NESCol Success

NESCol music students win North East Battle of the Bands contest and scoop £2000 prize

April 21, 2025

A group of current and former NESCol music students emerged victorious at Aberdeen’s Battle of the Bands contest, Eruption, hosted by Krakatoa on 14 February.

Five-piece ensemble, The International Space Station (ISS), beat almost 40 local bands to claim first place and the £2000 cash prize.

The ISS is made up of talented second year HND Music students Mickey Dugan, Peter Third, Iona Davies and Louise Andrews, as well as former student Emilio Wood. They describe their sound as ‘psych-rock’ and decided to enter the contest to gain more performing experience.

After making it through the heat stages last summer, The ISS progressed through to the semi-finals at the start of the year. This stage whittled the 17 semi-finalists down to the final four: The ISS, The Malpaso Gang, Key North and Peter Third & The Bridges (Peter’s second band!).

Each band had a 30-minute set of original songs to impress the judges.

Brian Youngson, Eruption Promoter, Krakatoa, said:

“The International Space Station only formed last year, but their songwriting and live performances carried them all the way to the coveted Eruption crown (and two grand prize fund) in what was a very tight final.

“Our three independent guest judges were split in their decision after our four finalists played but eventually arrived at a consensus. The winning set was received rapturously by the enthusiastic crowd, despite a brief struggle with an unfortunately broken strap button. With easy stage banter and a set full of spacey indie rock, they were popular winners.”

Image copyright: Matt Jolly

The band was formed in the Live Performance class during the students’ first year at NESCol.

Scott McGill, Music Lecturer, NESCol, said:

“This is an exceptional achievement and a real motivator for our current students, showing what is possible with hard work and passion.

“It is an extremely positive result for NESCol, demonstrating the quality of music students coming through our courses. This competition is open to all ages and all unsigned bands, making the standard very diverse, which proves this to be a commendable achievement.”

The ISS released their debut single ‘Crybaby’ in October 2024, followed by their EP, ‘Tales from Beyond the Frog Swamp’, both available on Spotify. The band believed it was their respect for each other’s talents, audience engagement and unique music that led them to victory.

Image copyright: Matt Jolly

Peter Third, singer and bassist, The ISS, said:

“We sing about frogs – we’re the world’s most niche band! The final set was one of our messiest but also the most fun we’ve ever had. We went in with the mindset to just enjoy it and were able to roll with the punches.

“I think the audience liked our interaction with them and each other, and they can feel how much we get on.”

Iona Davies, keyboard player, The ISS, said:

“It was a surprise every time we got through a stage. In the final we had to improvise while Dave the sound engineer fixed Peter’s bass strap, and we got the audience involved chanting ‘Dave’ – it was a once-in-a-gigging moment.

“Our band is good at embodying who everyone is as a musician – it is a nice encapsulation of all of our styles.”

Mickey Dugan, guitarist, The ISS, said:

“I think people like our sound because it’s different and something they haven’t heard before. Our music is flexible, and everyone is allowed to do what they want.

“That’s one of the main reasons we work so well together when we’re writing music, we make sure everyone’s ideas are heard. It’s not one person’s band where you only get one character.”

With the band set to go their separate ways after College, they decided to split their prize fund equally to help further their next steps as musicians. Drummer Louise is preparing to progress to the Royal Northern College of Music, while others are also heading to university.

The band’s advice to future students is to make the most of every performance opportunity during their studies – and enjoy it!

Peter said: “It’s a lot more fun when you stop stressing out. You’ll get more out of the course.”

Mickey said: “In terms of performing, if you’re going on a stage, think about how your writing and performance is making the audience feel – listen to it and don’t be afraid to make changes.”