Gorilla Productions brings battle to Richmond
Opportunities for small bands to pick up music industry knowledge and get a real shot at success rarely come. But Gorilla Productions has been working for the past six years to change this with the Battle of the Bands planned for Sunday at Alley Katz.
These music battles occur in 75 different cities all over the country, but Gorilla Productions has only been involved in Richmond for a few years.
Opportunities for small bands to pick up music industry knowledge and get a real shot at success rarely come. But Gorilla Productions has been working for the past six years to change this with the Battle of the Bands planned for Sunday at Alley Katz.
These music battles occur in 75 different cities all over the country, but Gorilla Productions has only been involved in Richmond for a few years.
“It is new territory,” said General Manager Michelle Belleau, who has been with the company since its induction. “But our experience in Richmond has been really good.” Gorilla Productions co-owner Dan Cull was owner and talent buyer for Peabody Entertainment and Peabody’s Down Under, a concert club in Cleveland, Ohio.
Cull and co-owner John Michalak decided to start Gorilla Productions and the battle series in order to scout out talent across the states. Gorilla has ties with hundreds of venues, bands and recording studios across the country to foster relationships between talented bands and the resources they need to become successful.
The winner of the Battle of the Bands final receives $500 cash, 20 hours of recording time, submission to a major record label and a headlining show. In addition, Gorilla Production feels strongly about educating bands about the music industry and how to succeed.
“It’s a way to help local bands who have no other way to play at these large venues,” Belleau said. “That’s what we like to do.”
Sleepless Empire is one of 10 bands playing at the Richmond battle.
“(Gorilla Productions) has helped us get everything together,” said mass communications major Sean Vass, the guitarist for Sleepless Empire.
While the battle is a contest, talented bands that do not win are not left behind. Gorilla recognizes hard-working bands that attract a lot of people at the shows. These bands may not receive the grand prize, but they build their connections, experience and education. Gorilla has an artist development program for just this purpose.
“It’s a win-win situation for all involved,” Belleau said. “Gorilla wins, the bands win, and the venue wins.”
The band members of Sleepless Empire are hoping for the best.
“I feel very confident,” drummer Rob Reardon said. “I’m getting more and more excited as the days go on.”
The Battle of the Bands takes place March 1 at 4 p.m. at Alley Katz. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door.
