to take the stage this month.
With Dylan on lead vocals and guitar, Will on lead guitar, Hudson on bass, and Keon on drums, Dystopian will join 29 other high school acts at BOTRB, hosted over three nights at Clairvaux Mackillop College.
Mr G, Acting Head of Department for the Arts at Kedron State High School, said he initiated the school’s entry into this year’s competition.
“Kedron already has a massive music department with more than 300 students playing instruments or singing,” he said. “However, Dystopian is representing more of a heavy/rock addition that we love.
“Dylan has been dabbling in songwriting and a social media presence under the name Dystopian for a while. So, he already had a fanbase among (and outside of) the school. When the boys had to create a name for BOTRB, they couldn’t really think of anything and went for Dystopian again!”
Dylan said the band typically plays alt metal, alt rock and metal.
“We are really excited to see what it’s like to play a professional show,” he said.
The band will perform on Friday, 10 October, with a setlist including original track Bracelet, and covers from Deftones, Pantera and Red Hot Chilli Peppers.
Will said he was ecstatic when he found out Dystopian had made it into BOTRB.
“I love a good crowd and this gig will be the biggest my band will have played so far,” he said. “I personally just really love to play and create music that people enjoy. Music is the biggest way I show myself, and being able to share that with people is what I live for.”
Hudson described his role as “creating a rhythmic foundation by shredding the bass guitar.”
He said he was excited about competing in BOTRB because it would open “a ton of opportunities”.
“I am most looking forward to just having fun with my band and giving the crowd a good performance,” he said.
Keon said he was looking forward to seeing “the crowd go wild and rocking to the music in our band.”
He added that while he was very excited and a bit nervous about competing in BOTRB, he “would love to finally play in a proper performance.”
The Band’s Future and Performance Details
Looking to the future, the band members shared dreams of bigger gigs, new songs and even touring life.
“Our future goals are just to play more shows and gigs as a band so we can further progress our skills and develop more connections in the music industry,” Dylan said.
Dystopian recently performed at the whole school assembly to celebrate BOTRB ticket sales.
“The students and staff are pumped, and I think there’ll be plenty of Dystopian support on the night!” Mr G said.
Tickets to the event start at $15. Get your tickets here.
For more information, find the ‘Battle of the ROCKBands’ Facebook and Instagram pages.
Battle of the Rock Bands 2025
- 9-11 October, performances from 6.30pm
- Clairvaux Mackillop College
- Klumpp Road, Upper Mt Gravatt
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